Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
- Blog
-
Location Date North America 1386720000 Europe 
1377126000 - Finland
- Espoo
-
Location Date Thu, 22 August 2013 1377204302 Mon, 22 July 2013 1374527535 Wed, 03 July 2013
1372886957
Hello there!
It is officially time for my first post, and I just figured that I ought to welcome anyone who might have stubled across this page. :)
So welcome!
Also, I thought I'd give you an idea of everything that I needed to do before the actual adventure can begin, in case there is anyone who has had any kind of thoughts of doing whatever it is that I am doing.
The application process itself was the easy part. All I needed to do was fill in a few forms, write a presonal essay, get two recommendation letters, and take the TOEFL-exam.
Now, once accepted (which was the greatest feeling in the world), it got tough. Basically because I hate paperwork. And that is basically what it is, a TON of paperwork! And it has driven me quite insane. First of all, the oh-so-well-known visa. That was just a joy. Please note the sarcasm... There are just too many fees to be payed and the questions are too specific for my taste. How am I supposed to remember the date my last visa was issued? Ugh... Getting a place to stay was giving me a tough time as well. Together with a big phonebill, since I actually had to call to Hawaii in order to get payments and such fixed. Thank goodness it's all done now.
The rest hasn't actually been that bad. Even if it has been paperwork. Fortunatelly I also have someone who keeps track of everything that I need to get done (thank you KILROY!). I had to apply for the student allowance (and housing allowance), the student loan, notify of my change of address, and I still have to get the health insurance, and get an internationally approved vaccination card (or whatever it's called).
But I'm almost there!
- comments
Jake Hi! Why are you saying Finland isn't very exciting? Please don't do as around 80% of Finns abroad do - mock the country. Finland is an amazing place to live in and it is also a very exciting place to visit. There is no reason to feel "down" or have a low self-esteem about Finland. It's a great place to be from, and be proud of it. Of course it's good to be aware that it's not a perfect place, but for god's sake don't tell abroad that all Finns are depressed alcoholics. I mean, how many do you personally know? Anyways, have an amazing time in Hawaii, and be a proud Finn. It's not a bad thing :)
Bettina Hi Jake! Personally I don't see Finland as a very exciting place, since I have grown up here, and hence have grown accustomed to it, maybe even a little bit bored of it. And this is quite a common feeling, wouldn't you say? There are a great deal of things in Finland that are good, I just don't know if it is the place for me. Which is one of the reasons I want to studying abroad. To get a little bit more perspective. But I completely see what you mean, and I am absolutelly not about to go there and mock Finland. No worries. :) As you said, Finland is a great country to be from.