Informaatioteknologiaa Nigeriasta Raaheen opiskelemaan tulleet Olabode Obe (vas./left), Ede Aghedo ja Anselm Ogbunugafor
Our experience in Finland has been a memorable one. We are Nigerians with intention of studying Information Technology. Finland was our first choice among other European Countries because of its high achievement in the IT field, also because of its climate and culture.

IT icons like Linus Torvalds who developed Linux were among the main reason why we chose Finland. Add to that, Nokia is a finnish company. This points that Finland is a knowledge driven economy.

It was a long and tiring journey (16 hours) from Nigeria to Helsinki. Arriving at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, we felt a chilling cool air brush our face as we stepped out from the plane. It was a different feeling from the hot moisture ladened air at Nigeria.

From there, we had to catch the train from Helsinki to Vihanti. It was our first experience boarding an Electric train. It was a nice one considering that was faster than a vehicle. Back in Nigeria, all we had were the good old locomotive train, that would take ages to arrive at its destination.

Getting to Raahe, where our school is located, the Student Union had organised a warm welcome party for us. There we were taken to the sauna which they said is their culture. It was the fist time we ever heard of sauna. In there it felt very warm. We were told that most important decisions in Finland were made in Saunas.

The week after, studies had started in earnest. We were introduced to our lecturers and we were awed by their wealth of experience given that all of them had at least 10 years experience in the IT industry before taking up lecturing. Apart of that the labs are all well equipped with the latest gadgets. Surely, we are in the right place. This was a sharp contrast from what we have in Nigeria.

Finally we had first hand relationship with the Finns. Though they are shy but very friendly and helpful and accomodating. Our stay in Finland is going to a wonderful experience.

Olabode Obe, Ede Aghedo ja Anselm Ogbunugafor
Nigeria

Olabode Oben kotikaupunki Nigeriassa on Lagos, Ede Aghoden Benin City ja Anselm Ogbunugaforin Port Harcourt.