I chose Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences because it had so many options to choose from. First I applied to study in the Degree for Chemical Engineering that is taught in Finnish and I was accepted. The first day we were told about free study places in the international Degree Programme for Chemistry and Technology. I changed to study programme taught in English, because I have always wanted to learn English and to work abroad some day.

My group has students who represent many nations: Finns, Germans, Chinese; one student from Congo and one from Bangladesh.

It is very challenging to study in English. Although everything is taught and communicated in English, I have passed all my courses and I have not had any major difficulties. I am very pleased to see that my speaking skills have developed a lot while studying here.
 
My aim is to finish my studies abroad and do the thesis for some international company. I have many opportunities because the COU has so many partner universities that it co-operates with. After graduation I would like to study abroad for a few years.

Petteri Laine
Degree Programme in Chemistry and Technology

Picture: Eeva Huotari

Marju challenged herself to study in English

After I finished high school in my hometown of Leppävirta in Savonia, everybody assumed I would go on to study languages at some university or another, but I had an altogether different agenda. In September 2002, I enrolled in the Degree Programme in Chemistry and Technology at the Central Ostrobothnia University of Applied Sciences in the technical faculty in Kokkola with my sights set on obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in engineering. The previous spring I had made up my mind to challenge myself truly, and pursue a degree in a foreign language. Environmental issues were of concern to me, and thus this unique degree programme appealed to me and I sent in my application. I was so decided on this goal that I did not even apply to any other university. I never came to regret this decision. On the contrary, I firmly believe it is the best decision I ever made as I found my professional calling.

As the programme consisted of a wide variety of courses on different topics, I gained insight on environmental chemistry and technologies as well as a deep knowledge on process engineering. Every summer I did internship at OMG Kokkola Chemicals as a process operator, which ensured I obtained a clear view on the reality of the process industry. This was of great value to my studies and finally I steered more towards chemical engineering although the environmental aspects remained a close interest nevertheless.

During my time in Kokkola I took actively part not only in the academic side of student life but also the extracurricular activities. As my class was very international, I had the opportunity to interact with people from all over the world, which immensely widened my perspectives. After the first year I became the very first international tutor of the faculty of technology. This rewarding task gave me the chance to meet even more interesting people and ultimately facilitate their settling to Finland in the very first days upon their arrival. Additionally, I was involved in arranging activities for the international students, ranging from parties and sauna evenings to sports days. Through all this, I made many close friends that I am sure will last a lifetime.

In the spring term of 2006, I worked in the premises of KETEK technology centre on my Bachelor’s Thesis for a three‑month period. My thesis dealt with catalysis and it was made for OMG Kokkola Chemicals. Those three months taught me a lot on working independently and gave me trust in myself and in my professional abilities. Also the topic cemented my interest in further studies and especially on the field of applied chemistry. I graduated in May 2006 and in September of the same year I continued my studies after a summer of engineering work.

Today, I’m living in Lappeenranta in South Carelia region where I attended the Lappeenranta University of Technology. I finished my Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering in December 2008. My combination of applied chemistry and separation technology is interesting and I wrote my Master’s Thesis for a prominent Finnish company. Currently I work at the university, for Centre of Separation Technology as a researcher. My job entails corrosion testing and everything related to it.

As for the future, I am confident that it is the very combination of education I have encompassed that provides me a competitive edge over others. I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone interested in sciences to take the same rewarding path. I have been very lucky to be in the right places and I would not give a single day away.

Marju Mannila