During my Bachelor studies in Primary Education, I had heard so many times about the “wonderfully successful Finnish education system”, so when it came to deciding in which country I wanted to study, I thought I wanted to learn from the best and chose Finland. Studying at JYU is a lifelong learning experience: it leaves a lasting impression.
I am Vereniki, I come from Greece, and I am a primary school teacher, currently studying in the Master's Degree Programme in Educational Sciences (EDUMA). I have always loved learning and even more, sharing that knowledge with other people, so pursuing a career in Education felt like a calling for me.
After some working experience at an international school as a classroom teacher, I felt the need to learn more about current research and trends in education to later utilize in my classroom, so I started looking for a master's programme.
Time at JYU is an exciting and unique experience
During my Bachelor studies in Primary Education, I had heard so many times about the “wonderfully successful Finnish education system”, so when it came to deciding in which country I wanted to study, I thought I wanted to learn from the best and chose Finland. And what better place than the first Finnish-language teacher training college? While I was reading about JYU and its research, I felt an instant connection, and I did not get disappointed!
Living in Jyväskylä and studying at JYU has really been one of the most exciting and unique experiences in my life! Every day feels like a new opportunity to learn something new about myself and others!
A respectful and encouraging environment
The first word that comes to my mind whenever I talk about JYU is “respect.”
Everyone at JYU is trying their best to create a safe learning environment. For the first time in my studies, I felt so appreciated; here you work together with your teachers and peers to learn; you are encouraged to openly share your opinion and your background is appreciated. This means that there is low to no hierarchy between the teachers and the students. In other words, everyone works together with mutual respect to tackle educational matters creating a community with shared interests and dreams.
But it is not only an academic community; teachers care about your well-being. The University provides you with a tutor upon your arrival, who will help you settle in. Later, a variety of well-being opportunities and workshops are provided, building not only an academic community but also a family.
Not only do I feel myself here, but also JYU has given me the chance to try out new things. From the different hobby clubs to the associations to taking any courses you want - even from different departments -, to taking part in seminars, internships, and career workshops, JYU gives you the opportunity to discover yourself and grow.
Additionally, in the Master's Degree Programme in Educational Sciences, you have the freedom to choose your specialization and how to organize your courses. For example, I started the programme with the Current Issues in Education and Psychology specialization in mind, but I found the courses in Language and Education so interesting and essential for my future career that I decided to major in both.
Jyväskylä – a small city with plenty to offer
Coming from a big and warm city like Athens, I did not expect to have so much fun here!
Jyväskylä is a small city with plenty to offer; walking around in nature, living in affordable student housing, getting lunch and coffee in the student cafeterias, trying out different kinds of sports and sauna, admiring the architecture of the campus, studying at the bright yellow library and simply running into your friends and colleagues all over the town are some of my favorite things here.
Lastly, I got to experience the Finnish winter! I can assure you that it will get cold and with the right clothes it is an amazing experience! One of the best moments was when I got to see the northern lights while walking on a frozen lake with my friends near my house.
As one of my favourite quotes, The Secret life of Walter Mitty, puts it: “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” This is how I want to live my life and that is exactly my experience with JYU.
If you are looking for a lifelong learning adventure, then JYU is the right place!
Vereniki Nanou
Master's degree student
Educational Sciences
Faculty of Education and Psychology
Read more: Master's Degree Programme in Educational Sciences
