Day 1 - Monday, 25.09.2017

Larissa Becker: First day at Centria university - Monday, 25.09.2017

At the first day in Kokkola we met Jana Holm, Senior Lecturer Chemistry & Environmental Technology, in the lobby of Centria University. She gave us an introduction in how to write our learning diary. I was a bit skeptical in the beginning, because I have never done this before. However, this is a very common way how they grade the students in some lessons. Jana Holm said that you can learn a lot from writing and reading such a learning diary. She said also that we will get better during this week and we will be able to recognize this learning process. I think it is a good idea to try out such a new method and I am curious how it will develop the next days.

After a small coffee break we got an insight to the finish culture and society from Peter Finell, the International Relations Manager from Centria University. I already knew most of topics he talked about, because my grandparents live here in Finland (and I visit them nearly every year.) But nevertheless, I learned something new about the history of Finland and its relationship with Russia and the decision to be neutral. Peter Finell told us that it was a great step for Finland to join the European Union 1995 to show again the independence from Russia. In addition he mentioned that 1995 was a very great year for Finland because they beat Sweden at the icehockey world championship.

In the afternoon we went to GTK, Geological Survey of Finland. There we got an introduction into the use of geological resources from Samu Valpola. He told us a lot about peat and showed us that Finland has a big reservoir of it. After the presentation we had a short walk through the company.

At least we visited “Neristan” the old town of Kokkola. All in all I had a very nice day here and I am looking forward to the next days.

Sarah Neukam: First welcome at Centria university - Monday, 25.09.2017

 On Monday morning at 7:30 am we walked together to Centria University. After a warm welcome Jana Holm, senior Lecturer Chemistry & Environmental Technology, gave us a short introduction how to write a learning diary.

Learning diary:

For me it is the first time writing a learning diary, therefore I am a little bit skeptical about it. It is a new method for its own learning process and I am open-minded to try it. At the end of the week I will see if I got used to it and how it developed. I hope it is a good way to reflect the topics and its own thoughts.

Finnish society and culture:

After this introduction Peter Finell, International Relations Manager, introduced us to the Finnish society and culture. For me it was very interesting to get to know more about history, politics and the mentality of Finland.

 Finland has two main languages, Swedish and Finnish that are thought in every school. Besides a good social and healthcare system, the country is well-known for its good education and has consistently ranked high in the PISA study. Education is free of charge and nearly all jobs such as teacher are completely respected.

Peter Finell often repeated the quote “Neutrality is a value in itself” related to politics and liberal attitudes of Finnish people such as a fairly relaxed behaviour. I am very excited to get to know some Finnish people to learn more about their study, lifestyle and society.  

Geological Survey of Finland and old town Kokkola:

After a very good lunch at university we went to the “Geological Survey of Finland”, a center on assessment and sustainable use of geological resources. Samu Valpola, chief of Peat Resources, introduced us to the use of Peat. For me it was a very interesting topic because I have rarely heard something about the use of Peat but it was not that easy to follow due to less background information. Therefore I want to read more about this specific topic. At the end Samu gave us his contact address, so whenever we have questions about specific topics or for an internship, we have the opportunity to get in contact with him.

In the afternoon we went to the old town of Kokkola with nice coloured houses and enjoyed the rest of the sunny and warm day. ;)