With a background in health and medicine, Namrita Rai wanted to take the next step toward health research and management. Her journey led her to the University of Eastern Finland, where she is now completing her Master’s degree in Public Health.
“I already had a health and medicine background. This was the adjunct degree I needed to step into health research and management. I had heard a lot about the good work-life balance and self-paced studies at UEF, which really appealed to me,” Namrita says.
The programme offers flexibility and depth, allowing students to tailor their studies. “We are offered four tracks to choose from and a variety of courses. Each course is unique and teaches us how to tackle different types of research projects. We also have our thesis, which involves conducting our own research. All of these contribute to our practice of what has been taught, and we learn through implementation.”
I had heard a lot about the good work-life balance and self-paced studies at UEF, which really appealed to me
Namrita Rai
Student of Public Health
Life in Finland – highlights and challenges
Moving to Finland brought unforgettable experiences. “Ice skating on a frozen lake with the sunset in the background with my friends, it was surreal. Also, cross-country skiing in Lapland and watching the northern lights dance for the very first time.”
Adapting to life in Finland wasn’t without challenges. “It’s been difficult to adjust to the language, especially when things are only labeled in Finnish in grocery stores! I remember spending more than two hours at a time in grocery stores during my first few months here. Also, finding work in my field without fluent language skills has been challenging.”
Coming from large urban cities, Namrita found Kuopio to be the perfect environment for her studies. “Kuopio seemed like a small, slow-paced town, which is exactly what I needed. I love that there are a lot of lakes and nature, and one can slow down and focus on each day at a time.”
Her advice to future students? “ I think Finland spoils you, and it becomes hard to live anywhere else after.”
Namrita hopes to continue her academic journey in Finland: “I hope to get a PhD in Finland after I graduate.”
