A Fairytale Exchange Semester at HAMK

Stefan Radu came to HAMK in autumn 2024 as an exchange student in Climate Smart Agriculture at the Mustiala campus. He arrived in Finland looking for new academic perspectives and an international experience, and left with unforgettable memories, friendships, and personal growth that shaped his exchange semester.

How do you feel about heading home?

I deeply regret the fact that I have to return home. It was a unique experience, by far the most beautiful 4 months of my life, I don’t know if in the future I will have the opportunity to return to Finland, but I thank this country immensely for these memories.

What made you choose HAMK?

The famous education system and the love for the Nordic countries made me choose HAMK (Finland).

What have been the most memorable or favorite parts of your exchange experience at HAMK?

Everything! I can’t choose, everything I experienced in this mobility was like a beautiful dream from which I wanted to never wake up, from the people I met to the way the teachers teach… I can’t explain, it was a fairy tale experience, 110/10 experience.

Were there any challenges or difficult moments during your exchange?

My Erasmus mobility took place in the Mustiala campus, a farm campus. As for the problems we encountered, they consist of the lack of mobility. Tammela, the closest town to our campus, could not offer the same services as Forssa, especially when it comes to facilities such as a larger library, shops with home goods and activities designed to help students adapt to life in Finland and to the work culture of this country.

Pre-Arrival: How was your pre-arrival experience? Did you get enough support?

Full of emotions. Regarding the support provided, it was ok. This was my first experience of this kind, so I didn’t know concretely if I should have asked something concrete, but I used the internet and asked the staff when I had doubts about certain topics.

Arrival Experience: How was your arrival, and did you feel well-prepared?

I arrived at Helsinki airport at 12:00 PM to be picked up by the HAMK bus and taken to the campus at 4:00 PM. Unfortunately, some students did not arrive until the time they were supposed to. I stayed at the airport until 8:00 PM. It was a hard day for everyone. It would have been better if those of us who arrived earlier had already left for our campuses.

Any advice you’d give to incoming students?

DO IT! It Was an unforgettable experience, an eye-opening experience that made me want to continue my studies at HAMK, maybe on a Master’s degree.

My advice: Apply and see what this adventure can bring you; it brought me unforgettable memories and friendships.