Catalina Asandei, a Master’s degree student in International Business, from Romania, has always been interested in differences between cultures and in the effects that multiculturalism has on the ways business is or should be conducted. The programme offered by the University of Vaasa seemed to suit her areas of interest the best and so far she has been happy with the choice of becoming a student at the University of Vaasa.
Catalina praises the staff and the facilities. She has had the chance to work with both Finnish and foreign professionals and exploit the wide range of resources at the library. Even though Catalina made some changes in the original choice of courses, she has succeeded to carry out the studies of the degree according to her plans. In her opinion, courses are quite well organised, although overlapping of some of the optional courses has sometimes made Catalina reorganise her schedule.
The strictness of professors and the amount of work required varies, but all professors are helpful and give good guidelines and advice. Catalina thanks the library: "You can find almost everything in there and the online database for books and journals saves us a lot of time". Many articles essential for projects can be easily found.
When asked about the things that surprised her the most in Finland, Catalina mentions the people and the climate. Her experience is that people are rather quiet and can keep their distance, but once you get to become close with a Finn, you will have a friend for life. The winter is cold and very dark but you survive knowing that there is a beautiful Finnish summer ahead of you, thinks Catalina.
For future students Catalina tells that there is a lot of information on Finland, Vaasa, and the University worth examining in the internet. She also advices to be active when it comes to social activities. There are, for example, many student organisations and clubs which arrange several activities for students. "Enjoy yourself and don’t keep it to yourself if any problems occur. There will always be someone to help you, and a solution can be found" states Catalina.
