Learning and Growing Through My Exchange at HAMK
In autumn 2024, Denisa Dumitrascu joined HAMK as a trainee in the horticulture degree programme. During her time on campus, she gained hands-on experience, strengthened her confidence, and discovered how much she was capable of achieving in a new environment.
What did you enjoy most about your exchange at HAMK?
I enjoyed the most, the people’s attitude towards me. I was pleasantly surprised that everyone welcomed me warmly and I didn’t feel like a foreigner. They were always helpful when I had any kind of problem. This nice attitude also reflected in my work life in the greenhouse. I was excited to go every day at work, to meet my workmates and spend time working with them. They also helped me improve my Finnish level.
Was there anything that could have been better?
For the students like me who came later and skipped the orientation day, it would be nice if we had some kind of guide sent to us like pdf where it could cover the things usually discussed in the orientation week.
How did the exchange impact you personally or academically?
Personally, the exchange taught me a lot of things. I gained more self esteem regarding myself and my work. Before coming here, I didn’t know I could manage for example the greenhouse, or teaching chemistry and greenhouse horticulture to some students. Academically, I’ve learnt so many things from greenhouse management to composting, lab work and research procedures.
Denisa Dumitrascu
Trainee in Horticulture
Lepaa campus, Autumn 2024
