Chasing a Dream and Overcoming the Odds
"I moved from Myanmar (Burma) to Finland because of its world-class education system, affordable tuition fees compared to other Western and Asian countries, and its peaceful, high-quality lifestyle. I specifically chose Metropolia UAS because its unique Master's in IT, specializing in Medical Technology, perfectly bridged the gap between advanced computing and healthcare innovation.
Coming from Myanmar, I was initially scared of the cold weather, but living in a Nordic country had been a dream of mine since childhood. Any anxiety vanished when I met a vibrant community of international students. The courses at Metropolia were highly inclusive, practical, and hands-on, which served as the perfect introduction to the collaborative Finnish way of working and studying.
The program was instrumental in my professional leap, teaching me how to apply advanced theory to solve real-world problems. The ultimate proof of this growth is that two months before graduating, I secured a full-time role in a Finnish company, transitioning smoothly from student to industry professional. The core problem-solving methodologies, technical adaptability, and development skills I gained during my studies are things I use in my current work every single day.
The diversity at Metropolia was incredible. Attending various networking sessions and connecting with students from all over the world completely broadened my perspective. Furthermore, the faculty—especially lecturers like Mikael, Sakari, and Päivi—acted as mentors rather than just teachers, providing approachable guidance that helped me build a strong local network right from the start.
The biggest challenge was undoubtedly the master's thesis. It was an intense process of going back and forth with research, data, and revisions. There were moments of frustration but working through those hurdles and constantly refining my work became one of my absolute best memories. Overcoming that academic mountain taught me deep resilience.
I am genuinely happy with my decision to study at Metropolia. To any international student considering this path, my advice is to embrace the journey fully, even the difficult parts like the thesis process. Be proactive, engage with your brilliant lecturers, and network early. This program gives you all the tools you need to succeed, grow, and ultimately contribute meaningfully to the Finnish economy and society!"