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Finland took first place in a comparison made by StudyPortals. In the comparison, international students evaluated their experiences in European institutions of higher education.  Respondents were especially pleased with the content of the studies, the lively student life and the services offered by the university.

Banafsheh Khakipoor, who studies in the Master's Program in Bioinformatics at Aalto University's School of Science, is pleased with her choice.

‘I especially love the freedom of choice - the fact that in addition to my own main subject, it is possible to study in nearly any discipline available at Aalto. I have long been interested in games, and I am studying game production here alongside bioinformatics,’ she says with a smile.

In addition to freedom, Aalto University emphasizes the significance of independent work and responsibility. Banafsheh, who completed her bachelor's degree in Dubai, admits that for someone who is used to a school-like way of study, the independence initially seemed difficult.

‘Now I am used to it, and I have noticed how useful it is - both from the point of view of learning, and later at work,’ she says, adding to the list of positive aspects the uncomplicated interaction between students and teachers, the international atmosphere, and the ease with which practical matters are dealt with.

‘People are so systematic here.’

Not enough snow

In the comparison, Finnish universities got negative feedback on traveling possibilities, the weather, the culture, and the price level.  Banafsheh says that she was warned in advance about the expensive food in Finland, only to be pleasantly surprised.

‘There really is a wide selection at the university cafeterias in Aalto and a good price-quality ratio,’ she says.

But something negative has emerged in her year of studies so far.

’At first the lectures seemed slow-paced,’ she admits and adds that she has grown used to that as well.

‘I was also disappointed that the winter was so warm! I wonder if there will be more snow this year.’

StudyPortals Awards 2014 – Finland - check the results