My Erasmus in Finland

This is now the end of my Finnish adventure and the end of my blog. I spent really good time in Finland and I am aware of the luck that I had! I already really want to leave towards new horizons But for the moment, it is time to go home  When I'm writting these words, I'm at my parentshome for 3 month thanks to or because of the coronavirus. 😖  In fact, our erasmus was supposed to last five months. At the beginning our return to France was planned for May 31st but the virus decided otherwise... Indeed, on Monday March 16th, our universti in Finland announced us that she was pregnant for an indeterminate period and that we couldn't go to Finland anymore. Moreover, the same evening, the total confinement was announced in France for an indeterminate period. That's why we returned with the other French people present in Kajaani in a hurry with one of the last planes. It is with regret that I write these lines because our departure was too hasty t

LOTS OF WALK IN THE FOREST   The campus of Kajaani is surrounded by the forest where we enjoy walking when the weather is fine! We love climbing up to the former Kajaani ski-jump because once we are up there we have a 360-degree view.              ICE FISHING During a friday afternoon, with 3 french exchange students, we went to the lake behind the campus to do some ice fishing. It was a pleasant and unforgettable experience even we didn't fish a fish.  Firstly we had to cut a hole in the ice to reach the water and then we just patiently waited for the fish to bite the hook. I must admit I did not catch many! The weather was bad, there were many wind, snow and it was very cold but it was a very experience and it's one of the things to do when we are in Finland.  NORTHERN LIGHTS Since our arrival in Finland, we had expected to see the northern lights. Despite the fact that we were in northern Finland, we were very lucky because we s

FINNISH CUSTOMS The Finns rarely start up a conversation with strangers, unless a particularly strong impulse prompts it.  They usually remain silent in the metro, the bus or the tram.  This is very different from the French habit of talking most of the time ! The Finns are also more reserved than the French. They never kiss each-other when they meet and always keep a certain distance. Alcoholic drinks are fairly expensive in Finland and their purchase by young people has been limited according to age. You must be 20 years old to buy strong alcohol. In Finland you cannot buy alcoholic drinks in supermarkets, except for beer or cider, but you must show your identity card to the cashier.  If you want to buy other alcoholic drinks, you have to go to a liquor store that is called "Alko". Conversely, it is possible to buy cigarettes in supermarkets. You will just be asked what kind of cigarette   at the cash-desk.    The Finns enjoy gambli

Here's a little presentation from the Finnish government and of the country's politics Indeed, it is very important to take an interest in the political system of the country you're spending several months in.                                             The Finnish Government The Finnish Government is the executive branch and cabinet of Finland, which directs the politics of Finland and is the main source of legislation proposed to the Parliament. The Government has collective ministerial responsibility and represents Finland in the Council of the European Union. In the incumbent Marin Cabinet, the Government comprises 19 ministers leading 12 ministries. Majority coalition governments have become the foundation of the Finnish Government; apart from a few historical exceptions, a Government is usually assembled by the representatives of two major parties and a number of smaller parties The Government is led by the Prime Minister, cons