A summer in Germany and Finland

Over the summer, master's student Esther Yuwono travelled to Germany and Finland to immerse herself in new cultures while learning about aging research.

We asked her about her experience studying abroad.

1. How did you choose your programs in Germany and Finland?

I discovered these study abroad programs through announcements from the Gerontology department, and they instantly piqued my interest. Both Finland and Germany had long been on my travel wishlist, and their innovative approaches to managing rapidly aging populations were particularly compelling.

The Finland: Comparative Urban Sustainability Field School, organized by SFU, aligned perfectly with my passion for urban sustainability and its effects on aging communities. On the other hand, the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst - German Academic Exchange Service program focused on aging research and offered the added advantage of traveling with two peers from my Gerontology master’s program, as well as the opportunity to connect with Dr. Theresa Pauly’s esteemed network in the field, making it an even more attractive option.

2. How did you prepare for your exchange?

Preparing for this trip was quite the journey. As an Indonesian passport holder, I had to navigate complex visa requirements and finalize my travel plans well in advance. I reached out to experts and institutions in the aging field, like the Dementia Village in Amsterdam, for potential visits and networking opportunities. I also immersed myself in readings about Finland’s history and current conditions. This thorough preparation was crucial for making the most of my courses and fully engaging with the experience.

3. What were you most excited about?

I was most excited about immersing myself in new cultures and exploring diverse ways of life. History and different lifestyles have always fascinated me, so experiencing them firsthand was a major highlight.

4. Can you share some highlights from your time in Germany and Finland?

At the Catholic University of Applied Sciences in Mainz, I collaborated with German and Australian students on an innovative app designed to help older adults with memory and activity. A standout experience was a cultural trip to Uddenheim, where I visited a winery owned by one of the German students’ families and delved into German cuisine and traditions.

Meeting Dr. Florian Kramer in Heidelberg, who specializes in working with children born deaf, also enriched my research with valuable insights into hearing loss and social isolation in older adults, even though his focus was on a different age group. In Finland, a memorable moment was harvesting our own food from a local garden and cooking it at Dodo, an urban farm in Helsinki. I also enjoyed visiting Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed sea fortress.

5. What did you do in your spare time, and what were your favorite memories?

In my spare time, I traveled extensively across Europe, exploring cities in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, and the Netherlands. One memorable experience was visiting Dialoghaus in Hamburg with a deaf guide, which provided unique insights into deaf culture and German healthcare policies.

My favorite memories include reaching Zugspitze, the highest point in Germany, with Shawna and Margaret from SFU’s Gerontology program, watching the Eurocup finals with new friends in Berlin, and reconnecting with old friends in Germany and the Czech Republic.

6. What advice do you have for students considering an exchange program?

1. Just go for it.
2. Look for programs that offer scholarships to help with costs, as exchange programs can be expensive.
3. Expect more than you might imagine. Living in another country for a few weeks is an extraordinary experience that offers a fresh perspective on life.
4. Engage deeply with preparatory materials and make the most of every cultural experience. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, as it will significantly enhance both your academic and personal development.
5. Plan your trip carefully. Avoid wasting time figuring things out on the go. Connect with the program director to understand expectations and gather tips on living arrangements, transportation, and more.