Japanese Ichiro Hondo and Kana Yamashita have now been studying in the University of Helsinki, Ichiro for two years and Kana for one year. They both have received a scholarship from Rotary Foundation to perform master’s degree in education. The Rotary club of Helsinki Munkkiniemi has served as the host for both. They are the first stipendiates ever in our district.
In the meeting for the change of rotary collar, we discussed how the life has been in Finland. How have we Finns treated the scholars, if they would come again or recommend Finland to others?
What about the weather?
It was easy to start with the weather. Both students considered the Finnish weather basically nice. They do not miss the hot and rainy summer at all.
What comes to November, Kana had lived in Finland earlier but for only half a year, and everything was rushed. This time, she became more aware of the hardship of the darkness. Ichiro does not appreciate the long winters either. Easy to agree with them.
What about the Finns then?
Both students felt fine with the Finns. They consider Finns as good people. They have felt welcome, not only in studies but also outside like museums. They thanked for the field trip in Lappeenranta region school and university.
Ichiro has liked everything. He thinks the Finns are less introvert than Japanese people. There is less noise, less people. The nature and lakes were loved. Ichiro had never seen animals like rabbits and squirrels in Japanese cities like here.
They see Finland invests a lot in students. It has been easy to get friends.
What about the negative things, in addition to the November weather?
There is, however, one major challenge above the others: the difficulty to find a job in Finland.
What about the Finnish food?
They smile. Well, they have lunch in the university canteens.
Which Japanese restaurants here do they prefer?
Murasaki is good but expensive. Katana Ramen and Sapporo are fine.
The visits have been supported by global grant scholarships
The global grant scholarships, submitted by the Rotary Club of Helsinki Munkkiniemi together with Rotary Districts 2640 (for Ichiro) and 2590 (for Kana), have been approved by The Rotary Foundation and the Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Rotary Foundation Japan. The participants join a distinguished group of Rotary scholars striving to make a difference in Basic Education and Literacy around the globe.
Text: Kaisu Annala, the Rotary Club of Helsinki Munkkiniemi
