After all, an exchange is still about learning. Academically improving, but for me personally, it was even more about maturing and learning about myself. 

Let’s talk about academic learning first. The quality of the Finnish education system is incredible. The focus is much more on group work, learning to deal with other people, presenting, and facing any human related challenges, compared to, at least in Austria, having a little more focus on exams and testing knowledge. I was blessed to have the chance to improve my presentation skills, sales, marketing, leadership but also photography skills. 

However, more importantly for me personally, I learned so much about myself and maturing as an individual. Living by myself, for the first two weeks completely alone, then getting two amazing roommates taught me how to take responsibility for everyday tasks, which sounds a little insignificant, but must be learned as well. Spending time in mother nature only by myself and with no distractions like music or podcasts with headphones is one of the calmest things to do for your soul in the Finnish forests. Giving yourself time to get to know yourself during long walks, while also learning not to be too harsh with oneself helped me foster my peace. Learning to handle situations with presence and confidence. This is an aspect, which really improved my quality of life, living in the present, being conscious in every step you take, every moment you enjoy, is better if you stay in the present, not worrying about the future and thinking about the past mistakes or potential things to have done differently. What I learned about connecting with other people is that openness is essential. Listening with an open heart, living with no expectations has incredible effects. Although I completely adored my time on my exchange, I do believe that one of the most important points for turning out this good is that I tried to not have expectations or at least catch myself and recognizing moments where I expected certain things from people or experiences. 

In short: Listen with and open heart and open mind, do not expect anything, neither good nor bad, let things surprise you and live in the present…

The present is a gift, live like it is 😊