“Go out and see the world” Ella’s Erasmus+ experience in Finland

The Ski Game, Lahti, Finland, March 2025

Changxin Ren (Ella) undertook an Erasmus+ traineeship in Finland as part of her undergraduate degree at South East Technological University (SETU), Wexford campus.

I completed an Erasmus+ traineeship in Lahti during my third year in Early Childhood Education at SETU, from February to May 2025. Visiting Finland was a dream of mine – I wanted to experience the real Nordic countries in my lifetime. 

I worked at Teddy Bear Daycare; I chose this opportunity out of curiosity about the Finnish education system. I wanted to witness first-hand how different living environments can influence individuals.  

How did you prepare for your Erasmus+?
My Erasmus+ took the form of an internship. I couldn’t have managed the preparation and application processes without the support and encouragement from SETU’s international officers and my teachers, as well as the staff at the internship site in Finland. The supervisor at the daycare was an Irishman who had lived in Finland for over 20 years; this made the environment feel more familiar and welcoming.  

Participating in the programme encouraged me to learn about different cultures and develop communication skills across languages.   

Describe a typical day on your Erasmus+ – how did it differ from being at home?
When I first arrived, the daylight hours were very short. In the mornings, the moon was still visible, and the temperature outside was -10 to -12°C. People wore many layers of clothes to keep warm, but indoors it was a comfortable 19°C.  

In Lahti, the transport was great – you could cycle, take the bus and walk on the same road  

What stood out to me was the love of outdoor activities in Finland. Even in the snow, people were eager to go outside. When evening came and it got dark early, people enjoyed the warmth of family life and community at home. 

Outdoor activity in snowy February 2025 

How did you manage your money and your search for accommodation?
I was fortunate to receive an Erasmus+ grant, and I am grateful for support from my family as well. For accommodation, I want to thank my Chinese friend who is undertaking her doctorate in Finland. During my internship, she happened to go to Italy for research, so I had the opportunity to stay at her home.

What about the language barrier? Do you have a favorite word or phrase in your host country’s native language?
Finnish was a big challenge for me. When I boarded the plane from Dublin to Helsinki, I was struck by how Finnish sounded nothing like English.  

Boarding on Finland Airlines 

I remember the first word I learned was “maito,” which means milk. At daycare, when the children asked me for milk, it sounded like they were saying “May I go,” so I thought they were asking to leave the table after their meal. I answered yes! Thankfully, with the help of the other teachers, I figured it out and learned my first word in Finnish. 

What did you enjoy doing in your host country?
I experienced the importance of lifelong learning in Finnish education. Every citizen is a participant in education and shares responsibility for contributing to the well-being of society. 

I travelled to cities like Helsinki and Turku, and explored nature through hiking. One of the special things about Finland is how nature – forests, lakes and the sea – is part of everyday life, and can be experienced even in the cities.  

The annual Marimekko show – a design house celebrated worldwide for its original prints and colours. Helsinki, May 2025

During my internship, I made Finnish friends and met international students from countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Sri Lanka. I enjoyed learning a new language, which helped me better understand Finnish history and culture. I also had the opportunity to attend an event for EU Day, celebrating 30 years of Finland’s membership in the European Union. 

EU Day in Oodi, Helsinki, 9 May 2025 

What were the highlights of your Erasmus+ adventure?  
One unforgettable experience was during the Ski Games in March.  

The Ski Game, Lahti, Finland, March 2025

One of the team members was Irish, and I had the opportunity to take a helicopter ride to view the entire city and the ski track from above. 

What advice would you give to your younger self?
Go out and see the world. Think and act boldly. Enjoy the present moment and look to gain more experience – as much as possible. You may be on your own, but you’ll never be truly alone. 

Has Erasmus+ changed you? What lessons and skills did you take home?
Rather than saying Erasmus+ simply deepened my academic knowledge, it is better to say that it changed my everyday life.  

I saw perseverance in the children – wearing thick clothes to walk into the forest, falling down and getting up again to keep playing. 

I learned from the teachers who prepared their lessons carefully and taught patiently. They guided children through activities such as 3D painting and emotional development. I saw how actively parents paid attention to the growth of their children. All of this taught me the importance of communication and cooperation.  

Also, since my parents were in Ireland during the time I lived in Finland, I was able to share more of my life experiences with them. 

How would you sum up your Erasmus+ in a few words?
These few short months were an unforgettable part of my life. Erasmus+ gave me a new perspective and allowed me to bring back incredible experiences to share in Ireland. 

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All photos are reproduced here with permission from Ella.

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