Between Northern Lights and New Friendships: Our Adventure in Finland

 

Our recent trip to Finland, within the Erasmus+ programme, has been much more than just a stay in another country. It has been a transformative experience, full of learning, discoveries and moments that will stay with us forever.

From the very first moment, the warmth of the welcome at Opisto Kaukametsä school broke any cultural or linguistic barrier. The Finnish teachers and classmates welcomed us with open arms, ready to share their culture and way of life with us. We attended Finnish classes, where we learned in a fun way through music, and we also had the opportunity to share spaces with Spanish students, creating a truly enriching linguistic and cultural exchange.

But the experience was not only limited to the classroom. Finland gave us unique moments in its stunning natural environment. Walking through snowy forests, seeing frozen rivers and feeling the purity of the northern air were unforgettable experiences. In addition, we were lucky enough to fulfil dreams such as seeing the Northern Lights, participating in a husky safari and trying cross-country skiing, an activity that allowed us to further enjoy the vastness of Finnish nature and meet local people. One of the most incredible challenges we took on was ice swimming—an experience that pushed us out of our comfort zone but left us with an amazing feeling of achievement and renewal.

One of the most rewarding aspects was the human connection, not only with our Finnish hosts, but also with our fellow travellers. Through laughter, anecdotes and moments of shared amazement, we created bonds that will undoubtedly last a long time. In addition, this trip gave us the opportunity to practice English in a real-life context, improving our confidence and fluency in the language.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the entire Boadilla Language School for making this experience possible, and especially to Dana and Suni for their support and dedication. We also thank everyone who welcomed us in Finland for their generosity and warmth. We take with us not only academic learning, but also a new perspective on the world and a suitcase full of unforgettable memories.

This trip has been a window into a fascinating culture and a reminder that learning goes far beyond books. Thank you, Kajaani, for all that you have given us!

 

        Rubén Izquierdo, alumno de inglés y participante en la movilidad Erasmus.