I was 17 years old, when left Russia and I came to study Tourism here. Probably, as any other newbie would be, I was nervous about making friends in a new place. I mean, it’s quite common to worry, whether you will fit in a new community or not, but I was twice more concerned that I would study in an international group. But, you know, all of my fears flew away as soon as I got to know my classmates. They were very friendly and open.

Originally, I decided to study tourism, because I loved (yes, loved very much) languages! At high school, I learned Finnish, German and English. Finnish and English were my favorite languages, so I decided that the international degree in Finland would suit me the best. The second reason was my wish to travel the world and I thought it would be easier for me to start from the study exchange. Last spring, I spent 4 months studying in Austria in the Alps. It was a very memorable experience and, more importantly it changed me! I recommend a year abroad to everyone! You not only learn new things about other cultures, places and history, but you also learn new things about yourself!

Another thing, which appealed to me, when I was applying for Degree Programme in Tourism, was the specialization in Experience Design. I am an artistic person and I don’t like spending the whole time in front of the books or a computer. The tourism degree offered exactly what I wanted: different projects, international environment and practicality, so I applied to study Experience Design.
For me, it was a pleasant surprise that we would have a lot of study-trips. Since the beginning of my studies here, I’ve traveled the whole Lapland, visited Sweden and went to Central Europe. Furthermore, I have worked in several positions, including animator, guide, interpreter, receptionist and cashier, but I am still searching for my real calling. This is like a journey of life, and I do like journeys! ;)
-Lada Stukolkina, DPT’13-