For Reza Saberi, the study of language is the study of his very self. Linguistics has strongly influenced his life—not only is it his favorite academic field, but it is also his passion and leisure-time activity.
The first thing that really drew Reza's attention to University of Eastern Finland was the incredible variety of disciplines it offers. He loved the fact that UEF provides so many different fields of study, which means students can really find something that fits their interests and career goals. What really stood out to him, though, was the international Master’s degree programme he chose—Linguistic Data Sciences.
"It’s was of the most inspiring programmes I came across while looking for a study path that suited me. It perfectly combines what I’m passionate about with the opportunity to expand my knowledge in meaningful ways." Reza says.
Embracing a new environment in Finland
Honestly speaking, compared to the academic environment he was used to, everything at UEF feels different to Reza. Among all these differences, the way teachers and staff treat students is the most remarkable aspect for him. He believes that beyond academic success, respect plays a crucial role, and this makes a significant difference. Additionally, the opportunity to mingle with people and participate in campus events has greatly changed how he initially felt.
Coming from a completely different country and culture, almost everything—people, weather, and daily life—felt new to him. As an immigrant, Reza has had his share of both joyful and challenging moments, adjusting to life in a new country. But among all these experiences, one moment stands out as the most memorable:
“When my older son performed at his school. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride watching him, and he was also really impressed by how well students are treated here. It was such a special moment for our family, and it made me feel even more connected to this place." Reza recalls.
Looking ahead to the future with his family
While choosing a country to move to, Reza's top priority was his family, as he undertook the challenges of immigration to build a better life for them. For him, Finland, as a family-friendly country, was the best option, and now that he is here, he truly feels that way. As for Joensuu, the people are welcoming, and so far, his family and he have been treated kindly. He hopes to continue living here. Although the weather is cold, the warmth of the people melts the ice of nature.
If you're thinking about applying to Finland and the University of Eastern Finland, Reza encourages you to go for it.
"You will get to experience so many new things, both on campus and in the city. No matter where you are from or what you want to study, you will find opportunities to learn, grow, and follow your passion. One of the best things about UEF is the variety of events. Whether you're into sports, music, cultural activities, or even cooking, there’s always something happening. The atmosphere here is friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to study and live.”
Reza has quite a few plans for after graduation. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he really hopes to find an opportunity to start teaching here in Finland. He has always loved working with students, and he is excited about the idea of sharing his knowledge and experience in a new environment. He also plans to apply for a PhD in linguistics to deepen his expertise in the field. There’s always more to learn, and he is passionate about diving deeper into language and its complexities. At the same time, he is open to exploring part-time work. He thinks having a variety of activities will help keep things exciting and give him a nice balance between academic work and personal growth. He also plans to improve his Finnish so he can connect more with the local community and make the most of his time here.
Reza and his family have been in Finland for almost two years. He is sure there is so much more to experience, and he is excited about what is yet to come.
