Growing up in a multinational neighborhood in Bangkok, I lived in a vibrant community that inspired me to learn more about the world through language, culture, and education abroad. Among all the teaching models that I’ve been exposed to, Finland’s pedagogy is truly exceptional.
I am Pattarada Sangnark and I study in the Master’s Degree Programme in Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication at Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥. I was born and raised in the capital of Thailand, a city that has always been the top tourist destination and a home for thousands of expats.
Having an international outlook from a young age, my desire to explore the world was raised. I chose to attend a Chinese major in high school and went to study in China. After being fluent in the most widely spoken language in Asia, I started learning another European language, German, for my bachelor's degree, together with taking a language and British culture summer course in Manchester.
Along with my studies, I got a chance to be a freelance English-Thai interpreter at the Embassy of Finland in Bangkok. This opportunity gave me not only a working experience but also a glimpse into Finland. Quality of life, happiness, safety, and academic reputation appeal immigrants to make this country their home. The stories that I have heard from the embassy made me choose Finland as my first choice for a master's degree, and JYU did not let me down.
Encouraging critical thinking in a student-centered learning environment
Finnish teaching approach is practical and there is room for freedom in expressing one’s opinion. The assessment is not exam-orientated, but I am required to demonstrate my understanding through a learning portfolio, where I critically reflect on the course material, connect it to my experiences, and express my own opinions. It is possible for me to disagree with the professors, if there are supporting reasons for my stance. Rather than memorizing the lecture for traditional exams, this kind of assignment enhances my critical-thinking skills and encourages me to find my own voice.
Apart from the assignment, the learning environment is student-centered. The lecturer is actively engaged by students who share their thoughts in discussions. With classmates coming from diverse backgrounds, this approach brings together different perspectives and allows me to learn from my classmates’ experiences.
Practical learning in JYU’s multicultural environment
Group work is included in all course assignments, making me explore complex theoretical frameworks from different angles. The tasks I have done range from conducting interviews and analyzing case studies to creating podcasts where we discuss each member’s linguistic background. One project that I cannot forget was cooking and having dinner with classmates from different countries and reflecting on that experience using intercultural theories.
Being a part of different work groups keeps the study interesting. It is a hands-on process that everyone actively participated in. Each project introduces me to new experiences and equips me with practical skills that are beneficial for professional settings, such as collaboration, problem-solving, and project management.
Academic events – learning beyond the classroom
JYU hosts various academic events all year round, maximizing the opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. In my first year of study, I volunteered to be an assistant for the Ethnic Relations and International Migration Conference (ETMU). Researchers across Finland were invited to present their studies, and the sessions that I helped with were about the rights and regulations of temporary migrants, including the role of linguistic diversity in social services.
During that time, I was taking a migration course, and it was great to gain deeper insights into the topic from other scholars. Events, like workshops, panel discussions, and doctoral defense, are available for students to attend and it makes my learning experience more stimulating. Attending these events provides a broader perspective on the subject that I enrolled in, and it is also a chance for networking.
Teaching approach at JYU has exceeded my expectations, and it offers a different experience from my previous education. I gained academic knowledge and skills and got to know experts in the field of linguistics and intercultural communication. Every step in this journey is filled with learning and self-development opportunities, and I’m glad that I have made a choice to study in Jyväskylä.
Read more: Master's Degree Programme in Language, Globalization and Intercultural Communication
