THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TEXT: JENNA VIRTANEN & ANNINA HE

PICTURES: JULIETTE HEBERT, SIMONE FABBIAN AND MINNA HARJULA

For Finns, Vappu is a long awaited celebration every year, where everyone probably has their own traditions. But putting a hat on the statue, partying for days or weeks straight or the colourful overalls in the street scene might seem strange to a foreigner, to say the least. So, what does Vappu look like from our international student’s point of view?

Where did you first hear about the Finnish Vappu?

I first heard about Finnish Vappu in the first semester when I arrived and our Finnish tutors told us about it.

What was your first reaction/ thoughts about it?

I was quite surprised and excited! I really want to experience these two weeks full of parties and events!

What do you think about the student Vappu in Finland?

I think it’s cool to have a big event for students like this. It motivates the students at the end of winter when it can get a bit difficult. Plus, the stu- dents are really involved with all the associations.

Are you excited for Vappu?

What kind of expectations do you have about it?

As I said, I am really excited and looking forward to experiencing Vappu. I think it’s going to be a busy few weeks. My expectations are to have fun and make unforgettable memories!

Do you have any plans for Vappu? Is there something specific that you want to experience?

I haven’t really looked into the events yet, so I don’t have many plans, but I will for sure sign up to the events when the time comes.

What will be your go to snack or drink for Vappupicnic?

For my Vappupicnic, the famous magic potion will be my drink ;)

Juliette Hebert Age: 20

Whereareyoufrom? France

Whatareyoustudying?

Communication

Whydidyouwanttostudyin Finland/Vaasa?I wanted to study in Finland because I think the full winter experience is awesome. youIt’sthekindofcountrywhere holidays,don’treallyplangoingon so it was an opportunitytocometothecountry.

Age:24 Whereareyoufrom? Italy,Turin Whatareyoustudying? FinanceWhydidyouwanttostudyin Finland/Vaasa?

I chose Finland because I have always been fascinatedbytheNordiccountries’ approachtolife.Theother reason was that I wanted to knowandexperienceaculture that was profoundly differentfromthatofItaly.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Qt6N-2g2V0_Qf2WxHuw9_rLGAoaR215I

Where did you first hear about the Finnish Vappu?

I heard about Vappu last January when, during the cold, dark days, the tutors explained to us the main events coming up for the spring semester and emphasized in particular, how beautiful Vappu is.

What was your first reaction/ thoughts about it?

I was really excited about it, but also confused in the meantime. How could a two week streak of parties be achievable for a human being? :’)

What do you think about the student Vappu in Finland?

I think it’s great for students to have a huge event like that. It is the best opportunity to celebrate the end, or almost, of the academic year before saying goodbye before the summer.

Are you excited for Vappu? What kind of expectations do you have about it?

As said before I am looking forward to it! My expectation is to build fantastic memories by partying with all my friends and to participate in something really important in Finnish tradition, which as a mere tourist I would never have experienced.

Do you have any plans for Vappu? Is there something specific that you want to experience?

I haven’t planned anything yet, but I will soon ask some of my Finnish friends which activities are going to be the best. I will try my best to attend the most of what I can.

What will be your go to snack or drink for Vappupicnic?

Snacks are really not important for me… everything is fine. For the drink, I will probably prepare some potion (like gin tonic or rum cola) and maybe I will bring some wine too, why not?

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