Name: Elena Lokhman
Programme: MSc Programme in Science and Bioengineering, Biotechnology
Home country: Russia

Why did you choose TUT and this programme?
I had chosen biotechnology direction as a major for higher education considering my natural science interest and expected prospects. Being a 5th-year student I began to think seriously about continuation of my education in the sphere of biotechnology in Europe probably with further ability to find a job there. Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons the specialists in this field are not in great demand in my native country, so it is very difficult to find a job with my specialization. In Finland, on the contrary, the sphere of biotechnology is one of the most developing and prospective sciences.

I had a number of reasons for choosing TUT in particular. First of all, Tampere is situated not far from my home city (Saint-Petersburg) and I started to visit it for vacations since 2008 and I knew the town quite well. Second, the important advantage of TUT was the existence of suitable educational programms for both - me and my husband. Third, I was able to see the list of offered subjects in advance. In my particular case, TUT programme is really beneficial, because it covers the areas, which were lacking in my home university, and offers strong experimental basis (TUT has good equipped laboratories). And the last reason for choosing the TUT was the fact, that education is still free.

What is the best part of your studies?
As I've already mentioned, I'm really satisfied with the equipment of both university and laboratories. You don't need to think about minor things and can concentrate on the studies. Everything is really high-tech, totally different from what I had in home university. You always have access to information through the study portals and you can always use the scientific literature purchased by university. Besides, the study process is very flexible. Composing the own schedule was totally new thing for me.
The most comfortable issue in studying biotechnology in TUT is the constant lab access. It was always problematic to plan your own work in my home university students were always dependable on laboratory staff. This caused serious problems to the quality of results and to research in general. TUT gives its students more freedom! You are able to work in lab as much as needed - it doesn't matter whether it's day or night. In my opinion, this is of a high value in my field.

Why would you recommend TUT to prospective students?
Apart from all the things I mentioned above, which already deserve to be strong reasons to recommend TUT, it is also very important to note, that the whole atmosphere in TUT is very friendly. Here in Finland people are very helpful and considerate. You can always ask for help if you need it. This also can be referred to relationships between students and teaching staff.
Moreover, studying in TUT often gives opportunities not only to do your degree, but also to get a job and work on different projects in frames of university research.

How has living in Finland been for you?
For me Finland equals nature. I really enjoy fresh air, greenery or sparkling snow, berries and mushrooms, squirrels and hares, etc., etc. However at the same time this nature is combined with high developed social infrastructure and high standards of living. Everything here is done for the easement. Furthermore, you always feel safe and secure, since people here have such a mentality and, I guess, all newcomers try to correspond.

Your own message to prospective students:
There is no doubt that Finland is truly a good place for studying and living, whereas TUT deserves a particular attention. It is the choice of many international students annually. Probably, it will be your choice as well. ;)