Myrene, Phuc Le and Tam are studying restaurant and catering services at Tredu’s Kangasala campus. The trio took a big leap into the unknown when they arrived in Finland to study and work. They believe the risk has been worth it.
A group of Filipino and Vietnamese students started their training to become chefs after the winter break and have already got down to business at the student restaurant Eveliina. Tredu’s current aim with commission-based studies, is to train experts in sectors where more labour is needed. Similar pilots have also been launched on three other campuses in Virrat and Tampere.
In the kitchen, the atmosphere is hectic but cheerful. The day’s lunch is prepared one dish at a time, with a strong taste of coriander in the side dishes. The students greet the visitor cheerfully, and conversations take place in many different languages. Jussi Rajala, the group’s teacher, has become a close mentor, teaching them the secrets of Finnish cuisine by hand.
From Salmon Soup to Street Food
According to the students, their studies and new life in Finland have got off to a great start. The teachers, fellow students and customers are nice, and the group has become a close-knit community that offers support when needed.
– The clients are really friendly. They want to talk to us in English because we don’t speak Finnish well. I’m really touched, says Tam.
Phuc Le and Myrene were also surprised by the Finnish people’s talkativeness. But you must initiate the conversation yourself, they add.
The local food culture has not been a big shock, except for the daily preparation of a side salad. Everyone had familiarized themselves with the topic beforehand and had come across trending dishes on social media, such as salmon soup. Rajala says the day of salmon preparation was significant for the students. They cooked Vietnamese food from the skin the next day, and really took full advantage of the fish.
The interviewees have no background in restaurants, but they are keen home cooks. All dream of running their own business. Phuc Le wants his own food truck that serves Vietnamese street food and gives him the opportunity to chat to people.
– We want to make our teachers and Tredu proud of us, he says.
Starting from Scratch
The students experienced a bit of a shock when they arrived in Finland in the middle of winter and to empty apartments.
– I only had one mattress and my things. I wondered to myself ‘is this what my life is going to be like’. It was really cold outside at that time, like -10. And the next morning, I went to school, Phuc Le describes the first night in his new home.
Many students have received furniture donations from Facebook groups, fellow students and associations. They have also been advised on where to find cheap household supplies. The group is visited weekly by Tredu’s social counsellor who can be contacted for help and advice on everyday matters.
Students are not eligible for social benefits but finance their lives through savings and work. Myrene hopes to start working part-time in the summer.
Living The Finnish Way – Finding the Ingredients for Happiness
Before arriving in Finland, Myrene wondered why the country was always at the top of the happiness charts. Gradually, she realised the support network that society offers and is grateful that her 15 and 17-year-old children are receiving a quality education in Finland.
Phuc Le hopes that the next generation will lead healthier lives and not have to worry about air pollution. The Finnish lifestyle still takes some getting used to, but he is open to trying everything, including the infamous sauna.
– You warm up and cool down. Roll around in the snow, even if you’re naked. Go outside and just stand with a beer in your hand, says Phuc Le, describing his sauna session with other students.
The group is looking forward to going into the forest and picking berries and mushrooms. Their sense of adventure is so strong that the teachers have had to curb their enthusiasm. Tam tries to get into nature as often as possible. The next camping trip with friends has already been arranged.
– I love going to the forest and sitting by the lake. You just relax and enjoy the moment, and don’t worry about what’s to come, she says.
– And if you’re lucky, you’ll meet a bear, adds Phuc Le.
Tredu's Commission-Based Studies
Tredu has launched a responsible and sustainable commission-based education model that brings motivated and skilled international students to Finland without using government funding or taxpayers’ money. This innovative approach directly addresses regional labour shortages and supports business growth.
Tredu works closely with reliable and responsible student recruitment partners in Vietnam and the Philippines. These partners identify potential applicants who go through a careful selection process. Applicants are interviewed and given relevant entrance exams to ensure they are ready for study and employment in Finland.