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In a recent cabinet shuffle, Anders Adlercreutz of the Swedish People’s Party was appointed Finland’s Minister of Education on 5 July. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, leader of the National Coalition Party, Adlercreutz brings a personal perspective on the role of international education and student exchange programs.
Brief of Personal Journey of International Education:
Adlercreutz is a profound alumnus of AFS Finland, having studied abroad in the year 1987. He is a perfect example of an experienced exchange student. His life and career were profoundly impacted by the experience of exchange programs and brought invaluable insights into the benefits of aspirant students studying abroad.
Adlercreutz told PIE News that learning Portuguese opened doors to Latin-speaking countries. He emphasised that while language skills might seem like a functional benefit, they signify much more. Speaking another person’s language, he explained, shows care and a desire to understand their background, which he witnesses daily in his work.
Hosting International Students: A Commitment to Cultural Exchange
As a student, the dedication of Adlercreutz extends beyond his own experience. Upon returning from his exchange year, his family hosted an exchange student from Brazil. This tradition of exchange continued with his own family, where he and his wife were privileged with several international students. These hosting experiences encouraged lifelong connections and boosted the cultural understanding of their families.
Adlecreutz shared that hosting international students is incredibly rewarding. He explained to the media that hosting students outside the country allows for building between cultures and creating lasting friendships. The students they hosted became part of their family, and they have stayed in close contact, even inviting them back to Finland to visit.
Encouraging Exchange Programs: A Message to Students
Adlercreutz’s story is a source of inspiration for study abroad aspirants. He specifically emphasises the importance of the exchange year. According to him, the exchange year is just not a holiday but a deep enriching experience that involves daily life, challenges and personal growth.
Adlercreutz noted that a holiday is a break from everyday life, whereas an exchange student year is everyday life, filled with mundane activities and exciting experiences, as well as boredom and homesickness.
Above all, he emphasised, it’s about learning about yourself. Understanding diversity and internationalism, he explained, requires stepping outside of your comfort zone and tolerating uncertainty. Internationalism is about celebrating difference and seeing value in it, which according to him is more important now than ever.
Promoting International Education as Minister of Education
As the new Education Minister, Adlercreutz aims to improve his experiences to boost educational affairs. He is committed to building good relationships, self-confidence, and a willingness to experiment and pursue creativity for overseas students.
Benefits for International Study Aspirants
1. Immersion of Culture: Living in an international country allows you to experience a new culture and broaden your perspective and understanding of the world.
2. Language Skills: Learning a new language always opens the door to new opportunities. Furthermore, learning new language skills helps you to enhance the ability to communicate with a wider range of people as well as cultures.
3. Personal Growth: Overcoming challenges and adapting to a new environment helps in building self-confidence and makes one independent.
4. Advantage to Career: International experience can make peers more attractive to employers who value the learning skills from studying abroad.
5. Lifelong Connections: The friendships and connections that you make while studying abroad last a lifetime, and enrich the personal as well as professional networks.
Also Read: Study Abroad: Indian Students Can Apply for an Online Visa to Study in Poland
Final Thoughts
As Finland’s new Minister of Education, Anders Adlercreutz is a strong supporter of international education and student exchange programs. His journey as an exchange student is a profound experience that motivates us.
For international study aspirants, his learning story is a testament to the transforming power of studying abroad. Facing the challenges and opportunities of an international education, you can gain valuable skills, build lasting connections, and open the doors to the world of possibilities.
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