Dear readers,
The past few months, I’ve been wandering through the historic streets of Berlin, a city that never ceases to amaze me. My home is in East Berlin, the more diverse, graffiti-covered, and dynamic side of the capital. Day by day, this place feels more like home. The street art that once caught my attention now blends seamlessly into the city’s character, and walking alone at night no longer feels intimidating.
At HTW Berlin, my studies mainly revolve around group work. Some teams function effortlessly, while others require a bit more patience. I’ve noticed that certain courses demand significantly more time than others. All my classes are in English, which isn’t the case for every exchange student—many have their courses in German. To my surprise, the university’s approach to education feels somewhat old-fashioned. We still take paper exams, and in many ways, the system could benefit from modernization.
The best part of this experience has undoubtedly been the people. I’ve built strong connections and friendships with locals and met fascinating individuals eager to learn about Finnish culture and traditions. I truly hope to welcome them to Finland one day. In my free time, I love visiting my favorite café for a midday coffee, chatting with locals, and strolling through the charming streets of Charlottenburg.
Having studied International Business both in Germany and Finland, I’ve noticed some major differences. For instance, HTW Berlin operates on a two-semester system, whereas TAMK in Finland has four shorter periods. This makes courses unnecessarily long—what takes five months here could easily be completed in two or three. As mentioned earlier, the education system in Germany is surprisingly traditional. The relationship between students and teachers is more formal, the school’s digital tools are outdated, and exams are still conducted entirely on paper.
Despite these differences, my time in Berlin has been an incredible adventure. The city’s vibrant energy, rich history, and inspiring people have left a lasting impact on me. With just a little time left, I’m determined to make the most of every moment before heading back home.
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