Testimonial: Anna-Kaisa Pursiainen

The  IBP programme started with the Introduction Unit, which was very interesting due to the brand new classmates and fun excursion we made on the first week of the programme. During this course I learned a lot about improving my professional skills; communication skills, group working skills as a member of intercultural group, also English writing and oral presentation skills. This was very good start for the coming courses, where all these skills were needed. EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) course definitely measured my group working skills! On this course the IBP (International Bachelor Programme) class was divided into groups of 6 students. During 10 weeks we were working together with Environmental Impact Assessment of freight railway. Working together in a multi-cultural group was challenging but also rewarding. In the Water Management course every student could choose a subject for the assignment related to water management. So now it was time to carry out individual research, write an article, make a poster and give a presentation of your research results instead of being supported by the group members.

Exchange year in Saxion and Deventer was very good experience for me. I accomplished to strengthen many of my skills and broaden my view professionally. Many of the friends made during the exchange year have stayed as good friends even though most have returned to their home countries or went to other countries.

The international studies in Saxion enabled and helped a lot while I was doing a practical training and final thesis in the Netherlands after the courses in Saxion in 2007. Overall I learned a lot about Dutch culture as well as other cultures through my fellow students.