On 20th May we had an interview in Zoom with our Pathway to Finland -student Maya (Emayak Uko) who has applied to Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) to study International Business. Here is her experience with the Pathway to Finland -program.
Q: HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PATHWAY PROGRAM BEEN SO FAR?
“I have been really enjoying the Pathway program.
Starting from the process at the beginning, at first, I was looking for something to do in Finland, and it took me a while for researching. All of a sudden, I found out about Edunation. I had no idea what it was all about so I had to ask questions about it from Edunation’s coordinators.
We were talking about what the program is about and about getting to progress to the university; you have to take this program, just for 3 months, and it prepares you for progressing into the university.
This is my first time with online Pathway courses. It has been amazing; I love the learning process, the Finnish system of learning and that I will be able to get to the university where I’m about to study my degree. It’s been a wonderful journey, I’ve met people from all around the world – from Asia and Europe – I’ve been able to share my experience and knowledge with them. This program has helped preparing me for the degree, to study in university in the future.”
Q: WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO FINLAND?
“I chose to come to Finland because of high-ranking universities, and also because they have manageable system on supporting students and families. And also because the education and healthcare is top-notch.”
Q: DO YOU FIND THE SUBJECTS IN THE PATHWAY PROGRAM HELPFUL TO YOUR FUTURE DEGREE?
“Yes, I find the courses very helpful. I’ve never taken an online course before, this is my first time taking Pathway courses. At the moment, I’m taking the courses in business, mathematics, English… I believe these courses will help me improve academically and prepare me for my degree that I will take in the future, in the university I will progress to.”
Q: WHAT WAS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE PROGRAM IN YOUR EXPERIENCE?
“I have several points, but I’ll just pick a few. In my experience, the availability of the materials because when I joined the pathway course I was wondering how we are going to get the materials to study this course, how this is going to work.
The teachers let us know they would post the materials, so if you have problems with your course work or your assignment you can look back at the materials. It makes it easier for us. And also the tutors are easily accessible, like if there is something you need to clarify you can easily reach out to them and ask questions about things you don’t understand.
Another thing is the learning experience; the way the teachers interact with us in class and even after the classes – I’ve never experienced that kind of thing before. Here in Africa, lectures are very one-sided and the teachers just talk and talk and that’s it, but here it’s so different.
Also, I have been able to share my experiences and knowledge with all the students I have met. Wonderful experience.”
“The way the teachers interact with us in class and even after the classes – I’ve never experienced that kind of thing before. -Maya
Q: HAVE YOU HAD any DIFFICULTIES DURING THE PATHWAY PROGRAM?
“Yes, I have had challenges, especially when it comes to time management because currently I’m an entrepreneur, I have a job and study online. I need to balance time between my work, my schedule and studying online. So time management was the only thing that was challenging but now it’s okay.”
Q: WHAT RATING WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE PATHWAY PROGRAM? (1 BEING THE LOWEST AND 5 BEING THE HIGHEST)
“I would give 5 because I have learned a lot and enjoyed the program. I’ve been able to share my experiences and also learn from others from around the world and improve myself academically. And, like I said before, I’ve never taken an online course before so this was helpful, to improve myself academically.
At the time I will get to the university in the future, I will be able to apply these things, these techniques, these skills I’ve acquired from these Pathway courses, into my university studies. I’ve really learned a lot and I’m happy.”
“I’ve been able to share my experiences and also learn from others from around the world and improve myself academically” – Maya
After the program, Maya will start studying in Finland at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK).
If you want to read more about the Pathway to Finland -program, visit here.
If you’re interested to study in Finland, feel free to book a counselling session with us or apply now.
