Interview: exchange students in our school

Interview by Sofia Lipponen & Mea Pulliainen

Was it your idea to come here or were you told where to go?

I:  It actually was my idea but my sister also proposed it to me. It was pretty mixed but it was always my first option.

V: In my case, my best friend spent last year in USA as a exchange student. I had three options where to go and my bestfriend said that I should go to Finland.

P: Education in Finland is very different from our country. In Taiwan we always just study so I wanted to see what is so special in Finland.

What was your first impression of Finland?

I: Trees. We don’t havemany trees and when we came from the airport by bus there was a lot of trees and lakes. Everyone was like ”wow”. Also everyone told us that Finns are not nice people and they are really shy but I disagree.

V: The people are very cold compared to the people in Chile because there people give kisses and hugs. Also the amount of trees suprised me as well.

P: I think most different is the education and the cold weather.

What do you like the most?

I: Food. I also like ryebread and Finnish chocolate.

V: The city. It’s really calm and safe. You can walk to a place, you don’t have to take a bus.

P: I like sauna.

Are you excited of winter and Finnish Christmas?

I: Yes, I have never had a white Christmas.

V: Yes, we have Christmas in summer so it’s very different. It’s going to be a new experience: Christmas with snow.

P: I’m very excited because I have never seen snow before.

What subjects you have in this period?

I: I have chemistry, math, sports, music and English.

V: I have Spanish, English, math, art and sports.

P: I have religion, English, music and geography.

Are you hoping to learn some Finnish while you are here?

I: Yes, that’s actually on reason why I came here. I already understand some things.

V: Yes and I think it’s easier to learn Finnish than Spanish.

P: I really want to learn Finnish while I’m here because now I can’t understand anything. However it’s very hard to learn it.

What are your expectations for your exchange year?

I: I came here without expectations but now that I’m here I really want to get to know people. The culture and the way they are. It will help me in the future to adapt in different kind of situations.

V: First I didn’t have any expectations but now I hope that I can meet a lot of people and make friends. I hope this year changes my life.

P: Of course I hope that I can make some friends but I also want to learn things about Finnish culture. I also hope that I will become more independent while I’m here because at home my mom usually takes care of everything.