The head full of sun…
First impressions of our 4 ambassadors back from Kuopio, Finland, through a few words: snow, hockey, skiing, skating, kindness, blond hair, cold…
In Finland, at this time of the year, there is a lot of snow, it’s cold and darkness falls early … but we discovered a different culture and way of life, very kind and welcoming people…
We were very well received in our respective families. We met some wonderful people, our hosts of course, but also students from other countries of the project.
The food here is not the same. We eat early and quite often! The houses are pretty cool and almost all have their own sauna that we were pleased to try.
On the working side
Each country presented its high school and region through a power-point.We voted for the logo that will symbolize the project for the next 2 years. We are very proud because this is one of the French logos that won … that of Kassandra, our classmate from 2SEN. We visited a photovoltaic installation.
Relaxation,
The program included a hockey game, sports, visiting a ski jumping site with breathtaking views of Kuopio and lake from the top and some shopping!
Language,
We really have to improve our English! In Finland, for example, course books are in Finnish and in English … This may explain why they are excellent in foreign languages.
Gregory, Alison, Brian and Raphael, you’re back from far north Europe: wasn’t the trip too long?
-Raphael: We had to take three flights to go to Finland: these flights were from Bordeaux to Paris / Paris to Helsinki / Helsinki to Kuopio. We arrived in Kuopio at 1 am, Finnish time, that is midnight in France.
What were your first impressions on your arrival in Kuopio?
-Raphael: Monday morning, the high school students sang for us before the presentations!
-Brian: What attracted me most in this country were this winter atmosphere, but mainly the mentality and confidence of people.
-Alison: Yes, it is very cold in Finland, and there is little sunshine. They have about 6 months of snow! And the days go slowly. But however, time went very fast during this week.
What other differences have you observed?
-Alison: In their culture, they often eat! And they are all blond!
–Brian: It is a country full of differences compared to our country, as the hour of lunch (11 am) and diner (4pm). Their way of life is different from ours, everyone helps each other and the houses are more modern than in France, each house has its own sauna! Certainly, Finland is rich, but it also has a great society in which everyone can make a living easily with a good school or social education, such as a seller, an electrician, a scientist or a teacher.
You have been hosted by Finnish families: how was this immersion in such a different culture?
-Raphael: Upon arrival at the airport, the families were waiting for us. They were very welcoming.
-Alison: Finns are very friendly and very sociable.
-Brian: Yes. I have become attached to many people and I already know that I may never see these people again, I met incredible people!
How was the meeting with all your European partners? How did you communicate with them?
–Raphael: On Monday we met with all nationalities, except Luxembourg who we had already met in the Helsinki-Kuopio flight.
-Grégory: We communicated in English and also with signs and gestures when we did not understand what we were told. Our level of English was not always satisfactory.
–Raphael: But with Brian Gregory we helped our correspondent with their French exercises …
On the working side, what activities have you participated?
–Raphael: On Monday afternoon we did various activities before presenting a slide show about our school.
On Wednesday afternoon we voted to select the logo.
On Thursday morning we visited a photovoltaic panels installation.
–Alison: We also built a solar system with balloons we had painted.
What can you tell us about the Finnish school system?
–Brian: The school system is more advanced than ours, all books are translated into Finnish and English!
–Alison: I was impressed by the course schedule and working methods: they finish school every day at noon, and the teachers are pretty cool …
–Grégory: They have a very good school system, it is a great school, students have a good mentality, they are very respectful.
What other activities have you undertaken during the week?
-Brian: We did activities that I will remember for a very long time. Finland is about snow, hockey, skiing, skating…
–Raphael: Yes, on Wednesday morning we went to a ski jump station, on Thursday night we went to an ice hockey game. On Friday we attended a prom in high school next door. And we also went to the bowling with the Turks and the Finns!
Tell us about the end of the journey: how did your week end?
-Brian: This week ended with a meal and a “goodbye” ceremony. It was so sad to leave such a beautiful country where we met exceptional people. We feel quite depressed today! But we came back to France with many happy memories. We left Finland and many people will be missed!
To conclude, what did you learn from this experience? What do you think of the Erasmus + program?
–Alison: On this trip to Finland, I discovered and learned many things, including their culture, their way of life, their food … I loved this trip, especially the different activities. I met wonderful people, including my correspondent but also the entire group that participated in ERASMUS +.
–Raphael: This trip allowed me to discover another culture, to better understand English and learn a bit of Finnish.
–Brian: I had the chance to visit such a beautiful country as Finland, and I want to come back or even stay there.
I think a lot of people would love to be in my place or my friends’ to be able to visit in this beautiful country,
with such an atmosphere and a landscape of peace. I say to myself that I will come back soon
for new adventures!
–Grégory: ERASMUS + is really a very interesting program: we meet fascinating people.
I kept in touch with the Finns. I would be ready to go again, and I really recommend this program
to all high school students!