Sheku Kamara, an international student originally from Sierra Leone has clear reasons for why he chose to study International Business at the University of Vaasa. "The University of Vaasa is a modern, international university with a diverse cultural background". He also found the high quality of education, the modern library at the university, the up-to-date IT facilities and the seaside location of the campus appealing when choosing a place to study.
Being truly pleased with his study place, Sheku Kamara states that the University of Vaasa is ideal for students who want to become professionals in the field of international business management. According to Sheku the University makes a perfect destination for students who want to excel and stay closer to nature and a peaceful environment while chasing their career goals and dreams. Also, Sheku is pleased with the good degree programmes that are organised and offered by the international departments and the Faculty of Business Studies, the great staff at the International Office, the wonderful lecturers as well as the perfect tranquility that surrounds the University campus. All of these create an inspiring study environment.
As regards studying, Sheku Kamara says that he has been able to carry out the programme as planned although the courses are sometimes demanding and challenging. He has worked hard and sometimes finds the tight schedule and the group works somewhat stressful and hectic. On the other hand, working in groups with people of different cultural backgrounds is, according to Sheku, very beneficial: "It is a learning process that prepares us for the challenges that we are going to face in our professional careers". Sheku Kamara thanks the library although he and his fellow students have sometimes found it difficult to get the necessary books for courses due to the small number of copies. The situation has, however, improved with the introduction of electronic books and journals.
The peacefulness, the security and the honesty existing in Finland and the calm nature of the Finnish people has surprised the Sierra Leonean the most. Coming from a country where people talk from dusk till dawn, it has been interesting to realise how different people can be around the world. According to Sheku, "Valuing the differences is the essence of synergy – the mental, the emotional, the psychological differences between people. And the key to cherishing those differences is to realise that all people see the world, not as it is, but as they are".
Sheku Kamara has made friends through playing football, and at the church he goes to on Sundays and is happy with his social life and studies at the University of Vaasa. To experience more, create social networks and make friends for life, one should not only attend happenings, but also self take an initiative in finding and organising activities.
