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Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Asanka Wedeha Pathirana spent six years working as a government management officer before deciding to leave everything she knew behind and have a fresh start in Finland. It wasn’t long until she discovered the University of Turku’s (UTU) Master’s in Futures Studies programme. As one of the few of its kind globally, its unique focus immediately sparked her interest.
“I’ve always wanted to explore different scenarios, anticipate changes, and contribute to shaping a better future,” she says.
Source: University of Turku
Asanka did not know that her decision to join UTU would lead her to a place that perfectly matched her academic and personal aspirations. While the transition to this northern European country was at first a lot to take in, she found herself quickly embracing the Finnish way of life.
“I’ve really developed a deep appreciation for the country’s natural beauty and rich culture,” she says. “Building friendships with locals and fellow international students has been a rewarding experience. It created a sense of a home away from home.”
Such feelings amongst international students are common in Finland, which, for the seventh year running, is ranked the happiest country in the world. This recognition derives from the country’s strong sense of social support, freedom to make life choices, and low levels of corruption — all of which have played a big role in Asanka’s overall satisfaction. These national virtues are also mirrored in UTU’s environment.
For example, students in certain degree programmes have a lot of freedom to design their curriculum, including choosing which minor to take. “The student truly has agency over their degree’s content and structure,” says Valtteri Kiviö, a faculty member who initially began his journey at UTU as a student.
After completing a BA and MA in English here, Valtteri took on an internship that led to summer jobs, a temporary position, and ultimately a permanent role within Admission Services. This team is dedicated to offering students personal and approachable guidance throughout the application process. As an Education Coordinator, Valtteri uplifts applicants in their quest to achieve academic excellence.
“I am currently developing pre-orientation materials for our admitted and incoming international students,” shares Kiviö. “Its purpose is to help them with relocation and the start of their studies at the University of Turku. This project aims to help make their beginnings less stressful and ease the internalisation of the information load delivered during actual orientation.”
Source: University of Turku
The theme of support persists once their journeys begin. It’s easy for students to reach out to staff, lecturers and professors here — creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable seeking advice and giving feedback. As students are in charge of a big part of their programme, they need to be independent and take the initiative to visit their study advisors and teacher tutors. “The low-hierarchy culture means that students do not need to be anxious about approaching their teachers, professors, or any other personnel, and the discussion can be very informal,” says Kiviö. “Giving feedback is encouraged, and is often collected through various means, e.g. directly during courses, or through surveys sent via e-mail.”
Each faculty has advisors who specialise in addressing study and admission-related issues. The faculty’s coordinators and advisors provide detailed information on admissions, study plans, and other academic matters. International officers manage exchange programmes and grants. All teachers at UTU usually have specific appointment times when students can visit to discuss lecture content, literature related to their modules, and other curriculum concerns.
But UTU understands what goes on beyond classrooms and laboratories are just as important. This is why they have study psychologists, experts in educational psychology and student counselling, to provide support in personal well-being, stress, and time management. Student tutors, who are either Finnish or international students, volunteer to help newcomers adjust to life in Turku. The Friendship Programme takes immersion up a notch, pairing students with locals who can give them a better understanding of daily life in Finland.
Source: University of Turku
The university offers CampusSport, which promotes physical well-being through sports activities and facilities to keep the university community active and healthy, as well. Meanwhile, representatives of student organisations and the Student Union collect feedback and voice out their needs and concerns.
“According to an independent global evaluation, our international students are especially satisfied with the pre-arrival information we provide, the food services provided by Unica, who run the student cafeterias, and our sports facilities,” says Valtteri.
And if a student needs help in exploring possible career pathways and the realities of the job market, Career Services can help. They provide job seeking and career planning tips, CV clinics and mock interviews, information on open vacancies and internships, and more. Tthe multidisciplinary Mentoring Programme, offered in Finnish and English, further smoothens a UTU student’s transition into the working world. Typically, graduates or professionals with at least five years of work experience are matched with students based on their professional aspirations.
With so much guidance available, it’s easy to see why 92% of international students are happy with their overall UTU experience. Asanka is one of them. She describes UTU’s environment as “vibrant and supportive.” “Access to resources, and connections with professors and fellow students contribute significantly to my overall happiness and success,” she says. “I feel like I’m part of a community and that I have a sense of purpose.”
Indeed, Asanka has made many friends. Together, they’ve explored pristine forests, lakes, and the Northern Lights in their free time. Natural wonders aside, they’re grateful for the country’s commitment to equality, freedom, and the well-being of its residents. “It’s definitely one of the best countries someone could ever live in,” Asanka says.
To find your future master’s programme, explore UTU’s website.
