The best thing about studying abroad is to constantly getting to experience something new and meet people unlike anyone you’ve met before!
My name is Meeri Mikkonen and I’m studying for my bachelor’s degree in advertising at North Park University, in Chicago. I just started my studies in August 2025.
Why did you choose to study abroad, and why specifically in the United States?
I had previous, good, experience in living in the US from my high school exchange program and ever since then, continuing to college in the States has felt like the right path for me.
How did Blueberry help you throughout the application and study abroad process?
I had an assigned person from Blueberry helping me throughout the process. They answered all kinds of questions I had and simply shared important information with me that I probably couldn’t have thought of on my own. They also worked closely with my university, making sure both my school and I were up to date and in agreement.
How did you find out about the Ehrnrooth Foundation Scholarship, and what did receiving it mean to you personally?
After discovering Blueberry, I met with one of their employees just to ask questions and learn about the possibilities I’d have through them. I quickly learned about the Ehrnrooth Scholarship and that information shifted my seemingly far away dreams of studying abroad into reality. Without it I couldn’t have afforded this change, so having received this scholarship really meant and still means everything to me.
In what ways has the scholarship impacted your study experience and opportunities abroad?
Well like I said, without it I wouldn’t be here in the first place! Also knowing that my tuition is covered, I don’t have to spend time worrying about my finances and I get to focus on my studies.
How would you describe your university and campus? What was your first impression when you arrived?
North Park University is really like a big family, which is a key advantage of a small school. Here I feel safe, noticed and at peace. As I arrived here for the first time, I paid attention to the nature around campus. It’s all around! The campus is such a pleasant environment to be and learn in.
What does a typical day as a student look like for you?
I wake up between six and seven and head over to the Helwig center for a workout. Everything is nicely nearby, so the gym is just a few minutes away. From there I go to the dining hall and enjoy breakfast that prepares me for the day’s lectures. As an advertising major I’m currently taking classes on marketing and macroeconomics, and I have the school’s general credit courses on biblical studies and English as well.
On Wednesdays I attend the University Ministries’ service at the chapel and sometimes I also join to play the piano there. That’s just one of the incredibly many ways of becoming a part of the community here.
The length of my school days varies, but they all typically end with doing homework. For me, it takes a couple of hours of doing homework every day to keep up with the workload and maintain good grades. After finishing schoolwork, I eat dinner, shower, take it easy and go to bed.
What do you think about Chicago as a city?
I grew up in a small city in Finland, so living in Chicago has definitely required some adjusting. Not that it’s a bad thing at all. I’ve been embracing the different environment by visiting downtown, following the sports that the locals are crazy about, and spending time at the several parks that the city is known for.
Where do you live, and how did you find your accommodation?
I live in a residence hall, and my dorm room is a double occupancy room where I stay alone, giving me a good amount of living space. My school has all first year, on-campus students stay in dorm rooms, so I didn’t really have to look for accommodation.
Do you have any tips for finding good housing?
Nothing in particular for finding housing itself, but I want to point out that the universities want to accommodate you as well as possible. If you have allergies, diseases or anything that affects the way you live, the school can help with your needs when they’re informed about them. My advice is that reaching out about your needs is never a waste of time.
Are there any places or experiences you would recommend others not to miss?
Everyone has their own things, their niche interests and one of the best things about Chicago is that there’s everything here. I would recommend looking for things you’ve always wanted to try and I’m confident that you can find it in Chicago!
Do you have any advice for other students who are thinking about studying abroad in the U.S.?
I think Blueberry’s people are the ones to go for advice, they truly know what they’re doing. My advice would be: Do it! Study abroad! It’s an experience that nothing compares to.
What are your plans after finishing your studies?
Honestly, finishing my studies is a long time from now and a lot can happen to affect my future plans. I will be getting my degree in three years, but I have a visa of four years. This allows me to gain work experience in the US for at least a year, helping me determine what I’d like to do and where.
