Christmas in Scandinavia, New Year’s in Prague

This year I was not able to go home for the holiday season, and wanted to do something extra special because of it. Therefore, at the last minute, I decided to book an excursion to Scandinavia that included a cruise to four cities: Helsinki, Finland; Saint Petersburg Russia (visa free!); Tallinn, Estonia; and Stockholm Sweden. This was a student trip led by an organization in Germany, so I got a steal for what I did!

I also went to Prague for New Year’s to visit a few SDSU friends who were also studying abroad. What an experience to celebrate New Year’s in the second most popular European city to visit for the occasion.

Below are a bunch of pictures from my travels, as well as descriptions to give you a little bit of background.

How Study Abroad Changed Me

My grand adventure officially came to an end just over a week ago and I am back home in Northern California reflecting on everything I just experienced. The more I think back on this trip, the more I realize how much I grew in just four weeks thanks to study abroad. Aside from being an amazing time to see more of the world, it was time to challenge myself and break down anxiety.

The Best Times and the Tough Goodbyes

Looking back on four weeks in Finland, I can confidently say that studying abroad was one of the best decisions of not only my college career, but my life. I explored places I never expected to see, I took classes that just aren’t offered anywhere else, I met new friends from both SDSU and around the world, and I had the time of my life. So, why were there so many tears the last week?

Finland and the European Refugee Crisis

Week 3 classes kicked off on Monday here in Finland. This week brings refugee resettlement and integration, a very interesting, but very emotionally heavy course. Within a couple days, I learned so much about the refugee crisis throughout Europe and how Finland handles the influx of refugees into this country. In sum, Finland focuses on seeing refugees as humans deserving of new chances and setting them up for future success.

Let The Adventure Begin!

My six-week trip through Scandinavia (finally) kicked off on May 17. I will spend the first four and a half weeks in Finland, touring Helsinki and taking courses in Jyväskylä. So far, about a week and a half in, I have thoroughly enjoyed every part of Finland: the beautiful scenery, the evident history, the unique teaching style, the list goes on. It is hard not to compare back to life in San Diego, but I am definitely finding things in Finland that are quite brilliant.

A Week in the Arctic!

This last week I went to the Finnish Lapland with the international student group at my university. We left early Sunday morning and drove up to Stockholm where we took the ferry for a 10-plus hour drive to Helsinki, Finland.

Farewell, Finland!

My study abroad in Finland has concluded after four transformative weeks. As I begin the long and tedious journey back home, I compiled a short film in which snippets of my study abroad are shown.

Oh, the Places You Will Go

If you would have told me five years ago that I would be studying abroad in Jyväskylä I would have replied with, “Jyvasky … what”. Through the hard work and loving support of my family, friends and San Diego State, I have embarked on quite a unique study abroad journey. For four weeks I will be in Finland studying various subjects under one of the best education systems of the world. As a commuter that has never dormed, a person with dietary restrictions due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and knowing little to no Finnish, this ought to be an eventful journey. For now, I will share what Finland has offered in my first two weeks here.

Farewell Jyvaskyla, Hello Turku

It is hard to believe that in just seven short days I will be packing my bags and head home.

Home is an odd concept though. Over the course of these two weeks, I have learned that home is not simply where someone resides. Rather, it is the place where aching feet find solace, the best of memories take place and the worries of the world seem a little less worrisome. It is not always permanent and it may not even be a physical location at all.