By bike from Mikkeli to the exchange university in the south of France
Problem solving skills are needed and they improve both in long-distance cycling than in BScBA studies.
The students of the Bachelor’s Program in International Business (BScBA) are required to spend one semester abroad in one of the approximately 50 partner universities. The students complete 30 credits during the exchange for the Minor Subject Studies of their degree.
Alvari Poikola is a 3rd-year student in the Bachelor’s Program and he chose to complete his study abroad period at SKEMA Business School in Sophia Antipolis, at the heart of the French Riviera.
Alvari wanted to do something different so he chose to travel to his exchange destination by bike instead of an airplane, train or car. When the exchange destinations were announced at the beginning of the year, Alvari said to his fellow students that he would cycle from Finland to the South of France. During the spring, the idea turned into action, and in May, Alvari began to plan the journey with his friend Edward Kivelä, former BScBA student.
'The idea was to start our journey to France at the beginning of August, about a month before my exchange studies and orientation week would start in Sophia Antipolis. Neither of us had any experience of long-distance cycling, but we decided to do this because it is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience', says Alvari.
Exploring the world from the vantage point of a saddle is worth it
Alvari says that he is a very adventurous person, but he thinks that studying in Mikkeli for two years has given a lot for him when considering exchange, a future career or life in general.
'In Mikkeli, I had to come out from my comfort zone in many ways; I had to learn new things at a rapid pace and quickly adapt into the international environment and new kinds of situations. All that I have learned in Mikkeli has also been beneficial for me on my journey, because cycling through Europe demands fast adaptability to new situations and problem-solving skills.'
'We stayed our nights under the open sky and slept in hammocks, so every day we had to find out where to sleep, where to get food and more supplies and which route should we choose. Free camping is not permitted in all places all around Europe, so searching a good place for camping for a night was an adventure every day', says Alvari.
Traveling by bicycle gave much positive attention from the locals and even an invitation to a French dinner
Alvari cycled over 3,000 kilometers in 34 days and from Southern France Edward continued his trip to Spain. Our journey was full of surprises, stunning sceneries and great encounters with the locals.
'The best thing about the whole journey has definitely been the encounters with the locals. You get to know different cultures and local life more deeply. Of course, the international atmosphere of the Mikkeli Campus helped me get contact with the locals as well, because I met so many students and professors from different countries and cultures during my studies in Mikkeli', says Alvari.
Alvari urges everybody to explore the world from the vantage point of a saddle, because things what they experienced would have been impossible if they had travelled by train or a car. ”In addition, traveling by bicycle we got so much attention from the locals. Everyone was so friendly and helpful to us during our journey. One day we met a local young man in a small grocery shop and a moment later, we were staying with him and his friends in the French countryside in a traditional French farm, enjoying wine, great food and scenery.
'For all those who are leaving for the exchange, Alvari wants to encourage and remind that it is worth taking the risk and adventure of this size requires less effort than you might think. 'I recommend to get to know new people and travel in different way. I am sure that it will create a great opportunity to make unforgettable memories that will you will cherish after a long time.'
At the destination in Southern France.