Living through all four seasons for the first time

When Ayman Hawash from Egypt found out about the biochemistry master’s programme at the University of Oulu, he was immediately intrigued by the lecturers, research and the curriculum. “Then I read about Finland and that you can experience all four seasons here. That was impressive!”

“Even though we are studying online, we are all connected and planning small gatherings. I am looking forward to meeting everyone in person.”

He also likes the interaction with lecturers on the programme and is looking forward to doing more lab work as soon as teaching returns to campus.

Living in Finland is, of course, a new experience. “We just got the first snow. It looks nice, but I am still afraid to go outside,” Ayman laughs. But he is sure to get used to it soon and to discover more of the country. “I arrived at the train station in Helsinki, and I could feel that it is a big city with many people. It is always interesting to see the capitals of countries, so I want to go back there someday and see more of it.”

But first, Ayman is planning on exploring Oulu, his new home, where he is looking forward to the northern lights and the midnight sun. “It is an impressive feeling to live in a place where those phenomena are possible. It feels nice to be experiencing this new life in a new culture.”