UKZN Student Broadens Academic and Cultural Horizons in Finland

A semester spent studying in Finland has broadened the academic outlook and global perspective of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) student Ms Yonela Petse, who said the experience transformed the way she learns, thinks and engages with people from different cultures.

Petse, a 20-year-old third-year student from Inanda, Durban, majoring in Psychology and Religion, spent a semester at Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland, through UKZN’s international student exchange programme.

It was her first experience living abroad, and one she described as both academically enriching and personally transformative.

“I knew from the moment I arrived that it was going to be an experience that would stay with me for the rest of my life,” she said.

One of the highlights of the exchange was experiencing a different Higher Education system. Petse found that the smaller class sizes and interactive teaching style encouraged greater participation and deeper engagement with course material.

“Most of my classes had fewer than 50 students, which meant lecturers could engage with students on a much more personal level. I found myself participating more in discussions and enjoying the learning process in a way that was very different from what I was used to.”

A defining academic experience was enrolling in a master’s-level module, Foundations of Multiculturalism. Although initially apprehensive about taking a postgraduate course while still an undergraduate, Petse embraced the challenge and found it to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her studies.

“The course challenged me to think critically about identity, privilege, inequality and the social structures we often accept without questioning. It pushed me to consider perspectives that were very different from my own, and I left with a much deeper understanding of the world and my place in it.”

She believes the opportunity strengthened not only her academic confidence but also her ability to engage thoughtfully with complex social issues, skills that will benefit her future studies and career.

Beyond the classroom, Petse immersed herself in a vibrant multicultural environment, building friendships with fellow exchange students from Germany, France, Gabon, The Netherlands, Japan, South Korea and several other countries.

“Although we all came from different cultures and backgrounds, we shared the experience of starting over in a completely new environment, and that brought us together very quickly.”

Through shared experiences, including exploring new cities, travelling together, trying Finnish cuisine and celebrating one another’s cultural traditions, she gained a greater appreciation for diversity and intercultural understanding.

“We all missed our families, so we naturally became a family for one another. Those friendships are something I will carry with me forever.”

Living in Finland also exposed Petse to a different way of life. She said experiencing a society with a strong sense of safety and social trust gave her a fresh perspective on everyday life and personal well-being.

Reflecting on the exchange, Petse believes the greatest lessons extended far beyond the lecture hall.

“My advice to other students is simple: apply, even if you’re scared. It is completely normal to feel nervous about moving to another country, especially if it is your first time travelling overseas, but don’t let fear convince you that opportunities like this aren’t meant for you.”

She encouraged students to embrace every aspect of the experience. “Be open to everything. Speak to people from different cultures, attend events, travel if you can, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Some of the greatest lessons you’ll learn won’t necessarily come from your lectures, but from the conversations you have, the friendships you build and the experiences you never planned for.”

Petse expressed gratitude to UKZN and the University’s International Office for making the exchange possible.

“As someone from Inanda, studying in Finland once felt like something that only happened to other people. This exchange reminded me that the world is much bigger than I imagined and that opportunities like these are within reach.”

She returned home with lifelong friendships, a broader worldview and renewed confidence in her academic abilities.

Petse hopes her story will encourage more UKZN students to participate in international exchange programmes, describing them as opportunities that extend far beyond academic achievement.

“Studying abroad changed me in ways I never expected. It broadened my perspective, challenged my thinking and showed me the value of learning from people whose experiences are different from my own. I hope more UKZN students take that leap because it truly has the power to change your life.”

Petse’s experience illustrates how international exchange programmes can complement academic study by exposing students to different cultures, perspectives and learning environments.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied