Studying Abroad Provided a Life Changing Opportunity

My name is Jamie Kanzler and I am a junior here at NC State in the Paper Science and Engineering Program.  I first decided that I wanted to study abroad after meeting two Finnish advisors, who traveled to NC State for a visit. These advisors came from two different universities, JAMK and TAMK. They presented to my freshmen PSE class about everything that their universities had to offer. They outlined both university details as well as overall life in Finland. After finding these presentations intriguing, I added my email address onto their provided interest form. From there, I was sent a copy of their presentation as well as additional informational links. After reviewing both university options, I decided that I would like to study at JAMK University of Applied Sciences in Jyvaskyla, Finland.

Plan NOW to Study Abroad

As far as planning my study abroad experience, both Dr. Byrd and the study abroad office proved to be very helpful. Some necessary steps that I needed to take included meeting with my PSE Advisor, meeting with a study abroad office representative, completing an unofficial course outline (pre-approved Finnish courses are on the NC State transfer credit database), and speaking with a representative from Financial Aid. This process ran very smoothly, as many PSE students previously studied in Finland. Upon arriving in Finland, my JAMK appointed tutor picked me up from the train station and brought me to my apartment. My tutor also provided me with what JAMK calls an exchange student survival kit. This kit contained all apartment necessities (plates, pans, utencils, towels, sheets, etc).

Biking, Ice Skating and Jumping from Ropes – My New Favorite Things

I absolutely loved my experience in Finland. In Jyvaskyla, the main mode of transportation was my bike. I biked everywhere I went, no matter what the Finnish weather threw my way. While this may sound deterring, it was one of my favorite things to do. I attended classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, receiving 12 NC State credits. I also did PSE related research for a company called VTT. Two of the classes that I took will even go towards a process control certificate. Outside of the classroom, I took advantage of any free time that I had to travel and experience new things. One common summer activity was jumping off rope swings into Finland’s numerous lakes. There was even a lake right beside my apartment. When winter came, these swimming lakes became ice skating rinks. The exchange students also commonly went on hikes and had bonfires. While abroad, I also traveled to Sweden, Norway, Estonia and Germany. I experienced many amazing new things such as arctic animals, glaciers, fjords, and many new cultural foods and events. The student union, JAMKO, was amazing at organizing exchange student trips that I highly recommend.

Memories, Friendships and a Life Changing Experience

I am leaving Finland a different person. I believe that I have become more responsible, independent, and worldly. I have learned to better respect opinions and perspectives that differ from my own. I have also made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. If you are a student reading this article, feel free to reach out to me with any questions. I 10000% recommend that you consider studying abroad in Finland.

Check out the study abroad adventures of Michael Alcivar Mora, who was in Finland at TAMK

By guest blogger Jamie Kanzler