Iina from the University of Eastern Finland in our interview about her exchange semester at the University of Klagenfurt
Iina Penttinen comes from Finland and studies geography at the University of Eastern Finland. She spent her Erasmus+ mobility at the University of Klagenfurt in the summer semester 2022 and also took part in the incoming student exchange ambassador initiative. In this interview she shares her experience from Klagenfurt and why she would recommend spending a semester at AAU to prospective incoming exchange students.
Tell us something about yourself, where do you come from, what is your home university and what do you study there?
I am Iina and I am an Erasmus+ exchange student here in Klagenfurt. I come from Finland and there I study at University of Eastern Finland. I am studying geography and in the future, I will become a teacher. I enjoy little things in life, watching sunsets, meeting friends, being in nature and my time in Klagenfurt has offered me a lot of these things.
Why did you decide to spend an exchange period in Klagenfurt?
I chose the University of Klagenfurt because I wanted to study at a university that can offer me German language courses to improve my German language skills but still offer me courses in geography in English. University of Klagenfurt had a great German language course and great range of different interesting courses in geography. Also, I noticed that Klagenfurt as a city is beautiful – surrounded with mountains and the Wörthersee.
From an academic and personal perspective, in what ways did you benefit from taking part in a mobility programme at AAU?
I have gotten a lot of benefits from the mobility programme. If I first focus just on my personal growth, I can say I have gotten so much more confidence here. First, I was nervous about meeting new people and speaking foreign languages but now I am not nervous even if I am speaking German. And for a beginner German speaker that is a lot to say.
Here at AAU also my geography courses offered me a chance to learn my field of science in a more practical way. I attended excursion where we worked in field, and I have not done that previously. Returning home, I will have a lot more knowledge and practical skills which I am very happy about.
Has your view of the world changed through your mobility period in Austria? If yes, how?
I would say yes, for sure my view of the world has developed during my mobility period in Austria, specially my view of both nature and cultures. Austria has such a special nature and here I have learned to appreciate nature even more. The pure environment of the mountains and the crystal-clear lakes really makes me think that I want to project the pure nature and keep it the same way also in the future.
Also, meeting people from all around the world has opened my eyes even more for different cultures. Every culture has its own beauty and own habits and traditions. But also it has been nice to notice that it does not matter from what culture you come from, people still get along and appreciate each other.
Would you recommend spending a semester at AAU to other prospective incoming students? Can you tell us why?
I would definitely recommend spending a semester here at AAU. The university community feels very communal and welcoming and from my perspective it is easy to find your own place of the community here. Also, the city of Klagenfurt has a lot to offer – if you want to go enjoy the nature that is more than possible but also enjoying city life works out here. AAU can also offer you opportunity to develop your German language skills if that is something you are interested in. That is a really huge bonus and I would recommend everyone to attend the German language courses!
Word Rap:
My first day at the University of Klagenfurt in 3 words… exciting, international and joyful
Being an incoming exchange student ambassador in 3 words… inspirational, fun and creative
When in Klagenfurt you should not miss these 3 things… Wörthersee, Goethe Park and mountains
The best 3 things about AAU are… atmosphere, community and courses
My studies abroad in 3 words: unforgettable happy months
