Introduction of Julia

Hello,

My name is Julia and I'm studying nursing in Centria. I'm going to do an internship in Belgium this spring. I have always loved travelling and going abroad is a great way to see Europe from different point of view.

I chose Belgium as my internship country because I love how it's located in Europe. If I have time and will, I can visit many interesting Europian countries during this spring. Okay, I have to admit that I have heard that Belgian chocolate is awesome and I love chocolate. Now I have three months to prove that wrong or right.

Looking forward to my internship and going abroad!

Julia Hirvi

Introduction of Sofia

My name is Sofia Leinonen. I’m studying social work in Centria university of applied sciences in Ylivieska. I come from the city of Oulu, Finland. I’m applying as an exchange student to VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Kortrijk, Belgium.

I'm participating in S.P.A.C.E.-programme: Social Pedagogical Art & Creativity Exploration, which is a 5-month course for international students on art and creativity in social sector. The programme will include a mix of theory and practice, class work and individual work. I will explore artistic workshops for people with disabilities, socio-artistic practices in neigbourhoods and creative expression as an alternative way of communication.

I'm looking forward to gain new experiences on my field of study. I wish to to develop my skills combining creativity to social work. On my practical trainings I’ve worked with teenagers in a youth centre and socially challenged young adults in a workshop therapy. Therefore I have had a chance to utilize my creativity in my practical trainings and believe that time in student exchange would offer me new perspectives to social work.

Introduction: Meri Mikkola

Hello! My name is Meri. I am 23 years old. I am studying nursing at centria university of applied sciences in kokkola. This is my 3rd year of studies. Originally i am from Kaustinen. I graduated as a practical nurse in 2013. After that i worked 2 years in homecare. I am going to do my intership in Belgium, vives university college. I am going to town called Kortrijk. I have always been very interested about other cultures, meeting new people and making friends all over the world. I also want to improve my language skills especially english but i would like to learn some dutch too. In Kortrijk dutch is the most spoken language.

Working abroad will be challenging but definitely an unforgettable experience. I have many reasons why i chose Belgium but biggest one is that i have some friends there already. Also destination is good and its easy to travel there to other countries. My friend told me France is so close so i can go by bike if i want to. :D I have been once before in belgium. Its small country but very varied. I am really waiting for my Erasmus experience!