Studying at TAMK was a life changing experience
How did you find out about TAMK and what made you choose it for your studies?
I was in my second year at the Bachelor program of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the Lithuanian University of Agriculture (nowadays called Aleksandras Stulginskis University) when the supervisor of Erasmus program suggested to go as an exchange student to TAMK, in Tampere. TAMK had a very good Environmental Engineering programme.
My idea was very different, I was thinking about Stockholm, I never heard about TAMK, nor about Tampere, however I chose to go for six months to study at TAMK. Life changing experience! I loved it there. The programme, the teachers, the students, the practical training, everything was so different and interesting. At spring time, I decided to become a full time student for the Bachelor Programme.
What did you like most about Tampere and Finland?
I was 20 years old when I went to Finland, it was my second trip abroad, so everything was still so new, so much to explore and learn. I still remember my first day in Tampere. I was impressed about the city life, so much to see, to do and at the same time nature is so near.
Everybody was doing sports and being active. People were friendly, more polite and positive. The peacefulness, positiveness, friendliness and taking life easier caught me. I also saw Tampere as a place with huge opportunities.
In what ways have your studies contributed to your professional and personal life?
As a foreigner, I needed more guidance on how to survive in Finland. I got fully guidance where I can further study, where I can work, how I can improve etc.
Furthermore, at TAMK I learned how to work in a team. We had some individual tasks, but also many assignments for the team or smaller groups. It taught me to find solutions to many different ideas, to reach deadlines, to learn how to solve arguments etc.
How has TAMK supported your needs as a student?
I studied in Lithuania, then in Finland and also in England (joint programme with TAMK). I can honestly say the best years of studies were in Tampere. I liked that we didn't need to just read books and constantly learn theories, but we had lots of practical work and practical training. We tried ourselves how everything worked. In that way, I learned how the tasks should be done. I could write a lot about my positive experience at TAMK. I was thinking even for myself if I could find any minuses or negative experiences from these studies, but I found none.
The best parts for me were the real practical work experience, the positiviness, the support and the amazing and professional teachers! I was constantly getting so much motivation and support from TAMK's teachers and staff. Amazing! I still remember our dean, Marjukka Dyer, who literally showed me the world. I keep as memories lots of wise words from her. Eeva-Liisa Viskari was always so professional and knew how to make students interested in the subjects. Great lessons! Kirsti Kallio has the most positive Finnish lessons for foreigners. I am sure every student remembers her. Renja Marita Yrjönen had interesting topics and knew how to get the best from the students.
What would you say to anyone considering studying at TAMK?
Definitely go for it! Great teachers, motivating and positive atmosphere, lots of opportunities and good quality programmes.
Read more about TAMK's Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental Engineering.