This time last year, one of our greatest ambitions was to travel and study abroad. Never did it cross our minds that we would actually achieve our goal, yet in the beginning of September, we found ourselves sitting on a plane, heading for Kuopio, in Finland.

"Where exactly is Kuopio you might ask?"...we had no idea! All we knew was that we were about to embark on what would be an excellent four months of several challenges, excitement, obstacles, but more than ever, fun!

We had originally applied for the Erasmus exchange programme in February, not really thinking we would be accepted. However, the moment we were told we had the opportunity to study in Finland for four months, we were eager to pack our bags and head north.

Being in our second year of BA Tourism Studies, we were very interested in discovering a different culture and lifestyle, and most of all having the opportunity to literally step into it. Though we had been warned that the Finns tend to be quiet, reserved and unsociable, this idea was immediately dispelled the moment we stepped off the plane. We found helpful and friendly people who immediately made us feel at home.

Now just imagine living in an apartment building with another 40 exchange students. Not only do you make many new, good friends as well as contacts worldwide, but you also gain, more then ever, an intercultural experience.

We ended up not only living the Finnish lifestyle, but also the Italian, French, Hungarian and so many more, with all the social activities, traditional meals, that each of us organised together. That's the best thing about an experience like this - you not only learn from the theoretical point of view, you also gain so much from the lifestyle and experience perspective.

Besides gaining experience, you also grow a lot, as simple things like paying bills, shopping, and cooking became minor obstacles, and eventually 'achievements' for us. Lectures were so different; as strange as it may sound, we actually looked forward to them.

Finland is a beautiful country, and Kuopio, where we lived, was surrounded by outstandingly beautiful lakes. We also travelled around with the friends we made there, visiting Sweden, Estonia and Latvia. However, without a doubt, the highlight of it all was the trip to beautiful Lapland, which includes the Arctic Circle and is home to Santa Claus and his reindeer.

It is unbelievable in a way, how much experience you can gain on an Erasmus exchange. Although it is only for four months, we like to say that "it was long enough to be short." The beginning is definitely the hardest part, but the rest is so much fun, as it is once you settle down, that you kind of start your own life - get used to the routine, appreciate the culture and also attempt to adapt to the freezing weather!

Now that we are back, it feels as though we left so much behind - and as the saying goes, and so we totally agree: "you cry when you arrive and you cry when you leave".

The Erasmus exchange is an opportunity not to be missed, so we encourage anyone who is up for a challenge not to think twice, but to just go for it.

Applications for University of Malta students wishing to spend a semester studying in a European university can be obtained from the European Unit, Administration Building, University of Malta between February 9 and 26.