"TAMK is optimal for making friends and work collaboration." - student ambassador story
How long have you been in Tampere and what brought you here originally?
This is my second year as an international student here in Tampere. I first learnt more about Finland when my brother started his Bachelor’s studies in International Business in Kouvola. In 2021, my mom and I got a chance to visit him once. Immediately, I felt like Finland is a country where I feel safe and want to live.
What TAMK degree do you study and why did you choose it?
Studying Media & Arts and Interactive Media in TAMK was an easy decision for me since I know my passion for arts from an early age.
The studies in TAMK definitely are what I've been looking for. There are several minors for me to choose as my preference and orientation.
In your opinion, what makes TAMK special?
In my experience, TAMK is a optimal place for people to get to know each other. It's not necessary only about making friends but also working, collaborating etc. Besides, TAMK has different side organizations and associations would make your journey at TAMK amazing.
How would you describe Tampere as a student city?
What I always tell people when they are planning to study abroad is that, if you only go abroad to study it wouldn't be worth it. For me, self-study would be even more efficient. But the experience of exploring new cities, new people, new culture, and everything new little things is invaluable. And Tampere is definitely an amazing city for students I would say. I got to know a wonderful lovely large group of friends that comes from different countries, but also Finland. People here have been so welcoming and kind to me.
Have you had memorable successes / epic failures in settling in Tampere? How did you overcome difficulties?
I would say that I haven't had any epic failures but an obstacle in the very early stage of settling in Tampere. It was a bit hard for me to really balance and integrate with people with different background knowledge. But in the end, what I really needed to do is just express exactly who I am, what I know, and don't be scared of putting myself out there. Apparently, now I gain more knowledge from others and also get to share mine.
To whom would you recommend Tampere as a place to study and why?
To study, I would say anyone with any desire to learn more, know more about everything, thrives for new experiences. TAMK is always open for students to get to know each other, and collaborate. As soon as you are ready, there would be nothing to stop you. Besides, I would recommend people to live in Tampere if they knew and vibe with the style of the city. People might have different paces of living so as soon as you could fit in with the pace of the city, and have a stable job, then why you wouldn't live in Tampere, which is a pretty, chill, and multicultural city?
Read more: TAMK Bachelor's Degree in Media and Arts
Photograph: Dimitra Panopoulou-Huovila