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