What I learned during stay in Finland

Staying in Finland has given me so much experience that maybe it will not end if I explain it.

First of all, I came to a completely different place and met a different culture.
But I never felt bad because I can never forget the help and interest of the Finnish people.
Because I went abroad for the first time through erasmus. I met a new culture.

What is called culture is the whole of what a society is materially and spiritually distinctive and transfers to future generations. I mostly learned Finnish culture by living, asking and observing.
When I asked someone for help or when I asked for something, they really helped me and they were understanding. Actually, I felt so good that they were humane. Finnish people will always remain respectful, helpful and honest in my mind.
I admire the importance they attach to education. Schools are beautiful and the inside of the school is very friendly. I'm happy the fact that the teachers are understanding and they were interested to me for I am a foreigner. The fact that teachers or students wear booties in the classroom made me feel more sincere in the learning environment. The teachers were very helpful and highly focused on teaching.
I also liked their food. Some dishes were very suitable for my taste. That's why I didn't feel very foreign about this.
The fact that everyone, including young and old, is reading and working in the libraries is a perfect.
 I already know that the Finnish people are hardworking.
The value they give to women in the community is obvious. Women work in many places.
It especially caught my attention, for example bus driver. It is a profession in men in my country (Turkey). But it is equal in Finland. Everyone can work in the field they want.
Riding a bicycle in general is very common in the country. I like it very much, both for the human body and for the good environment.
One thing that intrigued me was that some of the bikes on the streets were not locked. This may be due to the trustworthiness of the society.
Of course, I also met some foreigners during this time. I learned new things from them, music, food etc.Chatting with and meeting with strangers has been very beneficial for my understanding of culture.
As a stranger, when I got together with other strangers in a place I came from, I felt less stranger.
 In this way, it made me want to meet more people and learn more. Thus, it enabled me to improve myself and also had the opportunity to transfer my own culture to other people.
I read a lot before I came to Finland. And I also experienced some.
If I would recommend to new person, for me It can be live in a culture, to make friends with more people and to learn and observe that culture with them.
For example, one day to go out to the street and observe the life of a family with their children, the reaction of that society to anything, how people behave in places where people spend most of their time.
Because in my spare time I went out and observed. I discovered around and it taught me a lot.
I asked questions. I never hesitated to ask questions.

Especially when I left Finland, my friend's teacher came to our house with her car at 4 o'clock in the morning and took us to the bus stop. She helps and understands us, thinking us on bad days made me feel so good that this behavior was completely kind-hearted.
Neither language, religion, nor color matter anyway. What matters is that the heart of the person is good.
That was the most important thing for me. It is never good to be biased in life.
Maybe I could not see such an interest in my own country.
So good that I came for erasmus and fortunately I got to know Finland.
Thank you to everyone for everything.💓

Finnish Language,English Spoken in Turku,Finnish and Turkish similarities

The Finnish language is beautiful and sounds good, but it is also a difficult and long language.
I liked the Finnish language. I enjoyed learning a lot.
My courses included Finnish lessons.
I learned a little Finnish.

Hei
Minun nimi on Sıla.Olen kaksikymmentä vuotta vanha.
Olen kolmannen vuoden sairaanhoitajaopiskelija Turun ammattikorkeakoulussa.Olen Turkkilainen.Rakastan Suomea.

The majority of the people in Finland speak English.English is among the widely used foreign language.
Therefore, I did not have much difficulty. They tried to help with everything.For example, when buying something at the market, I often consulted someone with finnish people and they helped.

Of course, there are many similar words in terms of sound and meaning between the two original languages. These similarities and identities take us to one origin. Many words from Finnish, Hungarian, Bulgarian (old) languages ​​have left their places to Slavic Latin words. Many original words still exist in Finnish and Hungarian languages.
The fact that there are no artifacts in Finnish, as in Turkish, proves that the two sibling languages ​​are from the same family.
Me (old shape min)> mina, you> sina, he (moment of real shape)> han
This similarity between me is one of the most prominent features showing that two languages ​​are related.
Again, the interesting forms of these words are the same as in Turkish.
The affinity suffix this language is the suffix -in,-un. The forms of  ben-im> minun, sen-in> sinun
, on-un> han on are like live evidence that there are many similarities between the two languages.
Thanks to the more radical and more scientific researches to be done, the relations between these and similar Ural Altaic languages ​​should be examined more systematically.

The Lewis Model

The Lewis Model of Cross-Cultural Communication was developed by Richard D. Lewis. The core of the model classifies cultural norms into Linear-Active, Multi-Active and Re-Active, or some combination.Lewis came to the conclusion that humans can be divided into 3 clear categories, based not on nationality or religion but on behaviour.
The Lewis Model is designed to indicate with which particular cultural group an individual would have empathy with.
The diagram indicates the relative positioning of each national culture in general terms of its linear-active, multi-active or reactive nature.

Linear-Active
Task-oriented, highly-organised planners, who prefer getting things done, one task at a time in a planned sequence. Arguements are made with logic, while rules are to be followed.
Characteristics
Talks half the time
Does one thing at a time
Plans ahead step by step
Polite but direct
Partly conceals feelings
Confronts with logic
Dislikes losing face
Rarely interrupts
Job-orientated
Uses many facts
Truth before diplomacy
Sometimes impatient
Limited body language
Respects officialdom
Seperates the social and professional
Multi-Active
Emotional, loquacious and impulsive who see family, feelings and relationships ahead of following an agenda. They are comfortable do many things at the same time.
Characteristics
Talks most of the time
Does several things at once
Plans grand outline only
Emotional
Displays feelings
Confronts emotionally
Has good excuses
Often interrupts
People-orientated
Feelings before facts
Flexible truth
Impatient
Unlimited body language
Seeks out key person
Interweaves the social and professional
Reactive
Polite, attentive listeners, who rarely initiate action or discussion, instead react to it and form their own opinion. Harmony and avoiding embarrassment to themselves or others is core.
Characteristics
Listens most of the time
Reacts to partner’s action
Looks at general principles
Polite, indirect
Conceals feelings
Never confronts
Must not lose face
Doesn’t interrupt
Very people-orientated
Statements are promises
Diplomacy over truth
Patient
Subtle body language
Uses connections
Connects the social and professional

There is quite a difference between Finland and Turkey.
For example when greeting someone.
In Finland, they are more formal and shake hands on People.
But Turkey has a full tersi.yanak to kiss and hug.
They even hug 3 times in some areas.
Finland is a very prescriptive country.
Even if the red light shines on the cars, the pedestrians wait until the green light on the pedestrian.
In this situation, many are not encountered in Turkey.
The Finns are very hardworking and determined, they look like Turks in this way.
Finnish people are very respectful and listeners. While someone is speaking, they listen to the speech of the person speaking.
Personal distance is maintained in Finland, so I appreciate them very much.
We couldn't love the children in Finland because they have been protecting their children from abuse from childhood, so anyone passing by cannot be smiling even from a distance.
Actually, this is true because most people are not trusted today.
In Turkey, a stranger to love another child will not be much response.
I loved that Finland was very respectful and listened to being prescriptive and hardworking.

Thanks to the Erasmus program, my cultural awareness has increased and I have improved myself.

Cultural Awareness and Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions Theory

Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory is a framework for cross-cultural communication, developed by Geert Hofstede. It shows the effects of a society's culture on the values of its members, and how these values relate to behaviour, using a structure derived from factor analysis.
The original theory proposed four dimensions along which cultural values could be analyzed: individualism-collectivism; uncertainty avoidance; power distance (strength of social hierarchy) and masculinity-femininity (task-orientation versus person-orientation).
Independent research in Hong Kong led Hofstede to add a fifth dimension, long-term orientation, to cover aspects of values not discussed in the original paradigm. In 2010, Hofstede added a sixth dimension, indulgence versus self-restraint.

1- power distance (strength of social hierarchy):The power distance index is defined as "the extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions (like the family) accept and expect that power is distributed unequally".
I think people in Finland are independent. Everyone has equal rights in society. Something that struck my attention at school.
There is a hierarchy among the professions, but this is mostly for making things easier. Everyone fulfills their own duties and responsibilities.
So it's not power centered.
Communication between employees is direct and clear.
In Turkey,There is an formal contact with the managers' teams, where the power is concentrated in the center.
Powers are shared equally in Finland.
2-individualism-collectivism:This index explores the "degree to which people in a society are integrated into groups". Individualistic societies have loose ties that often only relate an individual to his/her immediate family. 
Finland is an individualistic society.
Turkey is seen as a collectivist society with 37 points.
3-masculinity-femininity :In this dimension, masculinity is defined as "a preference in society for achievement, heroism, assertiveness and material rewards for success".
Finland is Feminine society; In Feminine countries, the focus is on “working in order to live” rather than living to work.
Managers strive for consensus
People value equality, solidarity, and quality in their working lives
Conflicts are resolved by compromise and negotiation
Incentives such as free time and flexibility are favored
Focus is on well-being.
Women and men have equal rights. I saw a female bus driver in Finland.
I have not seen in Turkey.
In addition, the youngest and female prime minister of the world belongs to Finland.
Turkey remains on the feminine side. It is stated that the oppressed are valued and the opinion of the majority is approved. While it is said that conflicts are avoided in private and business life, the importance of leisure activities with the family is mentioned.
4-uncertainty avoidance:The uncertainty avoidance index is defined as "a society's tolerance for ambiguity", in which people embrace or avert an event of something unexpected, unknown, or away from the status quo.
High preference for avoiding uncertaintyPeople have an inner urge to be busy and work hard
Precision and punctuality are the norms in Finland.
Rules and laws in Turkey is much needed.Turkish people are hardworking and love to produce.
5- long-term orientation:This dimension associates the connection of the past with the current and future actions/challenges.
Finnish culture can be classified as normative
A strong concern with establishing the absolute Truth; they are normative in their thinking.
It is important exhibit great respect for traditions.
No preference dominant culture in Turkey.It is important exhibit great respect for traditions.
6-indulgence versus self-restraint:This dimension refers to the degree of freedom that societal norms give to citizens in fulfilling their human desires. 
In Finland, Exhibit a willingness to realize their impulses and desires with regard to enjoying life and having fun
Possess a positive attitude and have a tendency towards optimism.
Place a higher degree of importance on leisure time
Act as they please and spend money as they wish.
Turkey is a tolerant country.
Leisure activities are very high.
But people cannot find free time activities due to their busy work to ensure their livelihood.
As the general holiday is on Sunday, people usually spend time on themselves this day.

Aurajoki,The River Aura(Archipelago Sea)

Do you want to take a walk in Turku?
Walking by the Aura river is a very good option.A great way to explore Turku is to take a stroll along the riverfront.
Whether you are listening to music or reading a book on the Aura river, there are many beautiful activities.
The River Aura is the heart and soul of Turku.The area is notable for the cultural heritage in Finland.






The city centre of Turku was founded long ago on the east side of the Aura River, something which is still found in the local vernacular today. The custom in Turku is to say that something is found "on this side of the river" or "the other side of the river".The older east side is "this side" and the newer west side is "the other".
The old side is home to, among other things, the Cathedral, University and Old Great Square. The new side is where you'll find such places as Turku Castle and the modern city centre, with its market square and shopping centres.
There are historical places along the Aura river, as well as various cafes and restaurants.

According to my research,
The Aura  is a river in south-western Finland. Its sources are in Oripää, and it flows through Pöytyä, Aura and Lieto before discharging into the Archipelago Sea in the middle of the city of Turku. The waters of the Aura river are brown.
The reserve tap water for Turku Region is drawn from the Aura, the city's secondary waterworks being situated by the Halinen rapids.
The word "Aura" appears to come from an archaic Swedish word for waterway (aathra, which is still current in the form ådra), but in Finnish it translates as "plough," a name the river lives up to. Situated in an agricultural zone, it is made turbid by surface runoff from nearby farms with eutrophication as the biggest threat.
Its condition has been improving since the 1970s and the Aura river is now clean enough to support salmon.
The banks of the river have been inhabited on locations for at least 6,000 years. The area is notable for the cultural heritage in Finland. The archdiocese of Finland has been situated near the river since the thirteenth century.

It's nice river.

Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Pie)

I went to Topelius school for Blueberry Pie. This school was like a cooking school.
Our teachers provided all the ingredients for us. The students were divided into groups.
We started to make our tart according to the blueberry pie recipe. The teachers were very interested. Sometimes they asked if we had any missing ingredient.



First, we prepared the pie dough.Not a pie in the sense we know it, Mustikkapiirakka is a cross between a pie, a tart, and a cheesecake. With a crumbly base I made with a combination of rye flour and all-purpose flour, and a luscious sour cream and blueberry filling, this Blueberry Pie is a wonderful Summer dessert. Then we poured the blueberry mixture on it and put it in the oven. After our dessert was cooked, we served it with vanilla sauce. It was really good when eaten with vanilla sauce. Vanilla sauce is not used much in our own culture. It was really good that I learned this. We ate with fruit juice.😋

We also offered our teachers. They also liked it.
Blueberries A fruit growing wild in the forests of Finland. It is consumed a lot by Finnish people. Turkish people do not consume blueberries much. I had eaten more dried. But it is consumed both frozen and fresh in Finland. I liked the taste of the fruit.

Our group was also no stranger, so I did not have the opportunity to talk to other people. When we came to school, everyone was divided into groups. Because we couldn't find the school, so we went a little late and we did it as 3 Turkish person.I learned new things about Finnish meal culture. It was still a nice day. Every minute of this event was so much fun for me because I love cooking. I learned a new recipe. Also we had the opportunity to do and eat.

Finland and Turkey Education System

I'll talk about the education system between Finland and Turkey❔
According to some information I researched, students in Finland
They were not expected to do homework but to learn the lesson at school.It is given homework in Turkey.
Students go to schools on foot or by bike.
Since the quality of education in Finland is the same in every school, students go to the schools closest to their homes. Therefore, they do not need to use service for transportation. Also, since it is a safe country, parents are not worried and they give this responsibility to them instead of leaving their children to school.To go back as far to the schools according to their exam results in Turkey, so they may not always go to a school closer to home. They mostly go to school with school services.
Instead of imposing strict rules, the Finnish education system prioritizes students' freedom.
There is no strict curriculum in Finland, so that students can choose lessons according to their own interests and needs, while teachers can arrange lessons according to the individual situation of the students. For this reason, they can prepare a suitable program for students who are bored, have difficulty in learning or have high learning speed.Turkey 'course in a strict curriculum.
Students can choose the elective courses they want.
Students do not have anxiety.
I think this is very important because one of the biggest obstacles to learning is note anxiety. In Finland, students are not graded until the sixth year of their education life because of killing curiosity and they only take a nationwide examination when they are 16 years old. In this way, students focus on learning, not getting high marks or having good rankings.
In Finland,nine-year compulsory basic comprehensive school (starting at age seven and ending at the age of sixteen, or by receiving the graduation diploma); post-compulsory secondary general academic and vocational education; higher education (university and university of applied sciences); and adult (lifelong, continuing) education. The Finnish strategy for achieving equality and excellence in education has been based on constructing a publicly funded comprehensive school system without selecting, tracking, or streaming students during their common basic education.
There are 4 + 4+  4 system (4 years primary school, 4 years secondary school, 4 years high school) in Turkey.The Turkish education system is divided into three stages as 12-year compulsory-grade education. The first level is a four-year primary school (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade), the second stage is a four-year secondary school (5th, 6th, and 8th grade) and the third stage is a four-year secondary school (9. 10. 11 and 12th grade). And junior high school graduating students take the exam to go to high school.Therefore, there is anxiety.

Finland is the country with the shortest school time and education period in the world. Depending on the day, students stay at school for 3 or 4 hours, including breaks and lunch.School hours between 8.30-15.45 in Turkey. Lunch and breaks in total.

I observed the similarities and differences between the education systems.
I had different cultural experiences.

TUAS and Gazi University

I will compare the nursing department by explaining the similarities and differences between TUAS and Gazi University.

I am a 3rd grade nursing student at Gazi University in Ankara,Turkey. Gazi University is one of the oldest universities in Ankara and was founded by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.Nursing department consists of 4 years with both theoretical and practical.
Our school has both a credit and Ects ​​points system. Gazi University is a research university. It has European compatibility. At the same time, we do internship at Gazi University Hospital with theoretical lessons.
Erasmus was one of my biggest dreams. Having this opportunity is a great pleasure for me.
And I would go to a country with a very good education system like Finland.
I came to TUAS as an exchange student in the spring term. Our courses are only theoretical and 30 Ects ​​in total.
I took 14 courses at TUAS as opposed to 5 courses at Gazi University.
Because courses for exchange students are usually 1,2,3 ects.
As a grade evaluation, TUAS has passed - failed or there is an evaluation system between 1-5.
It is in the form of AA, BA, BB, CB, CC, DC, DD, FD, FF at Gazi University.
There is a coefficient corresponding to each letter grade. Since it is a bell system, there is no such situation as AA in the range, and CB in the following range.
For example, according to the teacher, an average of 80-100 AA, 70-80 BA, 60-70 BB, 50-60 CB, 45-50 CC… averages can be made.
At Gazi University, the letter DD, FD and FF means that you have left that course. There is an exception in the DC letter note. If your semester average is above 2.00, your DC grade will be DC + and you will pass through that course. However, if your semester average is below 2.00, your DC grade will be DC- and you will be left from that course.

If your average is above 3.00 at Gazi University, we have the right to take a maximum of 2 courses from the upper class.

Finnish students generally received 5 ects from a 2 ects course I took at Tuas.
The highest ects I heard was 5. However, at Gazi University, it varies according to the courses and vocational courses generally have higher ects. Like 15 ects.
TUAS is a very comfortable school. There are group study rooms and other environments in which the students can work comfortably.

This is an advantage.
In addition, the total number of students in the class is quite good. It usually varies between 15-20. Unfortunately, it is not so in Gazi University.
There are many quotas in the nursing department, so our classes are very crowded. 250 students are divided into half classes. This is only in vocational courses.

In Tuas, lessons are mostly taught by giving group assignments.
In classes, we divide into groups and discuss specific topics.
It is also an extremely technological school. There is almost no pencil and paper.
Most of them attend the class with their computers. Homework is uploaded to the internet. The materials are accessed via the internet.

This is not the case at my own school. Some teachers are giving the materials.
In some lessons, lessons are taught only through the book.

I also practiced after the theoretical lessons in Tuas. There are practice laboratories both at my university and in the TUAS, practice the theoretical lessons taught in the lesson.I also participated in the simulation practice in the Medicina building. It was really useful.
TUAS has thought about exchange students a lot.Various clubs, activities and more.
Thanks to the friendly atmosphere of the school and the interest of the teachers, I was like at home.
I was very pleased with both cultural and educational aspects.

I really liked Tuas. I am both happy and proud to be here.

Shopping Day

Today is shopping
We decided to go shopping today to both travel and get our needs.
First, I went to Skanssi shopping center by bus number 99.
Skanssi is located approximately 5 km from the city center and is an easy-to-reach shopping center.It is easy to find what you are looking for with its many different stores.
It is snowy today, but it will not prevent us from shopping.
The mall is both large and comfortable. After receiving our needs from H&M and Tokmanni, we decided to go to Lidl. Although I came here for the first time, I liked it very much.

Then I came to Lidl for grocery shopping. This place is for the student. It is very convenient, big and a place where I can find most of what I am looking for. That's why I often prefer this place. I also love the bakery section here because I have the opportunity to eat it fresh.
Then I went to my house.

I made Turkish dishes as dinner today.
I want to talk about these: Cauliflower fries, Tarha soup and yogurt.
For the cauliflower fry, I first boiled the cauliflower a little, then I dipped it in the mixture of egg and flour and fried it. Garlic and lemon sauce are prepared for the top.
Tarhana soup is a local soup. To make tarhana soup, 6 tablespoons of tarhana are placed in a bowl. Add 1 glass of water to the bowl and mix gently to dissolve. On the other side, 3 liters of water are put into the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablets of broth. Put 2 tablespoons of tomato paste in the pan and leave to boil. When the water boils, the tarhana, which is mixed and melted in the bowl, is added slowly to the pot. Meanwhile, the material in the pot is constantly mixed.

Bon Appetit😋
Today was the day of shopping and sightseeing.
By the day, I discover Turku more.

Turku Main Library

The old building of the library,
when you feel the desire to work by feeling the history
The new building also provides a comfortable and spacious working environment with its latest system architecture.
I want to some information about Library,
The library is located in the city center of Turku.
Both the old building consists of the new building. The old building was built in 1903.The first floor was a national library for the working class and the second was the city library for academics. These two libraries merged in 1912 to become Turku City Library.
Turku City Library expanded its operations and moved to a newly constructed building in 2007.
Turku Main Library currently occupies three buildings: the old and new buildings and a former office building for the governor built in 1818 which is now Café Sirius . There is a walkway which connects the three buildings, going from old building past the café to the new building. The reference, magazine and the children's and young adults sections are located in the new building. After renovation was complete in 2008, the fiction, art and music sections can be found in the old building.

The library is quite big and crowded. Old and young people of all ages come here to read, study and participate in various activities.
I also went to work with my friends. I can say that it is a very productive work.
Because it is very important that the design is good and that a working person is not bored.
I like it very much.
Once there was an artist. There were a lot of listeners, and I listened a bit even for a short time. Such activities are also a privilege of the library.
In order to practice Finnish, I attended an event organized by a group of volunteers free of charge in the library. Although it was an activity attended by people who knew more Finnish, I learned something new.
It was also noteworthy that they allocated a huge space for children in the library. They had fun for children and made a section for them, such as a playground for children. This is a very thoughtful behavior.
It is very important to accustom children to reading.
I can also stay here without getting bored.😄
There are also books of most languages. I found books in Turkish, which is an advantageous aspect of the library for every nation.
In general, the library is versatile and designed for everyone.
You should definitely see here, I'm sure a person will want to work even if just sits down.

Visit to HANNUNNIITUN KOULU

Which country is the best education system in the world?
Of course Finland.

We will look at the reasons why Finland's education system is so good and praise by all.
I want to give information about the things I have observed.

Thanks to my school's activity, I had the chance to go to a primary school.
When I entered the school, I felt so sincere that it really is like a home.
More formal in Turkey.
Students are not wearing school uniforms, they are wearing normal everyday clothes.
There is a certain uniform every school in Turkey. Students must wear uniforms within the school, but in some schools they are free.
Also, one thing that caught my attention was that the students wore no shoes.
Summer and winter in Finland, most of the people in the school travel with socks. These people, including teachers. While most of the students come to school, they come with wool socks and when they arrive at school, they take off the shoes immediately.The teachers said that this practice, which encourages the provision of a home environment, also contributes to the learning and motivation of the students.
The reason we are there is to chat with them and play games to improve their English language and practice.
First of all, the English teacher gave us a sheet of paper, which was written on topics and questions we could talk to students.
We divided into several groups. I started chatting with 4 female students. It was a really fun activity for them and me. So I was learning about them and about finnish culture. They also asked me questions and introduced myself to them.
Then the students in the classroom sat in rows and we (5 people) introduced ourselves to the whole class. Our name is where we are from, what we read.
Then we played games.

Now I want to share what I observed about education.
First, I have never seen unhappy, fed up individuals among children.
So they love school and learning. There must be something that makes them love education.
The approach of the teacher in the lesson is very sincere and instructive. Of course, not every teacher might be like this, but the children were very willing to learn. The teacher is just like a mother. I think this makes children feel better. 
There are various materials in the lesson. Written Materials, Pictures and Graphics, videos, Slide.etc.
Education intertwined with technology.The same situation in Turkey.
Everyone, including students, teachers, and even the principal, appeals to each other by name. However, this is also a cultural situation. People also appeal to each other by name in their normal lives and this is not an indicator of respect / disrespect. This is a situation that partially destroys the hierarchy and also facilitates communication between the student and the teacher.In Turkey, more 'teacher'.Of course, there may be those who address by name.

I was very pleased with this event and had Certain observations about the education system in Finland.
Finland manages the tips of a good education system very well.👏
Thus, if the children are happy, a happy society is inevitable.

Transport in Finland

The Finnish rail system is called VR. It offers InterCity and express trains throughout the country, and the faster Pendolino trains connecting the major cities. There are very large discounts (usually 50%) available for children (7-16 yr), students, senior citizens, and conscripts.
We paid 7 € per person to go from Turku to Salo with my friend. There are really discounts for students.
There are international trains to St. Petersburg (Finnish and Russian day-time trains) and Moscow (Russian over-night train) in Russia. Connections to Sweden are by bus due to rail gauge differences.




Viking Line

With Silja, Tallink and Viking Line ferries, it is possible to reach Mariehamn in the Åland archipelago from Helsinki, in Stockholm (Sweden), in Rostock and Travemünde in Germany, and in Tallinn (Estonia). It is a popular tourism activity.
I decided to go to Stockholm with my friends. We had a very convenient opportunity. We are a party of four.
The Viking Line ferry was a very convenient and comfortable option for us, from Turku to Stockholm it cost about 20 € per person.
Viking Line Abp is a Finnish shipping company that operates a fleet of ferries and cruise ferries between Finland, the Åland Islands, Sweden and Estonia.
Viking Line is operated from the Åland Islands.

There are about 25 airports in Finland with scheduled passenger services. Finnair is the national airline of Finland.Helsinki Vantaa airport serves as a door between many countries.It is also crowded airport.

Finnish People

One of the most important questions before coming to Finland is for me,
How are the people living in the country?💬👯

 As soon as I came to Finland to the answer to this question, I actually found an answer. As a foreigner, there are a lot of questions in the mind of a person. The people of Finland are very helpful people.
My student guide greeted me first, and thanks to his help, I felt better over time.
There is a book that the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk wanted to add to the Turkish people in the school curriculum. His name is 'In the Land of White Lilies'.
This book highlights how Finland gained autonomy and the characteristics of the Finnish people.
In his book "In the Land of White Lilies", which Grigoriy Petrov mentioned about Finland, he described the Finnish people as quiet and calm people. Indeed, I have experienced this. The city is quiet and calm.
People are respectful and tolerant to each other.
People are hardworking and selfless.

While Finland is known today as a country of tolerant people; Being equal, respectful and leveled are among the most important rules.
Very humble people.At the same time, quite minutes.If there is a meeting, they are exactly there at the time of the meeting.It is important even for 1 minute.

Equality and justice are important values ​​for Finns. In Finnish society, everyone is equal and everyone must be treated fairly.
According to Finnish law, women and men are equal. Although women have children in Finland, their work is normal. It is responsible for both women and men and home.

Finns often rely on people and officials. Democracy and freedom of expression are also valued in Finland. Every person has the right to participate in community activities. There is also freedom of expression in Finland.

In Finnish culture, individualism is more important than many other cultures. Individual freedom is strongly visible in Finnish law.

Finns care about their private life and freedom. For example, young adults are encouraged to become independent and move to their own home.
Honesty is valued in Finland. It is important to keep your word and say it right

In formal situations, the general form of greeting is a handshake. Men and women also shake hands. Close friends or relatives can also greet by embracing. Kissing on the cheek is not very common.

Talking to a person, look into his/her eyes. In Finland, looking at the eye means that you are open and honest with other people.It is not welcome to split someone's words while in a group environment, so the speaker is expected to finish her/his word.
It is natural to speak with you when you speak Finnish. Foreign people and colleagues are also talking to you. Talking to you applies to very formal situations. It is convenient to talk to old people.

Endless thanks to a thoughtful and very kind person ...💓

A Finnish Culture: Finnish Sauna

When we talk about Finnish culture, it is not possible to talk about sauna culture, which is a big part of the heritage and traditions of the country. With a population of nearly five and a half million, there are more than two million saunas in the country, indicating that every home has a sauna available.
Saunas are an integral part of the way of life in Finland.The sauna is an important part of the national identity and those who have the opportunity usually take a sauna at least once a week. The traditional sauna day is Saturday.


Taking a sauna begins with having a wash (usually a shower), followed by a sit in the sauna room, The temperature in Finnish saunas is 80 to 110 °C (176 to 230 °F), usually 80–90 °C (176–194 °F), and is kept clearly above the dewpoint despite the vaporization of löyly water, so that visible condensation of steam does not occur as in a Turkish sauna.

 Water is thrown on the hot stones topping the kiuas, a special stove used to warm up the sauna. This produces great amounts of wet steam, known as löyly, increasing the moisture and the apparent temperature within the sauna.

There are some types of sauna.
Smoke sauna,Wood stove sauna,Electric sauna,Mobile saunas

Saunas, which are used to purify the body and mind, also have relaxing and relaxing properties.
So that are loved by the Finnish people.
The word sauna is in the literature as a traditional Finnish bath and it is in Finnish.
Sauna is a lifestyle in Finland and as an integral part of daily life, it is located in gyms, summer lake houses, hotels.
Finnish people enter the ice lake, especially after the sauna, which is a different tradition.

There was a sauna in the house where I lived. A nice activity that can be done with friends.

The sauna both relaxes and is good for the skin.

The first day of school

Today is a very special day for me, because it is the first day of my adventure in erasmus with great hopes.
I woke up early in the morning.


I came erasmus with my friend from Turkey.We are studying nursing at Gazi University in Ankara.We are classmate.Her name is Beyza.She is my best friend.
We stay in the same house, so we prepared and left the house.

We will meet the coordinator at 9 o'clock in ICT-City Campus.So we took our computers with us.
We came to school. The school is really beautiful. We got inside and went to our coordinator.

She was also very excited to tell us this process.
After meeting, she began to explain.
About exchange students, lessons, materials, etc. The education system in Finland is very different. Almost everything is done on the internet. Homework, materials ..
I will write another blog about the education system😉.

Our orientation is complete and we have discovered some school.
Dining hall, classrooms, study areas are a nice and comfortable school for students.

After school, we went to the K-market to get our needs. After we got our needs, we went back home.

It was an exciting and tiring day, but it was a beautiful day.

One day in Turku

I first went to Turku city center today.
I live in Krööpilankatu.You can get to the city center by getting off at the last stop by buses 32,42.

First I went to the market place and traveled a bit there. The products were really both fresh and affordable.

I entered the shopping mall because the weather was cold. The shopping center is called Hansa. There are many stores.

Hansa, or Hansakortteli (Hansa Block) as it is called by the locals, is the largest, most distinctive, and oldest shopping centre in Turku. Hansa is located right in the heart of Turku and at the focal point of events - by the Kauppatori (market square), where you can find almost all you can possibly need.
Finland's oldest theatre, Åbo Svenska Teater, is also located in Hansa.

Then I walked to the Aura river, walking by the Aura river is really enjoyable.
In fact, you can walk to many places in Turku. This is an advantage. You can visit many stores in the day.
Then I returned to my house watching the sunset.
Sunset may be one of the most beautiful views.

Kaupattori "Market Square"

"Kauppatori" is the Finnish word for "market square" and refers to several market squares in Finland:

• The Market Square, Helsinki in central Helsinki.
• The Market Square, Turku in central Turku.

The Market Square, Turku in central Turku.
The buildings around the Market Square are also part of the city's central business district. They include, for instance, the Hansa and Forum shopping centres, the Wiklund department store, an Orthodox church, a private medical clinic, and several instances of media such as an office of Finland's major newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, locally most significant newspaper Turun Sanomat and Yle.

The market is set up in the center of the city.
It is quite crowded on weekdays.
The most crowded, touristic area of ​​the city.
There are souvenir stalls, food stalls, plant stalls in the square.
This market place, which is quite affordable, is preferred by many people.
Sometimes products are both fresh and very affordable, especially compared to the market.

It is quite pleasant to visit.

PIKKULASKIAINEN - Finland's student event!

PIKKULASKIAINEN - Finland's student event!

Pikkulaskiainen is Finland's largest winter festival, which brings together the enchanting atmosphere of students and young people from all over Finland to spend an unforgettable winter day. Joy and fun share a hill event, a round trip and the leading roles of artists on the front.

This student activity takes place with the participation of students from many schools. There are also many sponsor brands. At the event, everyone is setting up their stand and introducing themselves. You are awarded with various fun games and questions.

At the same time, part of the event, girls wear silvery makeup on their faces. This is a beautiful detail.

Each student comes to the event with the clothes that represent their school.
The pants of each school are in different colors.
After each activity, students sew a piece of fabric from that activity on their pants.
Literally a feast.




The event also has an environmentally friendly side

• In addition to these, the decorations have been reused and efforts have been made to make the new decorations durable. Pikkulaskiainen also collaborates on festivals. This means they use elements from local festivals in their own event. In addition, balloons have been abandoned.

• Pikkulaskiainen has introduced a new deposit system in cooperation with POW. All bottles and cans left in Pikkulaskiainen's collection bins are recycled and the profits from the pledges go entirely to the POW charity campaign.

• The Little Calculator uses renewable electricity and encourages its event visitors to take advantage of public transport by offering various benefits to these. The size of the appropass was significantly reduced compared to previous years and its material was changed to environmentally friendly recycled paper.

They brought pieces of snow and made an ice rink and slipped from there. You feel exactly like at the winter festival.
At the same time, artists come to the event and give concerts. It's part of the fun.

The environment was so crowded that there were students everywhere.
It was really fun.

Turku Natural Beauties:Littoistenjärvi.

If you love nature like me and love hiking, there is a lot of opportunity in Finland. One of them is Littoistenjärvi.
Sometimes  we want to go out to listen ourself.
I would also like to go out and find myself in a natural environment, especially when I am very bored sometimes.

In the face of fresh air, silence and magnificent scenery ...
There was a lake very close to my house.
This is a really great environment.
The perfect harmony of both green and blue.
It is a very good environment for both have a picnic and reading books.

I want to give some information about the lake.
Littoistenjärvi is a lake in the village of Littoisten on the border of Kaarina and Lieto municipalities. The lake covers an area of 147.5 hectares. The average depth of Lake Littoistenjärvi is about two meters and it is at most three meters deep.
The Shores of Lake Littoistenjärvi are a town-planned detached house area on the Kaarina side, while there is a wooded area on the Lieto side. Motor traffic on the lake is prohibited in all seasons.

Of course, since I was there in winter, the lake was frozen.

I love hiking, it is a good idea sometimes to go to this lake .

Historical Church:Turku Cathedral-Turun Tuomiokirkko

Turku Cathedral-Turun tuomiokirkko

Turku Cathedral is located in the old square of the city and draws attention with its unique historical structure.
Its history dates back to the 13th century.
The cathedral, thought to be the most important religious building in Finland, has witnessed many important events in the history of the nation and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
It is also regarded as one of the most important records of Finnish architectural history.
I felt very different when I walked inside the Turku cathedral because it was the first time I entered a church and the architectural structure of the interior impressed me.

It looks quite big and magnificent from the outside.

To me, it is a symbol of Turku. Quiet calm.
Maybe how many nations have come and gone? to whom did it testify?
Who knows.
In general, historical buildings affect me a lot. It is a great success that the cathedral has survived until today.
Generally, when I always go to the city center, I pass by. 
It connects many roads. The view is also quite beautiful. Against the Aura river.
A living legend
I recommend it to anyone who comes to Turku and especially to those who love history.