Business, brave steps, and belonging

Hi! I am Samprada Khadka from the beautiful and majestic capital of a rather small country Nepal. I grew up in a small family with my Mom, Dad and little sister. I had a little spark that always led me to the world of business. Searching for further study opportunities where my knowledge will be enhanced, I stumbled upon the page of Finnish study opportunities. HAMK was one of the top choices among the international students as it has various fields that I could choose from.
I enrolled myself into the International Business studies for the year of 2024 and got accepted to start my studies in August.

So far my studies have been more exciting than I imagined. I have learned about cross-communication, conducting business on a global scale and the factors in business that bring a big or small change to the result. The teachers and people in HAMK are nearby to make sure you are assisted. The non-formal way of addressing people has made me more comfortable to come up to them and ask them any question. “There is never a stupid question”, this statement from the teacher gives me courage to go and ask any questions that I have any doubt about. Group work where I get to work with people from a lot of backgrounds has been the most highlighted part of my studies as it allows me to get a glimpse of how work-life is in the real world and improve my communication skills.

Student life in Valkeakoski

As the studies are not very packed, me and my friends hangout a lot. From going grocery shopping to appliances shopping to parties we go together. My friends, from different nationalities, Lithuanian, Polish, and Finnish, have been brought together by HAMK and I am very grateful for it. After classes or on free days, we usually hangout, watch movies, paint, cook together, talk. Since Valkeakoski is a small place, everything is within walking distance. The lakes with beautiful views, parks to play in, places to play ice-hockey, football, volleyball and table tennis, everything is nearby and accessible to the students. If you are a person who loves nature and wants fewer crowds, Valkeakoski is definitely a great place for you.

Future plans

HAMK has different courses aside from your academic courses like Design Factory and Marketing Team to gain extra credits and make good use of your free time. I have been to many places in Finland as a part of my studies in Marketing Team that has created a space to connect with more people and make new connections. My friends and I have been planning to go for the SAP (Short Advanced Programme) arranged by RUN-EU to gain extra knowledge in a different teaching environment. The application is quick and easy to understand. The people responsible for this program are always there to help you in any case of confusion, the replies are quick and always with a solution. After graduation I plan on gaining work experience in Finland and then continuing my life back in Nepal and implementing all the knowledge I have gained from my studies and work to dominate the business market and lead it to greater heights.

For anyone who is considering studying International Business in HAMK, I will always advise them to take the leap. HAMK is a great place to study with the best studying environment. It is not only focused on the studies but the entertainment part as well. It has a perfect balance of studies and fun with the best people nearby. Be courageous, don’t shy out, keep the door for opportunities open and you will find the best people around you.