There’s a flurry of activity in the kitchen of Ylä-Savo Vocational College’s (YSAO) Oppimestari Restaurant as students prepare meals under the guidance of teacher Eine Pihavaara. Delicious aromas fill the air as today’s theme is to create dishes from the students’ own culinary cultures.
Among the students is Ukrainian Polina Konokhova, who is studying to become a chef. Sixteen-year-old Polina is a Mahis student, meaning she is combining vocational studies with high school courses at Iisalmi Lyseo. She has a residence permit to study in Finland.
Originally from Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula, Polina is visibly happy about the opportunity to study in Finland. However, getting a study spot was not guaranteed. A prerequisite for studying in a Finnish-language program is sufficient knowledge of Finnish. Polina studied Finnish online for two years while in Ukraine before applying for the program and finally gained admission on her second attempt.
“There are many videos, apps, and texts available online for learning,” Polina summarizes. “For example, reading Finnish websites like yle.fi is a good way to practice the language. Learning languages is a hobby for me, I enjoy speaking and chatting,” she says. “I’m fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, and Finnish, and now I’m studying Spanish in high school.”
Studying and working keep Polina so busy that she doesn’t have much time for other hobbies at the moment. She dreams of doing sports, horseback riding, and pole dancing when she finds the opportunity and time.
“I’ve always wanted to study in Europe and dreamed of studying in Finland.”
Polina applied to the chef program at YSAO on the recommendation of a Ukrainian friend living in Finland. She became interested, researched the city of Iisalmi, and thought the small, peaceful town would suit her. After living there for six months, she’s still happy with her choice and has adapted well.
“I’ve always wanted to study in Europe and dreamed of studying in Finland,” Polina states. “The world situation pushed me to make decisions and act faster. My father lives nearby in Kuopio, so when I’m feeling sad or homesick, I can call or video chat with him. I also have friends who help and support me when I’m down.”
Polina lives in student housing provided by YSAO, which is a half-hour walk from the school. She supports herself and her studies by working weekends as a chef in a pizzeria. The job also serves as practical training, helping her build her skills.
“I have a lovely student apartment in town, and for now, it’s free for me,” she says happily. Polina is highly motivated and enthusiastic about her studies and hasn’t found combining school and work to be too challenging. However, teacher Tiina Sotikov occasionally reminds her of the importance of rest to stay focused on her studies.
Cultural diversity is a richness
In Polina’s multicultural group, there are 22 international students. She sees meeting new people and learning about different cultures as a valuable experience.
“It’s great that we speak different languages in the group, and together we can practice English and Finnish,” Polina reflects. “Sometimes we have difficulties understanding each other, and the teachers always encourage us to speak Finnish.”
International students also bring new flavors and culinary practices to the lessons.
“Of course, they bring new flavors and recipes to us, and we also learn from them,” says Tiina. “This week’s theme was Afghan cuisine.”
When there were many difficult and confusing things at the start of her studies, Polina received support from teacher Tiina, as well as from Ukrainian and Russian students. Polina is satisfied with her studies at YSAO and feels welcomed. She believes she’s received not only good education but also support and advice for personal matters beyond school.
“I’m very happy to be here,” she says joyfully. “All the teachers are always helpful. They’re friendly, calm, and guide us with advice.”
Polina helps new international students adjust to life in Finland. As a hobby, she runs a YouTube channel called YoungLive, where she shares videos about her life and studies.
“People who want to study at YSAO or in Finland write to me and ask for advice, and I can answer and help them,” she says.
Studying to become a chef feels easy and practical to Polina because it involves a lot of hands-on learning. At the same time, her language skills are improving, and her cooking skills will undoubtedly be useful in the future. However, her long-term dream is to study languages at the University of Helsinki.
Polina is already excited about the opportunity to go abroad for an internship.
“Tiina told me I might have the chance to go to Spain for an internship next year, so I’m studying Spanish in high school,” she enthuses. “It’s a wonderful opportunity, and in the future, I want to see the whole world.”
Adequate language skills are required
The number of international students at YSAO is increasing, with 183 students from around ten different countries currently studying in various fields in Finnish-language programs. Students apply through continuous admission, and before starting their studies, their language skills are tested to ensure they are sufficient for academic work. In fall 2024, an English-language program in mechanical and production technology will begin.
“There will be more and more foreign-born employees in workplaces, and this is already visible in Southern Finland,” says Tiina Sotikov. “It’s good to get used to multicultural work environments while still studying.”