On Tuesday morning of our second week we started with Finnish agriculture and
livestock education. We learned more about dairy and meat
production in Finland with an emphasis on the production cycle of dairy, pork
and beef. The differences and
similarities between American and Finnish farming were also discussed. Our
instructor, Teija, asked at the end of class if there is anything in particular
we would like to learn about; I love that our teachers are so interested in
what we would like to know! I requested a synopsis of the sustainability of
each of these farms and how they compare depending on which animals are being
raised. I’m looking forward to visiting farms in the near future and helping
care for these animals.
After lunch the Cal Poly students had a meeting with Antti
Pasila, Anna Tall, Juha Tianen, and Cal Poly’s own Dr. Doug Piirto (Head of the
Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences Department who sent us
to the great land of his ancestors to study). We discussed a number of things
but mainly how the Finnish education system functions and how SeAMK (Seinajoki
University abbreviation) credits might transfer to Cal Poly units. I won’t get
into the gritty details but if you are interested in a breakdown, please email
me. The primary difference in our upper level education is that Finland has a
‘two-pillar’ system; an academic and a professional track depending on whether
you are seeking a more general education after primary school or if you would
like to specialize in a certain area of study.
The latter is a professional system and includes our SeAMK university of
applied science. This two-pillar system is shared with Germany (and pretty cool
in my opinion). Not to mention, the Finnish education system is free!
Finland ensures its citizens have access to a quality
education regardless of economic means. Much of their school system is funded
through tax dollars but by investing in the progress of individuals they are securing
a better future for their country. Now don’t get me wrong, I love America… however, I’m seeing more
and more how I much prefer the way Finland chooses to manage their
resources. Granted, this might be like
comparing apples and oranges; USA is much bigger in terms of population,
territory, and some might argue international responsibility but I believe
there is a lot we could learn from this happy little country. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox and back to the
story.
Tuesday night Anna Tall had the Cal
Poly Students, Dr. Doug and his wonderful wife Mary over for dinner at her
house. When the Talls came to America, the Piirtos hosted them for a Memorial
Day weekend dinner and included the five of us who were accepted to SeAMK. Now
in Finland we gathered for a Finnish dinner party, or rather a feast. As a part
of our Finnish culture education, the exchange students helped Anna prepare the
food and decorate. For dinner we had grilled sausage, chicken, pork, an
incredible assortment of cheese, salad, and of course karjalanpiirakka; a traditional Finnish
pastry made from rye crust around a rice filling. For dessert we had apple
crisp made with apples from the back yard garnished with ice cream and Finnish
berries, some of which were also from the yard. After the great meal we shared
Dr. Doug and Juha Tall enjoyed the sauna while the Cal Poly students played
scrabble with the three highly entertaining Tall children. They taught us some Finnish words and kept us
laughing until it was time to go.
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