Meet Olivia Peltomäki, a current Master's degree student at the University of Turku and an UTUambassador 2024-2025!
"Hello! My name is Olivia Peltomäki. I am a first-year master's student in the Education and Learning programme. I am from the United States, but I have lived in Finland for a long time now!
I am a strong believer in equality in education. That passion to help create a more equitable and sustainable world is what pushed me to study to be a teacher in the first place. I studied my bachelors in the University of Turku Teacher Training Institute before graduating and studying in the Master of Education and Learning programme. In my studies here what pushes me to do well is knowing that even in this phase of my studies I am contributing to the scientific community. The University of Turku highly values scientific and academic integrity and pushes all students to create their own research during their studies. The University of Turku also provides exceptional support for students both for academic needs and social needs (See Support Services | Mielen päällä (utu.fi))
I attend a variety of student events from the educational science student group KATKO and of course other groups within the university. It provides a nice study-fun balance! (Did you know that in Finland we have these things called student overalls? Each field has their own colour and its used to identify other students at events or parties. You can collect patches and sew them on to decorate Overalls: what are they and where to find them - Student Life at the University of Turku (utu.fi))
After finishing my master's degree, I aim to study in the KEVEKO PhD programme. I hope to study and research more in educational policy and equality design.
If you have any questions about life in Finland, the EdLearn programme, or about education in Finland feel free to ask me questions!"
Olivia's study experience:
I have studied my basic education in the United States but all of my higher education has been in Finland (Bachelor and Masters). I currently study in the Education and Learning programme. I chose UTU because I wanted to study to be an early childhood education teacher and applied to the bachelor in early childhood teacher education programme in Rauma in 2020. After graduating in 2023 I worked as an early childhood education teacher for the city of Turku before applying for the Education and Learning fall 2024 intake.
What I found special and appreciate in my studies is that the classes are small and the teachers and professors are very easy to talk to. Studying can be quite intimidating but teachers here are happy to answer questions and prefer when you talk about your own opinions.
After graduating from the Education and Learning programme I want to study in the KEVEKO PhD programme so I can focus on creating a more equitable and sustainable Finnish education system for everyone.
In my free time I like to read books, watch anime and movies, and hang out with friends. I really like Formula 1 (tu tu tu tu Max Verstappen) and Ice Hockey (Go TPS!)