Paramedics student Babakr Abrahim found his future in Finland: "I'm living my dream"

Babakr Abrahim, who is of Sudanese origin, came to Finland in 2021 and first lived in Lappeenranta, where he participated in integration programme. After this, he wanted to build his future in Finland on a sustainable foundation, which is why he applied to Tampere University of Applied Sciences' Preparatory Programme for Higher Education Studies for Immigrants (MAVA). The aim of the programme is to bring the students' language skills to the B2 level, which is required for studying in Finnish-language degree programmes. 

– MAVA education gives students the opportunity to study at a University of Applied Sciences. Education opens eyes to the future, Babakr Abrahim says. 

Integration is possible through language and culture

For Babakr Abrahim, the MAVA programme was first and foremost an introduction to the Finnish language and culture, but he found it useful that it also introduced the systems used when studying at Tampere University of Applied Sciences. The content of the programme also includes, for example, mathematics and English, practicing time management skills and self-management, as well as artificial intelligence skills. Education is intensive, and the studies take place mainly on campus.

– The songs of the programme have been particularly memorable. Music helps with learning, Abrahim says.

Tiina Miikkulainen, Senior Lecturer at TAMK, who heads the MAVA Programme, says that her teaching style is emotional, which promotes learning. She provides students with tips on how to develop their language in their free time, such as recommendations for easy-to-read books in Finnish. 

– The students are very motivated. The age distribution can be wide: some have previous higher education and, for example, 15 years of work experience, while on the other hand, there have been young people from Ukraine whose studies have been interrupted. The groups are multicultural, and there are students from all over the world, Miikkulainen says.

The programme gives immigrants time to think about what they could do in Finland. The aim is that after the programme, people would seamlessly apply for different types of higher education studies. 

– Now is a challenging time to find work in Finland. The Finnish language opens doors. If you want to stay in Finland, integration into society takes place strongly through language and culture, Miikkulainen emphasizes.

It is also important for students to be active in their own time, and according to Miikkulainen, Abrahim has excelled particularly well in this.

– My favourite place in Tampere is the main library Metso, which I visit almost every day. That's also where I've gotten to know Finnish culture, Abrahim says. 

– Babakr creates a lot of positive energy around him. He has spoken to the current students in a very inspiring way. He has talked about Eino Leino and CMX, for example, Miikkulainen says.

Paramedic studies provide a foundation for the future

Babakr Abrahim found the MAVA programme while searching for studying options online, and he wanted to move to Tampere in particular. Now he has lived in Tampere for about two years.

– I can say I am from Tampere.

The 33-year-old paramedic student has a background in chemical engineering studies in his home country, so he was already familiar with studying at a university. However, the MAVA programme gave an impetus in a new direction, as the programme introduced students to different fields of universities of applied sciences. The work of a paramedic immediately seemed fascinating. 

TAMK's student identity is also visible on the surface: Tiina Miikkulainen spotted Abrahim at a tram stop in the spring in pink student overalls when he was coming back from playing Mölkky with his fellow students. 

– I told Tiina that I am now living my dream, Abrahim says.

– The best reward for a teacher is to see that the student is moving forward in life, Miikkulainen says.

After the first year of graduate studies, Babakr Abrahim has 60 credits in his portfolio, and the second academic year is just about to begin. Studying has been demanding but rewarding. The first year already included two internships. However, studying in Finnish has not been that difficult, and Abrahim has made many Finnish fellow students.

He has a bright outlook on the future and is ready to move to different parts of Finland for work after graduation.

– If the job is in Lapland, I go to Lapland. 

However, he still wants to return to Tampere someday.

– I have gained peace of mind to build my own future. I always tell my friends that you are free to dream in Finland. You decide what you want. Finland and the Finnish people will help you achieve your goals, Abrahim says.