One thing that really surprised me about studying in Salzburg was how different it felt compared to Finland. Many courses were very lecture-based, and some lectures could last up to five hours, which definitely required a lot of concentration. There were also fewer practical assignments than I was used to.
The biggest difference was the exams. In many courses the final exam determined almost the entire grade, so you really had to study properly. Passing was not always easy, and the exams could be quite demanding. In Finland courses usually include more assignments during the semester, so the pressure is spread out more. Even though the system here felt more intense at times, it definitely improved my study discipline and made me take exams more seriously.
My free time in Salzburg was mostly spent with other exchange students, and some of my favorite memories come from those moments. The best part of living there was definitely how close the mountains were. It was incredibly easy to just decide to go hiking or snowboarding for the day.
Some weekends we explored different hiking trails around Salzburg, and during winter we visited several ski resorts to try new slopes. Those days in the mountains were easily the highlight of my exchange. There was something special about finishing a long study week and then heading straight to the Alps for fresh air, amazing views, and good company.
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