Would you choose Finland or Belgium for international studies?
I am seriously thinking of going either to Finland or Belgium (months January to June) as an international student, but I have a huge dilemma as to which place is better. What do you think ? I hear that Finland is a beautiful area, the people are nice but quiet, the education system is the best in the world, and in spring the weather is great. (unlike the winter). On the other hand, I heard that Belgium is the heart of Europe, you can travel anywhere, the people are very friendly, and it's a beautiful medieval city. Shall I choose Finland for its better university, or Belgium for the people and travels? Does it matter to job employers where I studied? Are the Finnish generally shy or do they open up as they get to know you? I prefer an urban area than the city, and peacefulness, and also I want to find friends. Which place is better for a student life ? Please help,I only have a few days to make this decision, and it's driving me crazy!! I would greatly appreciate it!! Thanks!!
Studying Abroad - 9 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
my friend is in belgium and said it has been the best experience but if finland has the best college and the people are nice you've nothing to lose whereas you can always go travelling around europe another time afer college good luck x
2 :
For International studies - chose Belgium. Brussels is the capital of European Union.
3 :
I would choose brussels, or even Antwerp,Belgium because i have been over there and there is so much architecture stuff to do and see. There is so much you could write on or study. Its very peaceful, and its very laid back, but isn't a small town. Antwer is the diamond capitol of the world.
4 :
I've been in Belgium before, it's beautiful and you will have the opportunity to learn french and eat fries, but I think that you should think on what you really want... if you are studying aboard just because you want to travel, go to Belgium and you will have the opportunity to travel around Europe but if you are studying aboard for you studies, you should think on which is the best school for you, and which one gives you more advantages and probably Finland will be the right one, but who knows just because it is said that the educational system is the best in that country doesn't mean that there are no good schools in Belgium, compare both schools so you can realize which is the right for you... Good luck and have fun in Europe!
5 :
I'd have to go with Belgium, although Finland is beautifull it lacks international appeal. Belgium is host to several international companies as well as NATO. Several othe countries (and capitals) are within driving distance (3 hours) which adds to your experience. Also, Belgium is tri-lingual so you might learn another language as you go along. Weather can be awfull in Belgium with lots of rain but this shouldn't stop you from picking Belgium.
6 :
Which school level that you are? And are you going for learning or tourism wise?
7 :
Well, I might be a bit biased as I'm Finnish.. Anyways, you're absolutely right, Finland does have a great educational system and the universities and schools are one of the best in the world. In addition, education in Finland is not very expensive. About Finnish people.. Many people think Finnish people are shy, quiet and don't talk much.. well, that might be the case at first. We may be a bit shy when we are just getting to know new people, but eventually we become open and talkative and all that. And generally, Finnish people are really nice, kind and speak good English. And I don't know where in Finland you'd like to study, but especially if you're planning to stay in Helsinki, there is quite a lot of stuff to do. As you said, spring time is beautiful in Finland and so is summer, when people of Finland are the happiest and most open. Winters are dark, though but you get used to it. : ) I warmly recommend you to come to Finland..: )
8 :
I think you would be helped if you would clarify your goals a little. What are you actually going to study? what kind of interests do you have for your free time? what kind of hobbies? what do you plan to work with after you graduate? if you look into linguistics or telecommunication or education Finland would be good to study in-other areas are not bad either, but these are quite good, likewise public health. If you are into economics, history, international law or organizations Belgium might be better. If you are into outdoors, music in your spare time , Finland is great.Arts and cultural history -then maybe Belgium. Students are friendly anywhere. In Finland they pretty much say what they mean -or nothing.In Belgium you will have easy small talk but hard to find what people actually think. For langauges, if you are American who has not studied any foreign language before 15 years of age you will find learning any new language hard work, if you are not supergifted linguistically. French and Flamish (=Dutch) are much closer to English than Finnish or Swedish, so they might be easier if English is your mother tongue.In Brussels you find humility in French usage which makes it more approachable -unlike in France -. BUt -you can study in English in both places and all young Finns speak Englsih, all Belgians , particularly the French speaking, do not. There are many more foreigners in Belgium than in Finland but we are bilingual with lots of Russian influence. Estonia and St. Petersburg and Stockholm are not that far. Sometimes 2 hours train travel in Finland will get you further than 1 hour in Belgium -because Belgium is so densely populated that there is a big city every 20 minutes -just as an example. These are just some thoughts, as you are not very clear. You could clarify your thoughts and take a phonecall to helsinki University Student Information after you have looked at the website where you will find the phone numbers -Finland is 7 hours ahead of eastern standard time, Belgium 6 hours- : http://www.helsinki.fi/studying/international_student_services.shtml just going helsinki.fi and clicking on the English you will find a lot -or just typing in studying in Finland. so clarify your goals -and welcome to Europe!!
9 :
ok.. i have friends both in Finland and Belgium. NOw, i dont know who's told you that Finland has the best educational system - from what i know it is Belgium whose degrees are worldwide recognized. Anyway, when it comes to this, it is ur decision. What i can say is that Finnish people are very cold, they dont talk to you unless you start a conversation and they can be quite rude sometimes - but only coz it is their way of being. I t is us who see them as rude. On the other hand, Belgium is like u said closer to other interesting countries. you can travel fairly cheap to Paris, for eg - i payed around 100 euros for a weekend in Paris from Belgium. People are more open than the Finnish and their language is more understandable (Finnish is very stincky language - u dont understand anything of it!!!!!!!!!) So, i would reccomend Belgium.
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