Last modified 15.3.2011 at 13:14

A long way from home - and loving it

Text and photo: Hanna Lempinen

Olalekan Owolabi, 33, and Oluwaseyi Banjo, 29, are both first year students in the Degree Programme in International Business at the Oulu University of Applied Sciences. How have the city and Oulu UAS been treating the two students far away from home?

Nigerian degree students Olaleken Owolabi (on the left) and Oluwaseyi Banjo are experiencing the first winter of their lives in Oulu.

Olaleken, who prefers to be called Ola, and Oluwaseyi both arrived to Oulu from Nigeria. Before they came to Finland, they didn't know much about the country or the people.

- I was uncomfortable with the idea of walking for kilometers without seeing anyone. What would happen if a polar bear attacked me? Later, I found out that there are no polar bears in Finland. The most intimidating animal I've encountered so far is a squirrel, Ola laughs.

Another worry for both of the students had to do with the Finnish language. After a few months of language studies, they are already beginning to know the basics.

- It's not as difficult as they say! And in Oulu you survive with English as well, Oluwaseyi states.

"Learning how to learn"

We can only begin to imagine the differences between the Nigerian and Finnish educational cultures. Ola and Oluwaseyi both have very positive experiences during their first months of studying at the Oulu UAS.

- Here in Finland teachers encourage you to participate and appreciate your contribution. Most importantly, they teach you how to learn. And you are even allowed to laugh during classes!, Ola wonders.

- Teachers and students are more equal here. One practical difference between Finland and Nigeria is that the education here is more technology-based, adds Oluwaseyi.

Both students also underline the importance of the support that they have received from the Oulu UAS staff. After clearing the visa arrangements, everything has worked out surprisingly smoothly.

- They made us feel so welcome! Their help in planning the studies and organizing everyday life helped us to settle in a new country more easily.

Oulu, the chilly pearl of Bothnia?

Oluwaseyi and Ola both come from a city with 15,000,000 people, three times the population of Finland. They both have been pleasantly surprised by the vibe of Oulu.

- I like the serene atmosphere here. I appreciate the chance to find a peaceful place just for myself, Oluwaseyi states.

However, Oulu is not only about peace and tranquility. The vibrant city offers a wide range of alternatives for free time activities.

- There’s a lot to do. I personally appreciate the easy access to many kinds of sports activities, like swimming and the gym, says Ola.

The Northern winter conditions have also taken some getting used to. On the contrary to what you might expect, both Oluwaseyi and Ola have enjoyed their first winter ever.

- I love snow! I had never seen snow before I came here. Once I was late from my class because I went sledding. It was so much fun I completely lost track of time, Ola laughs.

Oluwaseyi shares Ola's fascination with the snow, but is less excited about the darkness and the low temperatures.

- At worst the weather just makes you want to stay indoors and crawl under a warm blanket. I’m already looking forward to experiencing the summer and the midnight sun.

Luckily for Oluwaseyi and all of us, the days are already starting to grow longer.