“For me, I felt that I’ve grown from this trip. I’ve become more mature and able to view things in a different light,” quipped Edwin, upon his return from the student exchange program in Jyvaskyla.

The Jyvaskyla University of Applied Sciences in Finland offered a student exchange program from 28 May to 18 June 2007 for the Junior Year students in Temasek Polytechnic.  Edwin Sia and Cheryl Tan (both from the Accounting & Finance Diploma) jumped at the rare opportunity.  Although they were granted exemptions from two Cross Disciplinary Subjects upon completion of their study at Jyvaskyla, what they have gained from the exchange programme far surpassed their expectations.

“Firstly, I learnt to be more independent,” offers Cheryl.  For instance, upon arrival at Helsinki Vantaa airport, they had to ask for the way to their apartments.  Edwin added: “Everything was in Finnish except for numerals. When we arrived at Tikurilla train station, we realised that the person selling the tickets did not understand English. We had to use sign language to get our message across.”  Cheryl also noted that seats were assigned and that they had to make sure that they were not only in the right seat but also in the right carriage.

Experiencing what it was like to be independent did not just end on the first day.  “Being away from home meant having to do everything on my own such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and washing.  I also had to learn to manage my finances - at the supermarket, I had to spend within my budget,” recalls Cheryl.  “And when our internet connection did not work, we had to check the status of the connection with the concierge - many times over.”

They had to learn how to cope with other inconveniences and differences.  For example, the computers in the university’s labs were not as fast as those in TP. “Being a typical impatient Singaporean, I often get frustrated using the campus’ computers to complete assignments - I would return to my apartment to use my own laptop instead,” Edwin confesses.

There was even an occasion where Edwin accidentally locked himself out of his apartment room.  Unlike most doors in Singapore, the doors to his apartment could only be opened from the inside, and to open them from the outside, a key was required.  In the end, Edwin had to call one of his student buddies, Christin, for help.  Without the slightest hesitation, she, together with another student buddy, drove down to Edwin’s apartment within 5 minutes, although it was a public holiday that day.

And so, despite the obstacles they faced, both Edwin and Cheryl felt very welcomed in Finland.  Edwin recollects: “People I met there - my tutors, my classmates and my friends - were the least from what I expected them to be. Most of them were friendly, approachable and one of the most warm-hearted people I’ve ever met.”  They got to meet other fellow Singaporean students too.

Adjustments aside, our two young globetrotting adventurers also had a taste of a different education system.  The classroom setting in Finland was similar to that of a tutorial classroom in TP.  However, according to Cheryl, the teaching methods were geared more towards independent learning.  Lessons were conducted primarily via presentations with strong emphasis on the oratorical and practical aspects of each subject, whereby students had equal opportunities to speak.  Edwin found that the assignments emphasised a lot on self-learning, as classes were kept short and simple. It seemed that the tutors, through teaching less, wanted students to take initiative to clarify doubts themselves.

Edwin also noted a distinct difference in the pace of living between the two countries. In Singapore, everything revolves about being as efficient as possible - ‘the faster the better’.  Students took lesser modules each semester compared to us in Singapore.  Attendance rules were also not as stringent.

On hindsight, Edwin felt that what he has been exposed to in TP served him well throughout the whole trip, in particular, his ability to speak up and ask for directions.  “I must say that Temasek Polytechnic has nurtured me to be able to overcome major obstacles, even in a completely foreign place.”

Cheryl also found the exchange programme to be very memorable.  “This trip has left me with fond memories of both Finland and the friends that I have made. This opportunity has allowed me to interact with people from all over the world such as Germany, France, Italy and, of course Finland.”