Student Life in Seinäjoki: Masha’s Story as an International Student 

Nuori nainen katsoo kameraan. A young woman looks at the camera.

Hey there! I’m Mariia (or Masha for friends), a 19-year-old International Business student at SeAMK University, originally from St. Petersburg, Russia. When I first decided to move to Seinäjoki, I had no idea what to expect—just that I wanted something different from the chaotic, fast-paced life back home.   

Now, after almost two years here, I can confidently say: this small Finnish town has surprised me in ways I never imagined. Some things are absolutely magical. Others? Well… let’s just say there are adjustments. But overall? I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.   

The Shock of Finnish Nature: “Wait, Is This Real Life?” 

Back home, connecting with nature meant fighting for bench space in overcrowded parks. So, imagine my disbelief when, on my second day in Seinäjoki, I saw a wild hare hopping around near my student apartment like it was no big deal.   

Then came the pheasants. The freaking pheasants. I didn’t even know they existed outside of nature documentaries, but here they are, casually strolling around like they’re late for a business meeting. And don’t get me started on the squirrels—they’re everywhere, and they have no fear of humans.  

The air smells different here—clean and sharp, carrying scents of pine and fresh snow rather than exhaust fumes. During my first month, I’d catch myself randomly pausing just to breathe deeply, something I never did back in the urban jungle.   

Finnish Education: “Wait, Teachers Are Actually… Nice?” 

Okay, let’s talk about the real reason I’m here—studying. And wow, the Finnish education system is nothing like what I grew up with. Finnish education dismantled all my preconceptions about learning:  

1. No hierarchies—just respect 

Back home, teachers were authority figures. You didn’t question them. You didn’t joke with them. You definitely didn’t eat lunch with them. Here? My professors sit with students in the cafeteria, ask about our weekends, and listen when we have ideas. The first time a teacher said, “I don’t know—what do you think?” I nearly fell out of my chair.   

2. Learning by doing, not just memorizing 

In Russia, education = lectures + textbooks + exams. Here? We spend maybe 20% of time in traditional lectures—the rest is workshops, group projects, and field visits, discussions, and real-world problem-solving. In my International Business program, we don’t just read about marketing strategies—we create them. We analyze real companies, pitch ideas, and sometimes even work with local businesses. It’s challenging, but in the best way possible—I actually remember what I learn because I’ve used it.   

3. Freedom and responsibility  

Finnish universities treat you like an adult. No one micromanages you. If you skip class? Your problem. If you don’t do the work? You fail. At first, this was terrifying—no one chasing me with deadlines? But now? I love it. It forces me to take ownership of my learning. This trust comes with responsibility—I’ve seen classmates fail courses because they overestimated the system’s flexibility. 

The Reality of Small-Town Student Life 

The Good: 

  • The campus is amazing – SeAMK’s facilities are modern, cozy, and actually designed for students. From soundproof study pods to innovation labs with 3D printers, every space serves a purpose.   
  • International vibes – My classmates are from Nepal, Nigeria, Vietnam, Germany, Latin America and so on… Every day feels like a mini cultural exchange. We cook together (sharing meals where we compare Vietnamese pho to Finnish salmon soup), share stories, and sometimes end up in hilarious debates (like whether salmiakki is a candy or a punishment). 
  • Work-life balance – Finns get it. Studying is important, but so is free time. No one glorifies all-nighters here. I finally have mental space to develop hobbies beyond survival mode.  

The Bad (Let’s Be Honest):  

  • The silence can be… too silent – Coming from a city of 5 million, the quiet here is deafening. Some weekends, the streets are empty. If you thrive on constant buzz, you might feel a bit isolated.  
  • Finnish socializing = slow burn – Finns are warm once you get to know them, but making local friends takes time. They won’t small-talk you to death like Russians do. 
  • Winter darkness is no joke – November to February is brutal. The sun sets at 3 PM, and if you’re not careful, you’ll turn into a hermit. Vitamin D supplements are a must. 
  • I’m still adjusting to limited Sunday shopping and restaurants that close early. 

Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It? 

Absolutely. Seinäjoki isn’t for everyone—if you need big-city excitement 24/7, you might get restless. But if you want a quality education, a peaceful environment, and a chance to grow in ways you never expected? This place is golden.   

I came here for a degree. What I got was a whole new perspective on life. I no longer equate “exciting” with “hectic.” Success doesn’t require burnout. Community forms differently when people respect quiet as much as conversation.  

And hey, those pheasants outside my window? Still make me smile every morning.   

— Masha