What a Semester in Finland Really Looks Like
A semester abroad is one of the defining experiences of the IMS programme. Vera Brune, IMS Master student at FH Münster, spent hers at the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences in Finland and came back with stories, insights and a perspective she did not expect to find.
When IMS Master student Vera Brune chose Finland for her semester abroad, she knew she wanted something different. What she found was more than just a change of scenery.
A Deliberate Choice
After completing her Bachelor's degree, Vera worked in key account management before joining the IMS Master at FH Münster to build on her experience and deepen her expertise. The integrated semester abroad was a key part of that plan. Having already spent time in Budapest during a previous exchange, she was intentional about her second experience abroad being something entirely different. "Budapest was more about city life and going out. For my second semester abroad I wanted something completely different," she explains. Finland offered exactly that: nature, calm and a slower pace of life far from the typical student cities.
A Community That Feels Like Family
Seinäjoki is a small city by most standards, and that turned out to be one of its greatest strengths. All international students live together, which means friendships form quickly and the atmosphere is close and personal. "It feels almost like a small family," Vera says. For anyone who has ever felt lost in a big city during an exchange, that kind of environment is worth its weight.
Studying in Finland
The academic structure at Seinäjoki differs from what IMS students are used to at FH Münster. Master's courses often take place on Fridays and Saturdays only, running all day, with some weeks off in between. The content felt familiar though, with group work and smaller assignments making up much of the workload. Vera describes the overall demands as slightly lighter than at home, while still keeping her busy enough to stay engaged.
An Unexpected Spotlight
One of the more surprising moments of her semester came early on, when a local newspaper reached out for an interview. Through her contact with the programme coordinator, Vera had been recommended as a voice for the international student experience. The article covered everything from cultural differences to settling into a new daily routine. Not quite the kind of thing most students put on their CV, but certainly a story worth telling.
Is Finland the Right Choice for You?
Vera would recommend a semester in Seinäjoki without hesitation, but with one honest caveat: it is best suited to people who genuinely enjoy nature and spending time outdoors. Hiking, outdoor activities and even barbecuing in temperatures well below zero are all part of the experience. The city itself is small and not particularly well connected, so having access to a car is a real advantage. Anyone looking for a big city experience would be better served by a different destination.
Her Advice for Future IMS Students
For students who still have their semester abroad ahead of them, Vera's message is simple and direct: take ownership of the experience. Do not wait for things to be arranged for you. The best moments come from being open, taking initiative and making the most of wherever you end up.
