“I was in the very first international group that the Saimaa University of Applied Sciences ever admitted. The name of the school in those days was South Karelia Polytechnic. I came to study for a bachelor’s degree in paper technology (at present: Degree Programme in Chemical Engineering) after high school graduation in China. The year was 2007, and I graduated with a bachelor’s in engineering at the end of 2010.
It was during my studies that I obtained my language skills, academic background and international outlook. I consider language skills as the most essential aspect, because studying at Saimaa UAS transformed me from a beginner in English to a proficient user. Knowledge and the degree that I’ve obtained from Saimaa UAS have become a solid, internationally recognised academic background that qualifies me in the professional field. The international outlook that I’ve acquired encourages me to reach the next level internationally.
At present I am studying in the Master’s Degree Programme in Forest Sciences and Business at the University of Helsinki. I am a full-time student, but I will try to find an internship in the forest industry or related research institution, and hopefully obtain a real working position after the graduation.
I still keep in close touch with my teachers at Saimaa UAS. I also miss the open learning environment on campus and the calm, peaceful living conditions in the cities of Imatra and Lappeenranta. All together, Saimaa UAS and those two cities in Southeast Finland gave me an unforgettable and wonderful learning and living experience during my bachelor’s degree studies.
I am living in Helsinki now, but I still enjoy visiting Imatra and Lappeenranta during the holidays. The people in Imatra and Lappeenranta are easy-going and friendly. During my four years of studies I made many nice Finnish friends, and most of them, of course, are the classmates or schoolmates from Saimaa UAS.”
Hu Haiyang from China, master’s level student at the University of Helsinki
Bachelor of Engineering
Saimaa University of Applied Sciences Skinnarilankatu 36, FI-53850 Lappeenranta, Finland Telephone: +358 2049 66411 Telefax: +358 2049 66505