Pathway Study Hub Spring 2026 students with tutor Jichen Lu and a staff member from Edunation.
When I first stepped into the role of Study Hub Tutor for Spring 2026, I knew I’d be guiding students through their Pathway program. What I didn’t fully anticipate was how much they would, in turn, guide me to see Finland through fresh eyes, to rediscover the joy of a simple forest walk, and to be reminded that building a new life abroad is both incredibly brave and deeply rewarding.
The First Day
Our students arrived with a mix of uncertainty and excitement. Some had been in Finland for just two days; others landed the very morning of our first meeting. On January 19th, during Orientation Week, we gathered at Metropolia campus for the very first time. The morning started simply—coffee, tea, and a Finnish specialty: Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies). After a brief course introduction, we broke the ice with a creative activity: introducing ourselves using just three simple symbols. The drawings were remarkably imaginative, and in that small classroom, a community began to form.
Thinking Clearly When It Matters Most
We were thrilled to welcome Nishma Gautam, joining us virtually from Norway, to lead a session on critical thinking. As both a debate coach and a psychologist, Nishma brought a perspective that clicked with students immediately. She didn’t just teach them how to structure an argument; she helped them understand why they think the way they do.
Through the CREAM method (Claim, Reasoning, Evidence, Acknowledgement), students learned practical tools they could use right away. But what really stood out was how they connected these skills to what’s ahead: writing university essays, preparing for job interviews, and navigating workplace discussions where clear thinking can make all the difference.
One student told me afterwards, “I always thought critical thinking meant being negative. Now I get it—it’s about being clear.” That’s the kind of moment that reminds me of why this work matters.
An Honest Look at Job Opportunities in Finland
A few weeks earlier, we invited Ellen Nguyen to speak with students about navigating the Finnish job market. Ellen didn’t come with polished corporate talk—she came with her own story. From arriving as an international student, to working her way through, to becoming a Marketing & Event Coordinator and eventually self-employed, she’s lived what our students are just beginning.
She kept it real. She talked about why so many international students struggle, what she wishes she’d known earlier, and where to actually look for English-friendly jobs. She didn’t promise it would be easy—but she showed them it’s possible.
Students walked away with pages of notes and, more importantly, a renewed sense of hope. Sessions like this don’t just inform—they shift something. They make the future feel a little less abstract and a lot more achievable.
Discovering Helsinki, One Outing at a Time
Over the weeks that followed, we explored Helsinki together—each trip offering something new.
Helsinki Winter Garden & Töölönlahti
On a crisp January afternoon, with temperatures still around minus ten degrees, we visited the Helsinki Winter Garden. Despite the cold, everyone was enthusiastic and eager to soak up the winter sunshine. The Winter Garden is truly an ideal spot for relaxation during the dark months—a warm, cozy oasis filled with tropical plants. Students moved curiously from leaf to leaf, asking the names of each plant and discussing whether they could find similar ones back home. These small conversations deepened their mutual understanding. Afterward, we strolled along the shores of Töölönlahti Bay. Seeing Finns walking on the frozen lake, walking their dogs, and ice skating, our students couldn’t resist joining in—experiencing traditional Finnish winter activities firsthand.
Game Afternoon at Oodi Library
Another highlight was our visit to Oodi, one of Helsinki’s most beloved public libraries. We reserved the Game Room for two hours—completely free of charge. Oodi is far more than a place for reading; it’s a vibrant community space offering music studios, instrument rooms, chess tables, and gaming consoles. The Game Room was equipped with Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PlayStation, with professional staff on hand to offer guidance.
Students truly immersed themselves in the experience. It gave them a chance to unwind, socialize, and build new friendships in a fun, inclusive environment. Moments like these remind me how important it is to connect beyond the classroom.
Celebrating Lunar New Year at Kamppi Square
Last Friday, the Year of the Horse kicked off in the most vibrant way right in the heart of Helsinki. The 20th “Happy Chinese New Year” festival took over Kamppi Square, and our Study Hub students were there to experience it all.
Organized by the Finnish Chinese Federation, the square was transformed into a sea of red and gold—lanterns glowing, crowds buzzing, the air filled with drums and erhu. Dragon dances, folk music, and colorful performances drew cheers from the crowd. And the food? A feast for the senses. Students lined up—some for a very long time!—to grab steaming tanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers), juicy roujiamo (Chinese burgers), and other street food favourites. For many, it was their first taste of a real Chinese New Year celebration abroad.
Being far from home during the holidays isn’t always easy. But moments like this—surrounded by good food, music, and a community that cares—made it feel a little closer.
More Than a Tutor
Looking back, this spring has been about so much more than guiding students through a program. It’s been about watching them find their footing in a new country, ask thoughtful questions about tropical plants in a winter garden, laugh over video games at Oodi, and light up at the taste of familiar food on the other side of the world.
To every student who showed up—to a chilly walk, a gaming afternoon, or just a coffee chat—thank you. Your curiosity, courage, and openness made this spring unforgettable.
And to future Study Hub students: Finland will surprise you. Say yes to the frozen lake walk. Try the Karjalanpiirakka. Ask about the plants. The journey starts here.
About the writer: Jichen Lu was the Study Hub Tutor for Spring 2026 at Edunation.
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