Meet Yuka Endo, a current exchange student at the University of Turku and an UTUambassador 2021-2022!
"I’m an exchange student from Japan, studying in the Faculty of Humanities for an academic year. My field of interests are gender studies, minority studies, and social inequality. I chose to study at the UTU because they offer a unique set of courses that are taught in English. More broadly speaking, I chose Finland because I was curious to figure out the answer to the following questions: What makes Finland the “happiest” country in the world, and are people here truly happy? Is gender equality achieved in Finnish society? If so, how?
To make the most out of my academic year, I try to experience something new whenever I have the time. Finnish nature is absolutely breathtaking, and I am always down for a walk or a hike in the woods. I also love to visit secondhand stores and cafes, I think it’s one of the best ways to feel like a local! I am in love with the city already, and I would proudly recommend UTU to any international student.
Feel free to check out my Instagram account for some tips on experiencing an affordable yet memorable student life in Turku!"
Instagram: @studentlifeinturku
Yuka's study experience
I study liberal arts, with a focus on the fields of humanities and social sciences. At UTU, the majority of my courses are connected to gender studies and social justice. I study these fields because I’m interested in how social injustices are intertwined with cultural norms and social constructs. My study field is a constant search for ways to deconstruct the rigid inequalities and injustices of society.
One of the most interesting courses at UTU was “Social Inequality” provided by the Faculty of Social Sciences. There was a rich diversity in the students’ degree background from bachelors to masters, with international students, exchange students, and Finnish students all in one classroom! I particularly enjoyed the seminars, where we discussed in small groups about the topics covered during the lecture. It was inspiring to discover new perspectives on issues of inequality, and to exchange opinions with students with unique social backgrounds.
I’m still thinking about my career plans, and how I want to contribute in bringing prosperity to society. I’m definitely interested in being involved in social work that tackles the issue of injustice, but I need a bit more time to decide the specifics.