Forests have always been part of Badar Khan’s life. Inspired by his family’s agricultural roots and his grandfather’s work in forestry, Badar decided to follow in his footsteps.
“I wanted to keep my bachelor’s studies aligned with forestry, especially considering my family background in agriculture. My grandfather was actually the first in our family to work in the forestry sector as a game inspector, and I think that inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Now, I'm proud to be the second and the only one currently studying and practicing forestry in our family,” Badar shares.
Choosing UEF was a well-considered decision. “While exploring good universities for forestry in Europe, I came across several options in different countries. However, choosing UEF was ultimately a collective decision made with input from my teachers and friends. The university’s strong academic reputation across Europe, along with the availability of scholarships, played a major role in finalizing my choice.”
For Badar, the Finnish forest has been the highlight of his studies. “It’s not just a natural resource, it’s deeply embedded in Finnish culture, music, daily life, and even cuisine. Finland is also a global leader in sustainable forest management, offering a variety of innovative solutions. Studying at UEF, with teachers who bring diverse knowledge and explain things so practically, has been truly mind-blowing for me.”
One of his most memorable moments was making his first international friends in class. “It was such an important experience for me, it made me feel part of a global community.”
For me, the best thing about Finland is definitely the nature, the purity and the deep respect for the environment that feels stronger here than in many other cultures.
Badar Khan
Student of Forestry
New friendships and new surroundings shaped life in Finland
Adjusting to life in Finland brought some challenges, but nothing he couldn’t overcome. “I wouldn’t really call it a challenge, but more of a personal adjustment. The new atmosphere with Finnish culture, the quietness, the longer dark nights, and the snow took some getting used to. I even struggled a bit with slipping on ice at first! The Finnish language was also a bit tricky in the beginning, but now I feel much more comfortable with it.”
Badar has grown to love Finland and Joensuu. “For me, the best thing about Finland is definitely the nature, the purity and the deep respect for the environment that feels stronger here than in many other cultures. I also really enjoy cultural highlights like the sauna, salmon soup, and karjalanpiirakka. As for Joensuu, I would say that UEF itself is the best part, offering a great learning environment and community.”
His advice to future students is clear: “Applying to UEF is definitely worth it. Get ready to step into a new learning environment deeply connected with nature. The university offers high-quality education, especially in forestry, with great teachers who combine theory with practical experience. Beyond academics, you’ll experience Finland’s incredible nature and meet people from all over the world, making your time both educational and personally enriching.”
Looking ahead, Badar plans to apply his knowledge to real-world challenges. “With all the knowledge I’ve gained, I plan to step into the world and tackle challenges by applying the sustainable forest management solutions I’ve learned. However, I’m still exploring my options and may choose to continue my studies to pursue a career in academia or research.”
