Paula Väärälä & Elina Penttinen from Rovaniemi, Finland

Our Erasmus Experience Spring 2022

We decided to go to an Erasmus exchange on the first day we met in Lapland University of Applied Sciences as nursing students. It was clear for us already in the beginning that we want to go somewhere in Central-Europe. We were thinking about different alternatives and bouncing between Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovenia. Neither of us had visited Slovenia, but Paula had travelled through it by train and Elina’s brother had been as Erasmus student in Maribor few years earlier. So, we both already had an idea of how beautiful and diverse country Slovenia is.

We are both nature-loving persons, so Slovenia with its Alps, forests, seaside, and clear waters made a huge impact for us both. With great location to other countries, good infrastructure and cultural differences from Finland, Slovenia was the best option to go for an exchange.

University of Maribor and Lapland UAS are partner schools, so applying here was the most convenient. Maribor is almost the same size as our hometown Rovaniemi, so we really felt like home here. People, atmosphere, and the lively streets offered us a great taste of Slovenian culture.

Even though we could do only a 2-month traineeship here in Maribor, we were able to spend our time here efficiently. As it is small country, Slovenia has a lot to offer for everyone and you can see many different places in a short period of time. We made an incredible group of friends from our dormitory that we travelled with all around Slovenia during our stay since travelling here is super convenient!

Slovenian people are very friendly and curious, always ready to lend a helping hand. Everything went very smoothly with the Faculty of Health Sciences; they listened our wishes and arranged many learning opportunities in the Slovenian health care. It was interesting to notice resemblances and differences in the health care field between Finland and Slovenia. Making a traineeship abroad gives you new opportunities and perspectives to your work field and for developing your professional skills.

Our two months in Slovenia were the best experience we’ve ever had and fully exceeded our expectations.  We can wholeheartedly recommend visiting Slovenia and its many wonders. There are so many reasons for us to come back again!

See you in sLOVEnia!