First step to Dream
A few years ago, my plan was to go to another country and study at an international University. It felt like a dream. However, being busy with work and family commitments, I was unable to find a way to realize my dream. I was planning to start my higher education in New Zealand. But however, my office friend said about Finland, and I searched details from the web. As per the search history Finland is very nice country. About Weather, People, Technology, Culture I read information. Then I planned to choose Finland for my higher studies. My friend and his wife are very supportive of me. They take me on the right path and guide me.
I have finally made my dream come true. I came to the Finland with my husband and my 6 year old daughter!
Moving to Happiest Country
On 13th August we moved from my mother country to the happiest country in the world. We came to Helsinki airport in the evening. First time landing the plane that feeling I can’t ever explain. I felt it was magical landing. Going to be future steps starting now in this magical country. My brother’s friend came to the airport for pickup us. We arrived in Pori city with him. Finland is a very calm country. That is first thing I felt landing here. No sounds, people are also so calm.
Next day we went to the shopping centre to buy some foods and things to the apartment with my husband’s friend. Shopping centers have many more items and more places have self-service. That was a new experience for us, because in my country we do not have that. It appears people are very honest. They buy what they need and pay the bill themselves without anyone. I was happy to come to Finland!
Getting to know the happiest country’s beautiful environment, weather and people
After two or three days we went for visit some places in Finland. We walked along the roads with nice cool mid-summer weather. I love it. Trees have been planted on both sides of the road. That is environmentally friendly. People are also very friendly. They always enjoy their life. Riding bicycles, dancing and singing at the park. They are very free to enjoy the moments. I thought about Finish people as individuals who live their lives freely without any haste or restlessness.
Start of studies at my dream University SAMK
My first day at SAMK was very exciting. SAMK is a very nice University. Many international students try to succeed in their dream through the University. Campus environment and lectures are also very exciting. The campus has many facilities for students such as a library, gym, comfortable study rooms and nice areas for rest and relaxation.
But learning is not easy for me yet. As a mother I am busy with my family responsibilities, but now I should also handle studying and lots of assignments. I thought that was very easy and I can handle that, but now I can understand that it is not very easy. I should learn Finnish language also. It is also challenge yet.
An endless end
I thought before living in Finland very easy. No matter, no sadness, all moments are enjoyable. However, I must make many more commitments to achieve it. Finland is very beautiful, calm and comfortable country. There are no words to describe what kind of country it is. Always, I think I was very lucky to come to Finland as a SAMK student.
Even more than me, my daughter is very lucky to come here because of very high demand for Finland pre-school education system. Therefore, I believe that when returning to the mother land Sri Lanka, I will be able to take back a wealth of experience and valuable insights. Until then I look forward to happily experiencing snow for the first time!
Text and pictures: Piumi Pathmasiri, International Tourism Management student