With the start of a new year we also welcome this year's four exchange students, Boldi, Serena, Leo and Cyril, to explore Finnish culture and broaden their global horizons. Through their various experiences and inspirations they have all found their way to our school and will surely find a second home in Finland.
The whole group.
Boldi and Serena chose Finland for their exchange journey because of the beautiful nature and their interest in Northern Europe. Cyril originally wanted to go to Sweden, but after someone mentioned its neighboring country he decided to change his plans and come to Finland instead. Leo from Argentina has an interest in biology, nature and mushrooms. During his search for a host country he came across an article about Finnish education, and decided to make the trip across the globe to join our school this year.
Boldi looks forward to the chance to experience a new culture and language this year.
Boldi from Hungary was pleasantly surprised by how open Finnish people can be if he initiates conversations with them. He admires how well Finnish students listen to instructions and their initiative to take control of their education. His host family has given him a warm welcome to Finland and shown him the best aspects of Finnish culture.
Serena attested to the safe and welcoming environment of KSYK and is enjoying her long-awaited visit to Northern Europe. The famous Finnish education system has not disappointed– freedom to choose classes and passionate teachers make Finnish education superior.
They have all had struggles with the Finnish language, but its unique qualities have interested them. Leo describes the Finnish language as though a cat walked across a keyboard. One of his expectations for this year is to start reading in Finnish so he can understand the culture on a deeper level. Boldi, on the other hand, says that there are some similarities between Hungarian and Finnish, which have made it easier for him to learn the language.
Leo awaited the change of scenery and world class education of Finland.
The only drawback of Finland so far has been the food. Leo has missed Argentinian desserts and the flavors that Finnish food provides have been unable to fill those shoes. He admired the healthy school lunches and how diversified students' diets are. Cyril has been afraid to try Finnish baguettes for fear of being disappointed. He pointed out that the Finnish diet strongly features potatoes and salt, which we can’t deny.
The exchange students spoke in detail about the safety of Finland and how it differs from their experiences. They were surprised that children can take the metro alone and complimented the calm environment. Finland’s safety has been an unexpected plus and has made the transition to life here easier. Cyril compared the quietness of Helsinki to Paris’ crowds and noise. He has eagerly awaited the coming cold winter and the differences in culture that Finland provides.
Cyril from France (left) and Serena from Italy.
Serena and Leo realized that Finnish people's distance, which can first be perceived as coldness, is actually due to their shy nature. They found the quietness strange at first but they have found a community at KSYK and love the easy-going environment of our school. Although it can be a trying journey to leave your home country, family and friends, our exchange students have not come to regret it. This year will be an amazing opportunity to develop as an individual and a student.
Our exchange students are eager to broaden their understanding of global cultures, appreciate diversity, advance their language skills and create lasting memories. Despite the differences in their journeys to our beloved country, they have all united through their shared curiosity and desire to advance cultural understanding. We welcome them to join us during the coming year for the shared purpose of global understanding and connecting cultures.
Story and pictures: Huhuu Team
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