University of Oulu

Be sure to visit Eden spa--it's almost heaven on earth, especially with a big group of friends. The TV room in the red building is also a popular gathering place, especially when Southpark is on!

The buildings were well-located and included a sauna and laundry room. There was also a large gathering room (one room for four 8-floor buildings) with a TV and a kitchen. The only thing lacking was a small gathering room in each building--there were often people gathered on the stairs to chat, and that was rather uncomfortable and impersonal.

Finnish is the local language, but almost everyone (especially young people) speaks English very well--some better than native English speakers! There is always someone around able to translate for you if you run into someone who does not speak English.

Each student in the ISEP program was given a 2200mk stipend every month for food. That is much more than enough, so most students saved the money and used it to buy other

**Leave your inhibitions at customs! Finns are not modest about their bodies, a thing to remember in the saunas. **And try sauna! It's such a wonderful experience. **Get a host family. Opportunities are available at the beginning of the study period. **Take advantage of travel opportunities while you can (and be sure to stop by Tallinn, Estonia, for a few days). **Finns are quiet by nature, so they may be hard to get to know. Don't think that they are cold and rude if they don't say much. **Get ready for snow and cold weather! **Keep an open mind--about everything. **Fazer chocolate is amazing. **Be sure to see the Aurora Borealis (as if you could special-order it...). **HAVE FUN!! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it!