Blog

As the Soteekki Blog Team, we are delighted to share the experiences of our students during their time at Soteekki. Over the past weeks, students from diverse study programs and countries came together to learn, collaborate, and grow. Here’s what they had to say about their practice. 

Building Professional Skills and Confidence 

Many students reflected on how Soteekki helped them develop professionally:

“Sain Soteekissa paljon uusia ystäviä, ja ihania muistoja heidän kansaan. Itsevarmuuteni myös ammattilaisena kasvoi paljon ja opin tunnistamaan osaamiseni!” 

“Soteekki opetti minua toimimaan monikulttuurisessa ja ammattillisessa tiimissä. Sain kokemusta toimia tiimivastaavana matalalla kynnyksellä.” 

“I enjoyed my time at Soteekki, made good friends while learning from other students. It improved my confidence in making care plans, implementation, and evaluation of implemented plans. I developed a lot of skills and experience from my time in Soteekki; such as team working in an inter-professional team, just to mention a few.” 

“My Soteekki experience was really nice and heartfelt. I learned a lot planning and enjoyed working with students from different fields and nationalities. It was a meaningful experience.” 

“This is the best practice I have been in so far. I like the working vibe in Soteekki. This is a very good “learning” practice where we learned planning, implementing services on our own.” 

“I really enjoyed practicing at Soteekki. As a nurse student we have many hard tasks at our practice. But in Soteekki, it was really stress-free. Everyone were very friendly and flexible. We laughed a lot and had fun during our many fun activities. As well as, I learned a lot about customer services.” 

“With Soteekki my experience is super duper. I have met with different types of healthcare students and I learned so many things from them in Soteekki. I love to work as inter-professional team and I love that we have to plan ourselves. I feel like I am working as a profession. Overall, I would say Soteekki is a good place.” 

“My experience at Soteekki is practical and useful. I experienced a handful of experience working with other physios and social students which gave me working experience for inter-professional cooperation.” 

“I had an extraordinary experience here in Soteekki, where I learned new things and even explored myself. And, I am really happy for this opportunity.” 

“Soteekki opetti minua toimimaan rohkeasti moniammatillisessa tiimissa. Sain itsevarmuutta englannin puhumiseen. Soteekki oli ainutlaatuinen erilainen harjoittelu, verrattuna aikaisemmat harjoitteluni.” 

Learning Teamwork and Collaboration 
Students shared how Soteekki strengthened their teamwork and collaboration skills: 

“This is the best place to learn teamwork, planning and work with multicultural environments. This is a best place to know the culture of different people from different countries. I enjoyed and learned a lot in Soteekki.” 

“Hyvä paikka opetella työelämätaitoja ja tiimityöskentelyä. Täällä tapaa niin hyviä tyyppeja, ettei 5 viikkoa riitä millään.” 

“I learned how to work together and with different target groups. Everyone was so kind and ready to help! Very nice experience and I can’t wait to meet the next group.” 

“Soteekki opetti minua toimimaan vastuullisesti ja rohkeasti ratkaisemaan ongelmia. Itsellä tiimityö sujui ehdottomasti hyvin. Sain paljon kavereita Soteekista.” 

“Soteekkissa on tosi kiva kokemusta minulle. Opiskelin monta uusia taitoja ja tapasin uusia ja tosi lämmin tiimikaveria, esimerkiksi: Sara, Ella, Gavini, Lakmini…! Kiitos kaikille.” 

“Soteekki on erilainen kokemus meille. Tapasin uusia kaveria. Mun esitystaidot, suunnittelutaidot ja muut taitoja ovat kehittynyt. Lopuksi, toivon hyvää tulevaisuus kaikille.” 

“Everyone was so sweet and ready to help. It’s very nice to work with people from different cultures and courses. And, just an awesome group in general. Good time here.” 

“I learned many new things during my practice. This practice is totally different from my previous practices, had a chance to work with different degree program students and planned and implemented services. Learned about good teamwork. Good experience.” 

Friendships, Memories, and Community 
Students emphasized the friendships and positive atmosphere at Soteekki: 

“I really had a best time with all the members in Soteekki. I enjoyed and learned more. Also, I am very happy to be a part of best team leaders.” 

“Minulla oli tosi kiva kokemusta Soteekissä SAMK:ssa. Opiskelen monta uusia asioita Soteekista. Tapasin uusia ja tosi lämmin ystäviä, esimerkiksi Sara, Ella, Gavini, Lakmini….! Kiitos kaikille! Kiitos Riikalle, Lisalle ja Ronjalle.” 

A Unique and Meaningful Practice 

Across all experiences, students highlighted how Soteekki differs from other practices: 

“Soteekki opetti minua, kuinka toimia monikulttuurisessa ja ammattillisessa tiimissä. Sain kokemusta toimia tiimivastaavana matalalla kynnyksellä.” 

“Soteekki opetti minua toimimaan rohkeasti moniammatillisessa tiimissa. Sain itsevarmuutta englannin phuhumiseen. Soteekki oli ainutlaatuinen erilainen harjoittelu, verrattuna aikaisemmat harjoitteluni.” 

Final Thoughts from the Blog Team 

Soteekki has been an unforgettable journey for students. It combined learning, teamwork, and friendship in a way that enriched both professional and personal growth. Students leave this practice with new skills, cherished memories, and meaningful connections, prepared to carry their experiences into future careers in healthcare. 

We, the Soteekki Blog Team, Santosh Raya, Ashis Rana and Chinthani Withanachch , thank all students for sharing their reflections and hope that future participants continue to enjoy, learn, and grow in this vibrant learning environment. 

Header Photo Caption: Anneleen Ongenae and Lotte Bosmans exploring the campus of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences during their exchange visit in Pori.

Introduction

International exchange programs offer students the chance to explore new cultures, education systems, and professional practices. Recently, Soteekki at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Pori welcomed two exchange students from Belgium: Anneleen Ongenae and Lotte Bosmans.

Anneleen studies Applied Health Sciences, while Lotte is studying Sports and Exercise. During their visit, they experienced Finnish culture, met new people, and explored health, wellbeing and learning environments at SAMK. In this blog, they share their first impressions, challenges, and advice for future international students.

A New Beginning in Finland

Arriving in a new country always brings excitement and curiosity. For Anneleen, the first days in Finland were very positive.

“It was very nice. The hotel was good, the people were very friendly, and we received a warm welcome. It was also great to experience a different culture together.”

For Lotte, the biggest surprise was the Finnish winter.

“It was very nice, but also a bit of a shock because it was very cold. We stayed two days in Helsinki before coming to Pori. I loved the snow and we even went to an ice hockey game. It was really nice.”

After exploring Helsinki, they travelled by bus to Pori, where their exchange activities took place.

“Pori feels much calmer than Helsinki, which I really liked,” Lotte observed.

First Impressions at Soteekki

Anneleen and Lotte described their first week at Soteekki as a mix of excitement and nervousness. While the first day was dedicated to orientation, the full week included various activities that helped them get familiar with the environment: orientation sessions, language support services, student groupings, and information meetings with teachers.

Anneleen shared:

“I was nervous at first but also excited. The International Office at SAMK gave us a warm welcome, and we got to meet different teams, learn how the workshops are organized, and exchange contact details. We were also told to ask for help anytime, which made me feel supported.”

Lotte added:

“I thought it would be big and busy, but it was actually calm and pleasant. Everyone welcomed us with warm smiles, and I found people very friendly and kind. Overall, the first week felt like a roller coaster: sometimes stressful, sometimes exciting, but definitely thrilling.”

These activities helped the students adapt quickly and feel part of the SAMK community, preparing them for the hands-on learning ahead.

Learning Across Cultures

One of the most interesting aspects of the exchange experience was observing cultural differences between Finland and Belgium.

Anneleen noticed that Finnish people are more reserved at first.

“People here are more private and quiet. They may seem shy and don’t open up immediately, but the society feels calm and easy-going. I also noticed there is a strong focus on mental health.”

She compared this with Belgium:

“In Belgium, people are more socially outgoing, and life often feels faster and more rushed.”

Lotte shared similar observations:

“People here seem busy with their own work and tasks. At first they may appear shy, but once you start talking to them, they are very friendly.”

Challenges and Adaptation

Like many international students, Anneleen and Lotte faced some challenges while adapting to a new environment.

For Anneleen, the main difficulties were the winter climate and the language barrier during client interactions.

“The winter and the cold weather were difficult at first. Another challenge was the language barrier when trying to communicate during client services.”

Lotte also found language to be the biggest challenge.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to go outside and talk to people because of the language.”

Despite these challenges, both students stayed open-minded and learned through observation, communication, and practice.

Advice for Future International Students

Based on their experiences, Anneleen and Lotte shared valuable advice for students planning an exchange in Finland.

Anneleen emphasized taking initiative:

“Learn some Finnish before coming. Don’t be afraid to talk to people and make the first move. Sometimes people may not start the conversation themselves, but they are very helpful if you ask. Always ask for help if you need it.”

Lotte offered similar encouragement:

“Learn a little Finnish, be social, and dare to talk to people. Ask for help and just be yourself.”

Conclusion

The experiences of Anneleen Ongenae and Lotte Bosmans show that international exchanges offer much more than academic learning. They provide opportunities to understand new cultures, build confidence, and develop professional skills.

Their journey from Belgium to Finland highlights how curiosity, openness, and a willingness to connect with others can make an exchange experience truly meaningful.

Author: Santosh Raya Nursing Student, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences

Chinthani Withanachchi (Nursing Student)

Student life is an exciting period filled with learning, new experiences, and personal growth. However, it can also be challenging. Many students face academic pressure, deadlines, financial concerns, and sometimes loneliness, especially when studying far from family or adjusting to a new environment. Because of these pressures, mental health plays a very important role in students’ wellbeing and success.

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act in everyday situations. It also influences how we cope with stress, build relationships, and make decisions. According to the World Health Organization, good mental health allows people to handle normal life stresses and work productively. For students, good mental health helps with concentration, motivation, learning, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Common Challenges Students Face

Many students experience stress during their studies. Exams, assignments, group work, and time pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming. In addition, balancing studies with part-time jobs, family responsibilities, or social life can increase stress levels.

Studies in Finland show that mental health challenges among students have increased in recent years. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare reports that anxiety, stress, and feelings of exhaustion are becoming more common among young adults and students. Similarly, the Finnish Student Health Service highlights that many students seek support for issues such as stress, sleep problems, and study-related pressure.

Experiencing stress occasionally is normal, but when stress continues for a long time, it can affect both mental and physical health. Students might notice symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, or trouble sleeping.

Signs You Should Pay Attention to Your Mental Health

It is normal for students to feel stressed or tired during busy study periods. However, sometimes these feelings can become stronger and last longer than expected. Recognizing early signs of mental health challenges can help students take action and seek support before the situation becomes more difficult.

Some common signs that you may need to pay more attention to your mental wellbeing include feeling constantly overwhelmed, losing motivation to study or attend classes, or having difficulty concentrating on tasks. Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too little or too much, can also be a signal that something is not right.

Students might also notice emotional changes such as feeling unusually anxious, sad, irritated, or hopeless. In some cases, social withdrawal can occur, where students avoid meeting friends or participating in activities they usually enjoy. Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or stomach discomfort can also be connected to stress and mental strain.

If these feelings continue for a longer period or begin to interfere with daily life and studies, it is important to talk to someone and seek support. Services such as the Finnish Student Health Service and information provided by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare encourage students to reach out early, as early support can significantly improve wellbeing and recovery.

https://pixabay.com/users/brenkee-2021352

Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Wellbeing

Taking care of mental health does not always require big changes. Small daily habits can make a big difference in how students feel and cope with stress.

First, sleep is extremely important. Getting enough rest helps the brain recover and improves memory and concentration. Many students sacrifice sleep during busy study periods, but regular sleep patterns are essential for mental wellbeing.

Second, physical activity can improve mood and reduce stress. Exercise releases hormones that help people feel happier and more relaxed. Even short walks, stretching, or light exercise can help clear the mind after long hours of studying.

Another important factor is maintaining social connections. Talking with friends, classmates, or family members can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing experiences with others can remind students that they are not alone in facing challenges.

Students should also remember the importance of time management and realistic expectations. Breaking large assignments into smaller tasks and creating a study schedule can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. It is also important to allow time for hobbies, relaxation, and activities that bring joy.

It Is Okay to Ask for Help

One of the most important messages during National Students’ Mental Health Week is that seeking help is normal and encouraged. Many students try to manage stress alone, but support from others can make a big difference.

Universities and student wellbeing services offer counselling, guidance, and support for students experiencing difficulties. In Finland, services such as the Finnish Student Health Service provide mental health support, counselling, and health services specifically designed for students. In addition, student wellbeing centers and learning environments like SOTEEKKI can help promote health, wellbeing, and support among students and the community.

Talking to a teacher, counsellor, nurse, or trusted friend can also be a helpful first step when things feel difficult.

Taking Care of Your Mind Every Day

National Students’ Mental Health Week is a good reminder that mental health should be cared for throughout the year. Taking small steps to support wellbeing can improve both academic performance and overall quality of life.

Students should remember that it is okay to take breaks, rest when needed, and focus on self-care. A healthy mind helps students stay motivated, learn effectively, and enjoy the student journey.

Most importantly, remember this: you do not have to face challenges alone. Supporting each other, talking openly about mental health, and seeking help when needed can create a healthier and more supportive student community. Taking care of your mind today is an investment in your future.

A Message to Students

To every student reading this: remember that your wellbeing is just as important as your academic success. Studying can sometimes feel demanding, but you do not have to be perfect and you do not have to handle everything alone.

Give yourself permission to rest, take breaks, and celebrate small achievements along the way. Taking care of your mind is not a distraction from your studies—it actually helps you learn better, think more clearly, and enjoy your student life more fully.

Be kind to yourself, support your friends, and do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Your mental health matters, and taking care of it today will help you build a stronger, healthier future.

References

World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health: Strengthening our response.

Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Student mental health and wellbeing in Finland.

Finnish Student Health Service. Student wellbeing and mental health support services.

Chinthani Withanachchi (Nursing Student)

Every year on 8 March, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day. It is a day filled with appreciation, flowers, and inspiring messages. But beyond the celebration, it is also a moment to pause and reflect. Who is the modern woman today? What does she carry? And how can we, as a community at SAMK and Soteekki, better support her wellbeing?

International Women’s Day is not only about history and achievements. It is about real women around us — in classrooms, workplaces, homes, and healthcare settings — balancing responsibilities while building their futures.

The Many Roles of a Woman

A woman may be a mother who wakes up early to prepare her child for school before attending lectures. She may be a sister who supports her family emotionally from afar. She may be an employee working evening shifts after a full day of studies. She may be an entrepreneur developing new ideas. She may be a student trying to master assignments, exams, and practical training.

Often, she is all of these at once.

For many women studying at SAMK, life is a constant act of balancing. Finnish students may combine studies with part-time work and family responsibilities. International students may carry an additional emotional weight — adapting to a new culture, learning Finnish, navigating a different education system, and sometimes living far from their loved ones.

Behind every strong woman, there are quiet moments of effort that others may not see.

The Modern Woman in Finland

Finland is known globally for gender equality and opportunities for women. Institutions such as the European Institute for Gender Equality often rank Nordic countries highly in equality comparisons. Women in Finland participate actively in education, politics, healthcare, and business.

However, equality does not automatically remove pressure.

Today’s woman is often expected to succeed academically, grow professionally, maintain social relationships, stay healthy, and remain emotionally strong. Social media adds another layer of comparison. The idea of “having it all together” can become exhausting.

At Soteekki, especially in health and social care education, students are trained to care for others. But an important question remains: who is caring for the caregiver?

Why Women’s Wellbeing Matters

A healthy society depends on healthy individuals. Research from organizations like the World Health Organization highlights how mental and physical wellbeing directly influence productivity, learning capacity, and long-term health outcomes.

When a woman is overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsupported, it affects not only her academic performance but also her confidence and future professional life. When she is supported, respected, and encouraged, she thrives — and so does the community around her.

For students at SAMK, wellbeing is not separate from success. It is the foundation of it.

Image by https://pixabay.com/users/kenahlobo-14528545

Self-Care: Strength, Not Selfishness

One of the most powerful messages of International Women’s Day is that strength is not only about endurance. Strength also means knowing your limits.

Self-care can be simple but meaningful. It may mean allowing yourself to rest without guilt. It may mean saying no when your schedule is full. It may mean asking for academic guidance, mental health support, or simply sharing your stress with a friend. For international students, it may also mean staying connected to your home culture while building a new identity in Finland.

Taking care of yourself does not reduce your value as a student, mother, employee, or professional. It protects it.

A Message to Women at SAMK

To every woman studying at SAMK this International Women’s Day: you are doing more than you think.

You are building knowledge. You are creating opportunities. You are adapting, learning, growing, and contributing.

Your presence in classrooms, training units like Soteekki, workplaces, and communities matters. Whether you are Finnish or international, your journey adds diversity, resilience, and strength to the academic environment.

Let International Women’s Day be more than a celebration. Let it be a reminder that wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Let it encourage conversations about balance, support, and community. And most importantly, let it remind every woman that her value is not measured only by performance — but by her humanity, strength, and courage.

References

European Institute for Gender Equality (2023). Gender Equality Index. World Health Organization (2022). Self-care interventions for health and well-being. United Nations (n.d.). International Women’s Day background and history. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) (2023). Mental wellbeing and gender.

I never imagined that studying nursing in Finland would be such a life-changing journey. When I chose this path, I was excited about studying in a country known for its strong healthcare system. I looked forward to learning new skills, meeting people from different cultures, and growing both personally and professionally. I imagined independence, new experiences, and a fresh start. 

Of course, moving to another country also brings challenges. Living alone, adjusting to long winters, and adapting to a new environment takes time. These changes are not always easy, but they have helped me become more independent and self-aware. Each day teaches me something new about myself. 

The Dream Versus the Reality & The Job Struggle 

Before arriving in Finland, I thought nursing school would be challenging but straightforward. I believed I would quickly adjust to the system, make friends easily, and feel confident in my new life. While many parts of that came true, the reality has also required more patience than I expected. 

The language difference can make daily interactions and part-time job searches more difficult. Even small tasks sometimes require extra effort. The academic system is different from what I was used to, so it took time to understand expectations and adjust my study habits. Instead of feeling fully confident right away, I had to grow into it step by step. 

Finding part-time work has also been a learning experience. I have applied to different places, knowing that language skills play an important role. While it has not always worked out immediately, the process has taught me persistence and responsibility. I am learning that progress does not always happen quickly, but every effort counts. 

I have also realized that comparing myself to others is not helpful. Everyone has a different background and different strengths. Instead of focusing on what I lack, I try to focus on what I am improving each day. Growth is not always loud or visible, but it is happening. 

Mental Health and the Silent Battle & What Keeps Me Going 

Balancing studies, job searching, and life away from family can feel heavy at times. There are days when I miss home, especially after a long week or during quiet evenings. Sometimes a simple memory or a phone call reminds me how far away I am. 

Over time, I have learned simple ways to take care of myself. Going for a walk, talking to family, or giving myself time to rest helps me recharge. I understand now that it is normal to feel both strong and tired at different moments. What matters is continuing forward. 

What keeps me motivated are the small achievements. Completing a difficult clinical task, understanding a new concept, or receiving kind words from a teacher or friend makes me proud. These moments remind me why I chose nursing in the first place. 

The support of friends, both international and local, also makes a big difference. Sharing experiences helps me feel less alone and more connected. Every challenge is shaping me into a more patient and understanding future nurse. 

Reflection 

Being an international student in Finland is about more than earning a degree. It is about learning how to be independent, manage responsibilities, and adapt to change. Living far from home has helped me grow emotionally as well as academically. I have become more patient, more confident, and more aware of my strengths. 

This experience is also shaping the kind of nurse I want to become. Facing challenges has taught me empathy and understanding, which are important in healthcare. I now see that growth does not happen all at once. It happens slowly, through daily effort and small lessons. 

Looking back, I realize that this journey is not just preparing me for a career. It is helping me become a stronger and more self-aware person.