A Stress-Free Education: Learning the Finnish Way
I experienced my life turning around when I decided to move from Pakistan to Finland to pursue a Master’s in International Business Management from Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK). Here the education system is different from what I used to be: stress-free, practical, and student-centered. The Finns, on the other hand, replace heavy theoretical learning with the gained knowledge, critical thinking, and applications in practice. Teachers are very approachable and encourage open conversations while they do not make learning stressful but enjoyable.
More impressive even is Finland’s children’s schooling system. I am a father of two, and it amazes me that in Finland kids do not go through the education that is characterized by long hours, heavy homework, and pressure. However, they are inspired to learn through creative themes, play, and curiosity. This is one of the best models all over the world, as it ensures both academic success and general wellbeing. It truly is a system that appreciates learning as a journey of life.
The Power of Silence: When Fewer Words Mean More
My observations revealed that Finnish people handle silence differently than I am used to. When I arrived from Pakistan I was shocked to see that people remained quiet in vehicles and during social encounters. People in Finland maintain quiet because they respect others and need time to think about their words. Through my experience, I learned to value the Finnish habit of speaking only when something meaningful needs to be said.
Nature’s Magic: Autumn Colors and the Northern Lights
Visiting Finland brought me tremendous pleasure as I saw its natural beauty, especially during the autumn season. I encountered the most dazzling colors of my life when every leaf turned to gold and flaming red. Finland stands out as the most refreshing country I have toured because of its neat air quality and scenic forests along many lakes. When I arrived at Tampere in August, I got lucky enough to see the Northern Lights and this scenic display bonded me to Finland’s natural elegance.
Winter Wonders: Cold, Snow, and Cozy Evenings
I have also gained shocking views on Finnish Winter’s main thesis statement. And even as much as they are severe, they are beautiful—the snow, the snow-covered streets, frozen lakes, as well as the homey Fennec way of life during the winter months. I anticipate going to winter practices such as skiing and ice skating, which seem to be among the most practiced by the Finnish people. While people all over the world may be afraid of winter, that is not so much the case in Finland due to the cozy environment that engulfs the entire country during the winter months.
A New Perspective: Lessons from Finnish Culture
My information about the Finnish sauna culture comes from theory because I have not been able to try it myself yet. The sauna scene includes both physical heating and mental peace as part of Finland’s cultural fabric and social relationships. Finnish people find the sauna as a space to capture inner self-understanding and have significant talks.
My Finnish study experience showed me better ways to learn along with different ways to connect and appreciate the outdoors. My insights show that students should explore, not endure lessons, and that being quiet can be effective instead of uncomfortable, plus nature needs to be lived, not simply viewed. Before going to Germany for my exchange semester, I take Finnish values such as living simply while digging into deep thoughts and loving the natural world with me.
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