A student from Finland who has spent the past number of weeks studying at the Letterkenny Institute of Technology says he wants to stay – for the good weather!
I’ve had such a FINN-tastic time here says student Mikko.
Mikko Alatarvas says his experience studying in Donegal was “excellent and very positive,” even describing our weather as “much nicer than in Finland”.
But then again, he did leave temperatures of -15 Celsius to come here.
Mikko is studying for a degree in Construction Management in Oulu University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
Letterkenny IT has an Erasmus agreement with the university, situated 600km north of the capital Helsinki, which enables Finnish students to spend a semester studying in Letterkenny (or vice versa).
Mikko came to Letterkenny IT to brush up on his English and also to enhance his degree studies. He joined the final year BSc in Construction and Fire Technology class.
Talking about his time spent in Donegal, he is very enthusiastic, describing it as life-changing.
“I learned a lot on the course but also was really struck by the warmth of the Donegal people and the culture.
“It’s nice to be here at LYIT, I really like the people. Although I found the course challenging it helped me along the way with my studies.
“In fact, I learned a lot including a new computer program (BIM). The lecturers are very, very good, they make everything very clear.”
The Finn saw quite a lot of the country by going on trips with the other international students.
He also joined the LYIT hillwalking club and says the Donegal scenery was “magnificent”.
“I’m so glad I didn’t go to Dublin or one of the other big cities, I feel I got to do and learn much more in Donegal. I can’t wait to come back.”
The only difficulty for him he says, was, “driving on the wrong side of the road.”
Mikko returns to Finland with warm memories of having learnt new skills and made many friends. He’s one of the numerous international students who come to LYIT to advance their studies whilst improving their English.
His final word on Donegal, “I liked it here so much I just might fail my exams so that I have to repeat!”
According to Head of Department of Civil Engineering & Construction, Anne Boner – “There’s not much chance of that.”
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