INSIDER 05.10.2018 | VOL. 21 | ISSUE 04
STUDENT MAGAZINE OF XAMK
NORDIC BUSINESS FORUM
EXCHANGE IN CZECH
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL
WAYS TO GET OFF YOUR DONKEY EXCHANGE IN CZECH
PROFILE STUDENT PARTY
NORDIC BUSINESS FORUM
EDITORIAL STAFF
Stela Demaj Kouvola Current Affairs
Leif Heflin Kouvola Current Affairs
Marija Marash Kouvola Current Affairs
Van-Trang Le Kouvola Current Affairs
Polina Vishnya Kouvola Current Affairs
Alisa Kivirian Exchange View Affairs
Minh-Trang Le Kouvola Current Affairs
Long Nguyen Layout Editor
Trung Dao Layout Editor/ Kouvolan Current Affairs
Nikita Munenko Kouvola Current Affairs
Hugh Clack Editor in Chief
INSIDER STUDENT MAGAZINE South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Paraatikenttä 7 45100 Kouvola Editor in Chief: Hugh Clack INSIDER ISSN 1457-1587 /INSIDERSTUDENTMAGAZINE 2
PHONE +358 44 702 8758 WEBSITE insider.xamk.fi EMAIL insider@xamk.fi
EDITORIAL
Would you look at that, it is another issue of INSIDER. Let’s dive right in to see what articles we have in store for you this week, shall we? First off, the usual Profile segment from our girl Stela. Make sure to check it out to see who the special guest this week is! Leif is back at it again with another thought-provoking article on procrastination – one phenomenon which perhaps every one of us could relate to. To be honest, his swift metaphors and satire really hook me in, not just because this guy is a native speaker (or is it?). Either way, Marija – one of our recently welcomed INSIDER staff brought us a delightful article on the nature of college students all over the globe: party. If you are a newbie at XAMK and you were a bit hesitated to go to our student parties, check out her article to see what fun you can get and maybe consider spending a night out next time (?). About me, I brought you an article on Mid-Autumn Festival. If you want to know what that is and how the heck I could turn it into an article, make sure to check it out. Alongside with articles from the presented staff at XAMK, we are also blessed with the fascinating exchange view from sunny and lively Budapest by Alisa. That is it for this week. Enjoy!
Minh-Trang Le 3
EXCHANGE TO CZECH REPUBLIC Part 2. Practical advices of living in Brno In this article I will talk more about practical side of living in Brno. First week of my exchange started with orientation. Programme of orientation week was quite broad and diverse as it included both organisational, cultural events and entertainment. We have been divided in groups and showed around University campus, dormitory and city centre. I must admit that organization of orientation week was at high level and University staff and ESN (Erasmus student Network) did their best to make students familiar with the city, University and other matters related. Before arrival to Czech Republic you can apply for a pick-up service or a buddy. Buddies are local Czech students who have volunteered to help students coming from abroad to settled down in Brno and get to know new environment. I have applied for a buddy, it was a really friendly Czech girl. She contacted me in advance to discuss time and place of my arrival. On the date when I came to Brno directly from Prague airport to the Main bus/train station, she met me there and followed me to my dorms. It was pretty convenient as I came quite late, did not speak any Czech, of course, and wasn`t sure about buses timetable and routes. Few things that you need to do upon arrival in Brno to make your life easier are making an ISIC card, tram card and opening a bank account in Czech bank. During organizational part of orientation week local students helped us to get the tram card and make photos for ISIC card. ISIC card is an international student card that allows you to get discounts in cafes, restaurants, cinema, shops, hairdressers etc or even free entrance in the museums. It also includes discounts for public transportation, hostels, travelling (buses like Flixbus, Regiojet and Eurolines, trains and plains), mobile network (Vodafone) and many more. You can check the list of all available 4
discounts in your country of exchange at the isic.org. In Masaryk University it is also used as University chips and serves as identification within University (key to the classroom`s doors), card for borrowing books, paying for printing, accommodation and at the canteen. It costs around 15 euros and should be obtained before going on exchange via online tool of Masaryk University Transport pass or tram card (as we have been calling it as mostly students use trams) is similar to bus card in Finland. It is obtained at the office of transport company of Brno during orientation week. I got a transport pass for three Masaryk University months for around 27 euros, which quite cheap comparing to prices in Finland. And now we come to the point when I faced one of my pleasant culture shocks. Transportation system in Brno is freaking amazing! Buses, trolleybuses and trams are ready to take you to any place you need. Tram ways like a net cover the whole city far and wide. Interval between trams is from ten to fifteen minutes. So, in case you are late, it won`t take forever to wait for the next one. Last but not least, there are NIGHT BUSES which circle around the city with one-hour interval. Let`s imagine you are coming from the club enormously tired and quite drunk, night bus will be your lucky ticket back home. Since national currency of Czech Republic are Czech crowns, it will be useful to open Czech bank account and transfer all saving there. So that you don`t need to bother every time looking for an ATM or exchange office with a best currency rate. Also, some Finnish banks might have a withdrawing fee. I have OP bank and it was supposed to charge 2,5 euros every time I withdrew cash, but luckily for me it did not or maybe I haven’t noticed it lol. Anyway, think about opening bank account in advance as you might need to withdraw all your cash and bring it with you to deposit money into your Czech account. One thing I would like to add here, the best exchange rate I have seen was in Helsinki airport, but for some reason I was sure that it will be better in Czech Republic and didn’t exchange my cash. Don’t make the same mistake at least if you go to Czech Republic. Polina Vishnya International dinner
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PROFILE
Claudia Riva In this issue of Insider I had a short conversation with my newest Italian flat-mate, Claudia Riva who just began her studies in Xamk. 1. Is this the first time you come to Finland/Kouvola?
No, I was an au pair last year here in Finland.
2. Did you have a nice experience the first time you came here?
My first experience in Finland was great! I was living with a nice Finnish family that showed me everything about the ''Finnish lifestyle''. 3. Why did you decide to come back?
I really enjoyed my first months in Finland. Despite the crazy weather and the long winter, I had the opportunity to know one of the most peaceful places in the world populated by warm hearted people. 4. Which is the most special memory you have from Finland?
Living with a really loving Finnish family with whom I am still really close to. 5. What do you miss the most about Italy?
Food and Sun.
6. Who’s your favorite teacher until now?
My studies at XAMK have just started, so I still don't know a lot of teacher. Until now, I liked Hugh Clack because he's very understanding and helpful. Stela Demaj
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MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL To Vietnamese people, MidAutumn Festival is perhaps the second most exciting festival of the year, right behind Tet holiday. The festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the year, according to the lunar calendar. Although not being exceptionally celebrated like Tet, it is especially anticipated by children across the country since they are usually gifted new toys and get to hang out in the hectic streets till late at night. Besides Vietnam, several other Asian countries also share this festival with us. Nonetheless, there are certain customs and traditions that are exclusive to our country. Mid-Autumn Festival holds a special place in my heart, as it is one of the things that help me create so many precious childhood memories. When the festival approached, my parents would always buy different kinds of mooncakes – a traditional pastry that are only eaten during the festival. I was never too fond of them, but for the sake of the festival, I always wanted to choose the types of fillings that we would buy. Sometimes, my family and our neighbors even gathered around and made our own mooncakes. Such an intricate and fun experience that I could never forget. On the night of the 15th, a small party would be held for the kids in my neighborhood. Plenty of sweets, animal-shaped fruits and toys were given out, alongside with quirky performances both from the kids and adults. I remember all the kids would dress up in different outfits, with masks and accessories, mostly like characters in cartoons and the ever-famous Chinese series “Xī Yóu Jì”. My my, now as I think about it, Mid-Autumn Festival can actually be an Asian version of Halloween. That being said, before all the fancy and colorful toys from China entered our country, the previous generations would have a more traditional celebration, with star-shaped lanterns, lion dance, lantern parade and toy figurines. Nevertheless, it was always a memorable experience either way. As I grew older, Mid-Autumn Festival became less about receiving candies and toys, and more about spending time with my family (the mooncakes are still a crucial element, of course!). Although I have not been home for Mid-Autumn Festival for 3 years now, I will always cherish this tradition of my country wherever I am. Minh-Trang Le 7
WAYS TO GET OFF YOUR DONKEY Eons ago… the first man-like creatures began to walk on two legs, hunting for nourishment. Crafting rudimentary weapons, they surrounded their targets. Risking their lives, and sacrificing those of their prey, just for a chance to eat that day. Literally living by a “deadline”, these ground-walkers would wait for the perfect chance, planning and building the ideal gateway for attack, to stave off starvation. Records of both their failures and victories have been preserved, not on paper but within our minds, even to this day. Luckily for the readers of Insider, Leif Heflin was tasked with an in-depth analysis on the phenomenon of procrastination, so he swam to Antarctica to do an ethnographic study on physics students at McMurdo Station. His two years of avanto had finally paid off. He took a daily record of the behaviors and the various students and formed some conclusions as a result. Here is an excerpt from his journal:
Buy new clothes
Students don’t have access to an unlimited expendable income. They need things to be cheap, but they also want to be presentable and social. Buying one new article of clothing every two weeks will result in a continuously improving wardrobe. It sets a limited time for clothes shopping so that you will neither neglect nor pamper this burden on your wallet. They should be buying items with a high cotton to polyester ratio so that their clothes last longer and we throw away less. The act of setting a schedule can program the brain into obedience. With all these newer, higher quality clothes we undoubtedly need to show them off at parties. 8
Go to parties
Going to parties has many benefits from creating networks, to gaining perspective, and even exercising. When mulling over how to write a paper we overwork our intrapersonal intelligence without giving any love and affection to our interpersonal skills. Being in a different environment around people where only the present is at hand can help our mind to detach and when pressure is taken away, ideas can flow smoother than a river of butter. By continuously practicing the art of discussion students can boost their confidence through interpersonal learning. In between drinks it will benefit the body and the mind to hit the dancefloor and shake your ass to the music. Dancing builds muscles, breaks social barriers, and gives surrender to the DJ who ultimately controls your auditory senses for the night.
Fully immerse yourself in a work of art
If you are a music junkie, then grab some headphones and load up your favorite album; not a playlist, an album. An album is a complete thought and will help to organize your own into cohesion. Turn off all the lights in your room, lie down on your bed and press play. If you are a Mountain Dew and Dorito junkie, load up your favorite single player game and play one full hour. A multiplayer online environment will only scatter your mind further, but a single-player campaign with the ability to fail (and try again) will bring confidence and critical thinking skills. If you are a film junkie, then watch one movie. Movies take years to produce and require tremendous patience for success. Dedicating yourself to one activity, one fully developed thought, will let your brain focus on tasks for longer. Engaging in a creation will give you random shots of inspiration for your own work. So why not give back to the world? Create music, film, games, or whatever your art may be. Philosophers can fine tune theories, business people can create a long-awaited alternative to the business model canvas, and interior designers can craft miniature layouts with cardboard. If you have a passion for it, then it is art.
During the observation, one of the physicists approached Heflin. His eyes darted back and forth as he skimmed the notes of the journalist.
“If you have a passion for it, then it is art? Are you kidding me with this nonsense?” shouted the rational physicist “We don’t need to be distracting ourselves with mindless tasks! The key to overcoming procrastination is simply to do chunks of given assignments on each day so that it does not pile up.” “Well I did observe this with the clothes shopping. It is weird how some days physics students show up with 1 new sock, but I think I’m starting to get it… but then again, from what I observed, the best ideas came from those who did not isolate themselves with their assignments. We are not machines - after all, we do share 50% of our genetics with bananas.” stated a humble Leif. “Students just need to improve their workflow. Focus less on parties and more on work. We are students to study, not to party. Why did you avoid your assignment and travel all the way to Antarctica? Why here?!” Replied the angrily confused physicist. “I came to the end of the earth, to the most patient of souls, to observe a life with no distractions. My research has pointed me a perplexing direction, by allowing one distraction, the distraction becomes the task and the task becomes the distraction. Conversely by having one routine task which still gives a dopamine boost will program your brain to get used to schedules and planning. The human brain avoids assignments like the plague but inhales distractions like cocaine. Dionysus was the god of ecstasy and ritual madness and he, like all Greek gods, represented a part of us. It is in our nature to have fun and to let go every so often. Keeping it built up just leads to an unfulfilled life. Trying to censor reality will only lead to a stronger revol-“
This argument continued until Leif realized that his word count was up, and the editor told him to focus. The article was finished without him even realizing it.
Grayson Leif Heflin
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EXCHANGE BUDAPEST
Hi there! Ready for more stories by a fake Hungarian citizen? Then prepare yourself for more adventures, it’s gonna be a fun ride! So, after dealing with the basic paper documentation aspect of moving abroad, time to enjoy the place! Let me introduce my new hometown – Budapest, the capital of Hungary, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Completely charming and ultimately romantic. Filled with Hungarian people speaking Hungarian language. Currency – forints. The money is crazy; 1 euro is 300 forints! Therefore, be ready to have thousands in your pockets but not feel rich. The population is nearly two million but it gets more due to the huge amount of tourists, especially in the high season of summer. The name of the city actually means the unity of two sides of it – Buda and Pest. The most lively part is Pest, all the must-see things are here. The country has a president and prime minister. Speaking about the prime minister… One of the main sightseeings and probably the most popular building in the city is the Hungarian parliament. Absolutely stunning both in the daytime and in the night. Moreover, on this side of the city you will find a stunning church – St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the symbols of Budapest. On the other side of the city you can find the Buda Castle (currently the national gallery), Fisherman’s Bastion (it used to be a part of the wall around the city protected by the community of fishermen, this is where the name is from) and the citadel for the fallen soldiers during the second world war. During the summertime, the city is full of life: all the terraces are open, streets are full of people, the riverside is extremely nice. In Budapest, you will always find how to keep yourself busy whether it’s a sightseeing walk, museum visit or clubbing (I’ll tell you more about the active life of Budapest later on!). To feel the city, you need to visit it. And then you will undoubtedly fall in love. Impossible to stay indifferent when thinking about Budapest. Such a diverse place full of things to see and to do. Come to visit me and I’ll give you a tour guide! Alisa Kivirian 10
STUDENT PARTY
STUDIO 123 Kymenlaaksonkatu 1 45700 Kuusankoski 044 375 3686 www.studio123.fi 28.09 - 04.10.2018 STUDIO 1 NUORI ASTRID (12) | 11€ | 2h3mins Sat - Sun 15:00 IHMEPERHE 2 (7) | 11€ | 2h6mins Every Evening 17:15 VENOM (12) | 12€ | 1h52mins Every Evening 19.40
STUDIO 2
Who said that summer is over? Yes, indeed it is not and to prove that, this time Kupla organized a themed party. It was called Kesá ei ole ohi/Summer is not over. I think this is the best way to give our students some spirit before the cold hits us with its biggest power. The entrance for the party was as usual: 3 Euros with a student card and 4 Euros without it.As always they also gave badges and I have to admit this one was pretty cool as it looked like a summer pool.
The party took place in Brooklyn, which personally is my favourite place to party hear in Kouvola. The dress code was super easy: wear whatever
JOHNNY ENGLISH ISKEE JÄLLEEN (7) | 11€ |1h28mins Every Evening 17:00 OLAVI VIRTA (12) | 12€ | 2h05mins Every Evening 18:45 CRAZY RICH ASIANS (7) | 12€ | 2h01mins Fri, Sun, Wed 19:30
STUDIO 3 ILOISIA AIKOJA, MIELENSÄPAHOITTAJA (12) | 12€ | 1h58mins Fri 19:15 Sat - Sun 14:15 (s2) Mon - Wed 19.15 MARY AN THE WITCH'S FLOWER (7) | 11€ | 1h542mins Sat - Sun 14.45 THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST (12) | 11€ | 1h31mins Fri - Sat, Wed - Thur 17:30
you want as long as it is something that you would wear during summer. The music was great as usual and the drinks were perfect. The reason students should attend this party it is not only to get drunk in alcohol (even though most of us do LOL.), but to meet new people and make friends. I would suggest these events especially to “newbies”, so they can socialise and start knowing the night/student life.
MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN SING ALONG (S) | 12€ | 1h55mins Sat - Sun 19:15
It was very cold outside, but that did not matter because Brooklyn was on file that night!
Students/armed services, pensioners 1€ discount on all full priced tickets of 10€ or more
A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN (16) | 11€ | 1h56mins Sun - Tues 17:00
Marija Marash 11
#NBFORUM2018 IN BRIEF
NORDIC BUSINESS FORUM 2018: THE ATMOSPHERE FILLED WITH INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION Welcome back to NBF2018 organized in Helsinki, Finland. Every year, there will be three (03) events in Norway, Sweden and Finland. About history, NBF was first launched in Jyväskylä, Finland with only 700 participants in 2008. Throughout 10 years working dedicatedly, the number of audiences is remarkably increasing. Last year, they drew attention for more than 20,000 people to attend as either seminar guests or live stream viewers. This year’s theme was focusing on strategy, peak performance and AI (artificial intelligence), which are the elements will enhance firms’ operating systems, maximize companies’ values to their stakeholders and foresee what problems firms might face in the 3.0 Era. The guest speakers are specialists, professors or authors in their own fields. They all have same things are commitment and inspiration for themselves and others. The most prominent guest speaker of #NBForum2018 was the 44th president of the United States of America, discussing about the social, political and institutional aspects. From my own experiences: Firstly, I had the chance to visit this spectacular live stream event thanks to XAMK and our International Business lecturers as it was such a big investment for their students and staff. After two days with extraordinary knowledge and sharing, I am so motivated to think about my future. One (01) fact that I think every student, especially IB student needs to think of is: Purpose of Business is about to add values rather than to make profits itself. And success should be evaluated through the way companies improve other people’ lives. Moreoverw, Susan Cain, the author of several psychological books and the co-founder of Quite Revolution, showed how introverts and extroverts can deal with each other. Introverts need to speak up early, talk more and do not curb your enthusiasm by starting to talk out loud to avoid misunderstanding. And extroverts should control your proactiveness a little bit and approach introverts 1-by-1 and give them advance notice to prepare. Marcus Buckingham once motived me by his speech. He told that if a person wants to success or at least find a right job, it is a long process with hundreds of small steps that he/she has to learn, fail and stand up again by themselves because NO ONE WILL DO IT FOR HIM/HER. And he/she should put love and caring into each step that they go through. I absorbed more than this but I hope you can feel it by attending the forum. And, you know what, you still can watch the event again. Yes, AGAIN! Our school has the licence to reshow it for 30 days after the event. This is your BIG chance if you missed it last week by contacting Hugh Clack or Sara Czabai-Leppänen. I wish you would have an astounding journey as mine. Thank you for reading my friends! Long Nguyen / Photo credit: © Nordic Business Forum
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