”The best thing about studying abroad is that you get to meet new people and get exposed to different views and ideas.”
Hello! I’m Joel Jääskeläinen, 28 years old from Finland and I’m studying for a certificate in International Trade and Commerce in UCLA Extension in Los Angeles.
Why did you choose to study abroad, and why specifically in the United States?
I’ve been thinking of going back to study after being in the workforce for five years. After getting laid off at the end of the last year, I found out about the Ehrnrooth Scholarship and decided to go and study in the U.S. I have friends in California who I’ve known for a long time and supported me on this matter, so this made it easier to choose to study here.
How did Blueberry help you throughout the application and study abroad process?
Blueberry gave me information about what to do and I sent it to them in order to get the paperwork done and successfully get into the school. They signed me through the courses that I wanted and even helped out in a situation where one of the courses was canceled, but I was able to change to a different one thanks to their quick response.
How did you find out about the Ehrnrooth Foundation Scholarship, and what did receiving it mean to you personally?
I found out about the Ehrnrooth Foundation Scholarship through the Studentum website. I was looking through options to study in Los Angeles and after having a meeting with a recruitment director from Blueberry through Teams, I was made aware of this scholarship so I applied for it.
When I got the message about receiving it, I was surprised and excited. I realized this is a highly unique opportunity to go and expand my knowledge in a different culture, but also meet my friends and gain new contacts worldwide. This wouldn’t be possible without the Ehrnrooth Foundation Scholarship and I’m really happy about it.
The scholarship has allowed me to focus on actually studying and other parts of my life while being here in the States as everything here in California is expensive, so less stress from that is something that I truly appreciate.
How would you describe your university and campus? What was your first impression when you arrived?
UCLA campus is really huge with a lot going on. It is like a city with a city, with lots of opportunities for students to study and enjoy their free time. When I first met the other extension students at the 2nd orientation day, it was really interesting to hear from different backgrounds and cultures of what they’ve experienced in California. Few of them I’ve worked with in a couple of courses so it has been great to get to know them outside the classes.
What does a typical day as a student look like for you?
In the morning, I eat some breakfast and start working on my laptop as most of my work is done online through the university’s virtual platform. Mostly I work on multiple assignments at the same time or read on some research on the course stuff. I take breaks from studying and do some housekeeping when needed.
In the afternoon, I leave for my class. I live outside of Los Angeles, so it takes about an hour to get there, but I’ve grown used to long traffic times. Classes are in the evenings at the UCLA Extension Center where they last about three hours. We discuss different topics, write down notes and work on our course works. After the course I take a drive back to my place of stay and rest for the night.
What do you think about the city you live in?
I live about an hour away from school, but it’s not a problem for me. I’ve grown used to commuting in Finland, so the only difference is just sitting in the car rather than in a bus or a train filled with people. Overall, I love California. More sun and warmth in a year than I get in Finland. There are a lot of things to do and see, but I do enjoy just being outside during the midday, just enjoying the warmth.
Where do you live, and how did you find your accommodation?
I live in Anaheim, California. It’s about 42km away from Los Angeles, but due to traffic my commuting to school takes anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour and 20 minutes. I live in a house with my friends who I’ve known for many years, which is great and I really am grateful for them as it has allowed me to have a positive living opportunity.
Do you have any tips for finding good housing?
I recommend talking to students who are about to graduate from the school. The best way to find them is either through a communication channel, be it a WhatsApp or a Facebook group of the school, and ask there. There is always someone about to end their lease or find a roommate, so it shouldn’t be too hard.
Are there any places or experiences you would recommend others not to miss?
Visiting Disneyland at least once is an absolutely amazing experience to do. In Los Angeles, there is a lot of concerts and sports events to see all around the year. The beaches here are amazing and I highly recommend visiting Venice Beach at least once.
Do you have any advice for other students who are thinking about studying abroad in the U.S.?
Driving around is a must. Get a driver’s license and a car or find someone to drive you around, because it will help you a lot to get around here. Public transportation exists and is useful, if you live in closer to the downtown or the UCLA campus area, but it’s sadly not something you can fully rely on like in the Nordic countries.
What are your plans after finishing your studies?
My goal is to try to apply for an internship and to get OPT (optional practical training) Visa, but since there is a risk that current administration might do changes to get it, I need to have an alternative option in my mind. I’ll use my new knowledge to get a job at an international company and maybe one day I will do business in the U.S. through that or with my own company.
