Discover how our students are addressing environmental challenges, exploring legal and policy solutions, and working towards sustainability through their diverse perspectives and personal stories. These narratives provide insight into their academic experiences, practical learning, and future goals in environmental governance. Explore their stories to learn more about their journeys and the impact they aspire to make.
Adetayo Adetuyi, Nigeria
Major Environmental and Climate Change Law
2023
"I am particularly interested in the area of climate change law. Coming from a part of Africa that is suffering from the adverse effects of climate change, this Masters programme has motivated me to explore the impact of international environmental issues on Nigeria.
The studies have also contributed to my understanding of individual actions and their impact on the climate crisis.
During my studies, I have had the opportunity to actively participate in various activities such as volunteering at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Colloquium, where I networked with people from different academic and professional backgrounds who share a passion for the environment. I am also a tutor for students in the Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law, a deputy student member of the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies (YHKA), a deputy student member of the University’s Collegiate Body (Yliopistokollegia), and a UEF student ambassador”.
Phuong Anh Vu, Vietnam
Major in Environmental Policy and Natural Resources Governance.
2023
"Coming from a coastal country that is heavily affected by climate change and environmental degradation, I am interested in promoting circular economy principles, especially the circularity of plastics, to combat environmental degradation.
This programme provides me with interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary knowledge of legal and policy instruments for a comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues. I have also been able to explore innovative solutions to complex environmental issues.
A highlight was my internship with the Biodiversity Finance Initiative, a programme managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where I worked on the Global Biodiversity Framework and sustainable finance for biodiversity conservation.
I have also worked as a tutor for new students in our programme and the Joint Nordic Master Programme in Environmental Law. I am happy to be actively involved in helping students adapt to Finnish social life.
Among the courses, I enjoyed the Careers in Environmental Policy and Law workshop because it provided relevant knowledge for my working life.
In the future I would like to join an international organisation as a project officer or policy analyst. I would like to use my skills, knowledge and experience to make a meaningful contribution to global efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Adriana Silverio Peguero, Dominican Republic
Major Environmental and Climate Change Law
2024
"As a citizen of a small island developing state, I am particularly interested in the field of international climate change law, its history, characteristics and possibilities. The threats posed by climate change to small island developing states are among my concerns. I want to understand the laws, policies and legal strategies that can contribute to climate justice.
It is not possible to address all these challenges from a single perspective. With its interdisciplinary approach to the different dimensions of environmental problems, this Master's programme helps me to prepare myself based on a combination of different disciplines.
I would like to make a fair and effective contribution to international environmental law by participating in legislative initiatives, strategic litigation and research with governmental and non-governmental actors, addressing environmental challenges, protecting the environment, securing human rights and contributing to a more just and sustainable world".
Vivien Reh, United States and Germany
Major Environmental and Climate Change Law
2023
"My current interest in environmental policy and law is in maritime law and the rights of nature, as well as exploring different approaches to resource governance.
The Master's programme allows for a very interest-driven approach which can be done through academic freedom, supported by the guidance of professors who are leading experts in their fields.
I would also like to highlight that the programme is very flexible and students can get involved in extra-curricular activities such as internships or volunteering. For example, I volunteered at the IUCN Colloquium in Joensuu, where I interacted with experts and professors from all over the world.
Another valuable experience is my internship at the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor, which strengthened my passion for the rights of nature.
I would like to pursue a PhD after my Master's degree, and I have no doubt that the lessons I have learned and the interests I have developed during my time in this programme will be invaluable when it comes to taking the next step.
Eike Hinrichsen, Germany
Major Environmental and Climate Change Law
2022
"I am particularly interested in energy law and the phasing out of fossil fuels. Fascinated by the link between international environmental issues and the regulation of international trade and investment, I wrote my final thesis on the Energy Charter Treaty and climate change law.
The Master's programme offers courses taught mostly in small groups by professors as well as practitioners from different parts of the world, giving me the opportunity to learn from enriching group discussions with students and teachers from different backgrounds.
Thanks to the flexibility of the programme, I was able to do two internships: one with UNEP and one with the Foreign Ministry of Germany in Benin. I was also able to study an extra semester at the University of Namibia at the end of my studies through a bilateral exchange programme. Studying in such a different environment was challenging but above all enriching.
Overall, I am very grateful for all the experience and knowledge I gained through the Environmental Policy and Law Master Programme at UEF and can warmly recommend it”.
Robert Croezen, the Netherlands
Student majoring in Natural Resources Governance
"The programme particularly gained my interest due to the variety of courses. It combines a unique interdisciplinary set of law and policy courses focused on both international and national levels. Both majors provide an option to specialize or diversify in different environmental issues. In my major, natural resources governance, I chose to specialize in the nexus between community engagement and nature conservation.
The style and quality of teaching has been very flexible and, thanks to the staff, barely inflicted by the corona restrictions. The staff is very committed to helping their students and are always there to help us. After finishing my studies, I plan to work at an NGO where I will be able to implement nature conservation projects in a participatory governance setting."
Katherine Hall, Australia
Student majoring Natural Resources Governance
“For a long time, I had wanted to discover what life was like in the Nordic countries, and especially to have the opportunity of learning at a Finnish educational institution, since Finland is well known for its excellent education system. Having already had some work experience in the sphere of environmental policy, I knew exactly what kind of course I wanted to study, and found this in the Masters of Environmental Law and Policy programme.
The course is quite unique in blending environmental policy and law, and brings these two disciplines together very well. The lecturers are great and we are very lucky to be taught by academics who regularly attend climate negotiations on the Finnish team. I have also thoroughly enjoyed studying in the Finnish academic system, I appreciate the flexible learning style and the opportunity to tailor the course to my particular interests. The course has been very well planned, there are a range of subjects to choose from, the lecturers are great, and the staff committed to supporting the students.”
Minna Boström, Finland
Student majoring Environmental and Climate Change Law
“I chose this programme, because I felt that the international nature of the programme is a possibility to gain new aspects and improve my language skills. The programme has given me a new viewpoint on environmental matters because of the skilled lecturers, but also because of group discussions and group works with fellow students with different academic backgrounds and of different nationalities.
There are so many interesting courses and lectures that sometimes it has been hard to choose which one to take. I have gained so much new and useful knowledge since the day I started my studies in UEF. I can warmly recommend the programme to anyone who is interested in environmental policy and law and want to specialise in this field.”
Tichaona Dande, Zimbabwe
Student majoring Environmental and Climate Change Law
“The programme has empowered my career development and enhanced my understanding of the global politics of the international environmental, energy and climate change law. This programme gives the opportunities to network with other international students and professionals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, which is a key attribute to global success.
The unique courses offered lay a fundamental platform that opens wide career doors in international environmental and climate change law and policy field. The programme provides global solutions to international environmental challenges and courses are taught by teachers with different academic backgrounds, which strengthens the multidisciplinary nature of the programme.”
