Greetings back to my old uni

It has been a while again. I wanted to take a little break on writing because I wanted to return my first real University assessment and get feedback for it so that I can tell how the University in here differs from back home. Word of warning: consists boring comparison of different education systems.

First of all for all to know, in Finland I went to a Polytechnic (University of applied sciences, Ammattikorkeakoulu) not to a University. The polytechnics are usually considered not as good as Universities. The stereotype of a student who graduates from them is usually a half ass student who just wanted to get a certificate of some kind and get on with the work life. And in most cases it is true. They are really easy to get through. Polytechnic graduates are not assumed to become the big CEO:s or directors.

All in all, polytechnic students do not read as much as University students but spent much more time doing things in real life. We DID marketing campaigns. We DID plan marketing strategies. We DID arrange events for REAL people.

We did not study theories by heart. We did not read academical articles. We did not shut up and listen to the teachers. (yes, they were not professors)

The University is then thing to do in Finland. It is considered to be the only way if you want to become a leader of Nokia or something similar. Employers prefer University students.

The students in University seem to read a lot more and study books and cases. Everything relates to theories, maps and things that have been already been made before. When they graduate they are full of information.

So off course I had doubts about my performance in a real University. It indeed was my first time here when I read an academical article.

But I m feeling confident now. We received feedback from my first assignment and did not fail. We got a good grade. Now we have a base line and we know what to do better next time. Small tweaks.

I have found out that all the European Universities seem to teach the same way which causes difficulties for visiting students in here. They have got used to the scheme of teaching-exam-done.

Also what I found staggering was that none of the Masters or Marketing students (except 4) had never heard of TED.com, Springwise or Gruen Transfer. Internet sources that consist marketing themes of today. These were introduced to us in a Polytechnic on day one.

Here, we have been faced with several assignments and presentations. Not only we need to use theories but also to think for ourselves. The first thing that the professors said here was: "think for yourselves. You have not come here to copy paragraphs and theories in your head. You have come here to learn. Get involved. Ask. Question. "

Just to back up the next things, I have to say that I was terrified when all the Uni students from Finland said that in Australia you need to study really hard. And so did say all the students in here as well.

But for me this sort of work load usual. Or actually unusually small. We have just 2-3 assignments per course and 4 courses per semester(1/2 year). Assignments are around 5-10 pages and because of constant referring it fills up pretty easily. So we do have less assignments but I use more time on each one than ever before. But still......

...I talked with my fellow student (who is also from a polytechnic) that we have never had this much free time. I remember spending somewhere 40-70h of my time on just one course assignment. Most of it was filming, but a lot of it was also creative work. We had 4 semesters and I remember having 7 courses in one semester, all with those 2-3 assignments.

I remember getting two 10 page assignments of similar topics as now.

So all I need to do now is to tweak my uni work by adding a few more references and sound a bit more academic. This University is a mixture of a Polytechnic and a University. We do use theories and refer to academical articles. But we also comment on a teachers blog, brand new products in a group and present our own ideas.

I love it and I already hope I could study longer.

Ps. No offense to anyone, in here or back home.

Ps2. I love my Uni peeps!

Uni!

My birthday was awesome! The day before that we went to Brisbane for a night out. Me and Janne didnt know that we needed to dress up for bar, and felt a bit weird wearing shirts with buttons and collars. Robs sister took care of us in Cloudland club and served the best drinks I ve ever had. The next day we woke up at 7 am and started to drive back to GC. We celebrated my birthday that night and went out in Beer Garden. So fun.

I started Uni this week. We had a 3 hour welcome class where lifesaver Scott, University Mates, Student Guild and many other people said hello and told us about uni, life in aus and so on.

Tuesday we had nothing, so we went to Byron Bay. It was again so, so beautiful. We checked out the lighthouse and the shops in the town. At the end of the day we went for a swim in Wategos beach. There were perfect waves and so many surfers! When the sun settling the scenery became even prettier. I decided that my new goal is to own a house there, prices are above 5 mil but that isnt too bad ay?

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-byron+bay-106581439

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-byron+bay-106425809

Wednesday we had a "get together"-class but me and janne got kicked out, because there were too many people. In the evening me, janne, jaana and elli made a massive salad and watched "Steam of life". Girls went to bed and boys continued spotting Hannel(Hannelelepakko=Bat)e and talking about life in general. Thursday we would have had a class about renting/finding a job, but we decided to call it a day off and went to the beach. In the evening me and Janne made our speciality, Zucchini lasagne with 1kg of mince meat! The girls were stuffed so the boys finished the rest..and almost died.

This friday we had "I-connect" a get together sort of thing. I made lots of new friends and fell in love with Norwegian girls. I met some cool people from France and Canada.

The Friday night was so awesome. A Frenchman Alfred came to our place and we headed out and picked up some of Alfreds friends from an irish pub and went to Beer Garden.

The rest is history: 7 jäger bombs of which 2 were in a row. Snowy (coolest australian guy) was of the hook and we danced the night away.

Next week is orientation week for all students. There will be a beach theme party on Friday and Janne dares me to wear a grass skirt with him. Hhahah!

Video of my time in Sydney+more! http://vimeo.com/19740511

First month!

One month has passed and tomorrow I will be celebrating my 24^th birthday here on the sunny Gold Coast. The past month has been a hectic, although the pictures in facebook might tell a different story. Building a new life in a new country with new customs is quite an experience.

Yesterday I moved to new apartment, right next to the center of Surfers Paradise. The apartment is a small with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath . It is on the second floor and overlooks the small pool on the yard. I m happy with my choice, and I hope Janne will be too.

Last week I was in Sydney. It is an awesome city. Only thing that I dislike is its size. Since every aussie wants their own house, it takes a lot of space to fit couple million people in one space. Ever heard of apartment buildings? Hehe. I don’t really mind.

Logan was awesome company and so kind for letting us stay at his parents house. And btw they are the nicest parents on earth. Thank you so much!

Logan took us out with the canoeing, wakeboarding, swimming, and surfing. The list goes on and on. We spent just one day in the city, which is a good thing imo. Now I have a “reason” to go back!

I spent the Australia day on Monavale beach and it was one of the funnest days in Australia. A true chill out day. We drank beer and had a bbq. Went surfing every now and then. Got stung by a bluebottle. And got hammered by a “big” wave. But I still wanna go surfing! Logan got burned so badly that day.

I cannot wait for next Tuesday when Janne, my room mate comes here. He has never been to Australia and I reckon we will have an awesome time together! He knows some of my friends too and knowing his personality it wont take long he finds new friends here. I cannot wait to talk shit with janne, just like in NYC. And no one will understand because we speak finnish!!

Next week is my last week before uni. My next week challenge is to get the internet and a surf board. Then I m all good to go! And maybe roof racks for surf boards..And an air con..

Video coming soon!

I m alive!

Here I m at the sunny Gold Coast of Australia. And it is pouring with rain. It has been raining for the past 5 days. Brisbane got 300ml of water yesterday and you know it is a lot. I just had a look at the news last night and now they say that even Brisbane will be in trouble in a couple of days if the water keeps on coming. And that is only 80 km up from here.

Well at least I live on the coast and the tide should work the water out somehow..

When I arrived it was hot and sunny. Sam and Yolly came to pick me up from the airport and I truly got a warm welcome. The traffic was slow and jammed so it took 2h to get back to Surfers Paradise. First we went for a sushi right next to the good old Pac fair shopping centre.

As soon as we got back to sams and robs pad in Miami we hit the pool as see in the picture above. The view from the pool is amazing. These views only take place in in holiday brochures or…. dodgy adult films, hhah!

The next day was new years oh yes it was a good one. We chilled out at home and had a few beers and then we hit the Envy club in broadbeach. Eventually I lost everyone at some point of the night and decided that it was a good idea to start walking home. Somehow I managed to find sam in traffic lights somewhere in broadie and then catch a taxi back home. The next day Rob went to work and was sent back home because he was too drunk. Hahah Gotta respect that!

So that day we just chilled out because on Sunday we were going to hit the Summa Field Days festival. The festival was packed and really hot. Me and Sam got hold of a good old vodka and hit the dance floor. Eventually a true blue aussie came and robbed the dance floor with a couple of amazing moves. (check out the video)

I headed back home after waiting for 2h for the best burger in my life. I was so hungry!

The next week was a bit blurry. Cant really remember anything. First it was hot and then rainy. On Friday I got the honor to join robs family party in murbs. I gotta say that it is a pity that we finns cannot have parties like that. All family members are there and there is non of that bullshit that we have back home. Everyone is open and honest, and no one pretends to be anything they are not. Like you don’t need to be and look formal to show that you are doing well. I loved it and I wish my family be like that at some point.

Before the party me and rob had the best afternoon on his mums backyard. We just had a few beers and talked shit. No worries!

The next day I went to hilarys house and later in the evening we hit the Coolangatta hotel bar/club. I had been there 4 years ago and I must say it is still the same. A local tresi!

The night was short and we got home just after 1,5h of dancing.

Ok, Monday=I had a haircut and that’s it!

Now it is Tuesday and I inspected the first apartment where me and Janne could live in. It was alright except the sofa was disgusting and the house didn’t look very nice. But the inside was good! Then I guy from Robina Holden dealer called me and he is going to pick me up soon for a test drive! Here I come 322bhp! Then I m going to inspect another house in the afternoon. That is right on the beach but is only partly furnished..

That’s it for this time! Comment if you like!

Ville in Aus 1 www.vimeo.com/18945223

Leaving snow, heading for sun!

Ok, this is it then.

18h 33min until my plane leaves. Within the past week I have been snowboarding, been to sauna three times and have had a few beers with good old locals. I have also crocheted so much, more than 10 beanies and 3 body suits for babies.

Everyones first question has been "Are you excited" and I have always said "no". I dont know but I just dont feel any different. Maybe the excitement makes me quiet and humble? I was very excited in summer, because I could froth on all the things in aus. But please dont get me wrong, I wont be missing Fin for a long time and I do want to go!

But I m not frothing. I feel going on a long holiday, maybe I ll realize it when I m there. Or not. Maybe I dont realize it since I ve got so many good friends there and they will keep my mind busy.

I just thought of this year and damn it has had some weird coincidences.

1. I was in NYC and I walked into a metro. "Ville!". WTF there was a girl who I used to teach how to snowboard. Seriously weird!

2. I sold my car for a very good price. This happened on monday morning 2 weeks ago. I left work the same day and someone had wrecked my car. How bad luck is that?? Luckily the buyer was still interested and is going to buy it this week...from my father.

3. Last week I went to see a family who have been our friends forever. There was an aussie girl who was in fin for a 2 week exchange. I asked her where she was from. "Murwillumbah" "aahh Murbah!" "How do you know to call it Murbah?". Murbah is the same village where 3 of my friends are from!

Then I found out that she knows my friends aunt. Weird???

Now you are thinking what the hell has the picture to do with any of this text. Nothing. Just wanted you to see how much snow we have. Helsinki has more snow than lapland. Over 70cm in the center. Think about driving there...

The picture is telling you what I m leaving behind. This video tells it as well http://vimeo.com/18232878

13 months gone, 1 to go!

This is what I have been facing every morning: more, and more snow!!!

This November has been one of the snowiest ones I can remember. In the beginning of it we had no snow, but then just a week later we got two massive snow falls. Since then we have had a little snow fall almost every night so every time I leave to work I need to spend 5 minutes clearing the car and digging a path for it from the parking lot!

I havent been snowboarding yet, but I will definitely go next week! Maybe some Gopro material coming up?

I have been super busy with work, which of course is good. The days have been flying past..

I have also started to get lots of beanie orders and done a few movies for companies. I have also been making some clips for Spotdealers.

Videography, one of my all time loves, has become a bigger part of my life and I m loving it.

Tomorrow is a big day: tomorrow I have exactly one month left. Then I m going to leave Finland! It is amazing how fast the time has gone. I decided to come to Australia around 13 months ago and I have managed to keep the dream alive for so long. I have been offered jobs and new challenges but I have kept my word. This is what I have always wanted!

Next week sounds exciting! Normal week at spotdealers (picture) and a marketing lecture at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Only 3 weeks of work left.. even though I m not waiting for it. I like my job a lot. And my work mates have already started to feel bad for me leaving. So nice of them! So nice to hear that I m needed there.

This year I have been literally frothing on aussie houses and cars. I know it has been pointless because they will change many times before I even get there. But now it is the time when I can really start looking at the options. Even though the Euro goes down like a shit in the toilet (thanks greece, ireland, spain), the house rents are still so low!

House 1

828€/month, 414€ per head

House 2

756€/month, 378€ per head

In Finland you couldnt even fart in to the direction of a beach with this price. Aparment for 2 people with ocean views, pool, the lot would set you back at least 1600€.

And the cars.....my passion! Hopefully I can sell my car soon, because I could use just the half of the money for something really Australian: Ute!

Seriously, A 2004 Holden pick up for 5 people with 144 000km on the clock and a Corvette V8 under the bonnet with the half of the price of my Audi. Or a "reasonable" sedan for 12000-13000€.

Thats all for this time. Next time I ll show you a small video of the apartment where I used to live in. It was taken when I was moving and shows how much crap you can gather in 3 years!

A thing I wont be missing

Finnish way of thinking - I will not be missing it when I move to aus. I m so fed up with the finnish mentality that it is driving me crazy! You aussies may have the same syndrome but no no no, we finns are on a different level, on our own planet! Aussies call it tall-poppy syndrome, we call it being a normal finn.

I dont even know where to start!? Ok, I ll start from my own childhood. When I grew up I had no idea where our family was situated in this society, which is really good. All I remember was that we had a crappy Renault that broke down more usually than it rains in Seattle. Or Norway.

I remember we had a nice yard where I could play safely with my friends. I remember playing hide and seek, finnish baseball and many other games that required space. We all had fun and no regrets.

As we grew up, I dont know what happened. Kids at school started to use our yard and house size as an argument in fights. (rich bitch) and so on. I hated it, all in all what could I do about it? Burn the house down? And I still remember the moment we bough our first Audi from Germany. Our neighbor stopped saying hello.

This is very normal in Finland. Another example: A shopping center called Tuuri in middle Finland had once a Lamborghini as a prize in a "lottery". All customers got a ticket and could win it. So one guy did. He owned it for a while and then sold it. Because of the money? No. He sold it because of the pressure in the neighborhood. Everyone started to hate him since he got the Lambo. Unbelievable!

Now this finnish tall poppy syndrome has gone off the hook. Every year our newspapers publish the accurate incomes of the rich and famous and brag about it for weeks. They compare company options and salaries to poor peoples wages and governmental services. "this many poor people could live for this long with this money" "while this many people got unemployed this guy got this much richer".

First of all. My income is non of your business. It is as private as my personal life.

Second of all, do we really think that these guys have never done anything for their salaries? They might get a million or two, but ever though how much good they do? Provide jobs, pay taxes, raise the overall living rate, create more business and so on. Why do we compare a Simple-Steve to a multitalented guy?

Third of all: we all know which jobs are the ones where you get paid a lot. Surgeons, lawyers and company owners have made a lot of money for centuries, and worldwide. At least in Finland we have no chance to say that I couldnt do it, since all education is FREE. I SAID FREE!

Now when our people in the parliament got a raise on wages and used 27000€ on sleeping blankets of course the hell broke loose. We complained that the parliament people can set their own wage, like we didnt already know that... and we complained how many poor people could rent a house for a year with the blanket money..which is 5 by the way...which is nothing by the way.

This whining and complaining drives me insane. People, please start concentrating on your own life and do the best you can do.

So this is one reason why I want to leave Finland. As I m going to be educated with a masters degree, probably at some point my finnish neighbor would start calling me with names.

I dont want to feel that hate that I got as a child any more.

Btw. 47 days to Aus! International driving license and uni scholarships are next on the list!