Meet the Sibelius Academy’s Student Ambassadors

17.3.2023 0 Like 2 kommenttia

Student ambassadors Anton, Haiyun, Mark, Michael, Miina, Ruusu-Maaria and Sabina introduce themselves. Want to ask about music studies? You can reach us at: siba.student.ambassadors@uniarts.fi.

Anton, Master’s in Music Education

Languages: Finnish, German, English

I am from Finland. My favourite thing about University of the Arts is being surrounded by so many talented, creative and inspiring people, who motivate me to get better in my own craft, as well as try new things even outside of my comfort zone!

My favourite place around Helsinki is the shoreline, especially around Hietaniemi or as the locals call it “Hietsu”. In the summer Hietsu’s main attraction is of course the big beach which is optimal for going for a swim in the sea! In the summer you can also rent a city bike and follow the shoreline all the way to Seurasaari!  Also, in the winter the sea around Hietsu is usually frozen and you can walk on the ice to the nearby island. One hidden gem is also the Hieataniemi graveyard, which is ideal for walking through, if you want to get away from the city noise. I would suggest especially going there in the fall, when the leaves are beginning to drop from the trees, or in the winter if it has snowed! One of my absolute favourite spots to relax is the little less crowded island of Pihlajasaari in Helsinki. From May to the end of August, for a small cost you can take a short ferry ride either from Ruoholahti or Eiranranta to the island. At the island you can swim, hike, have a picnic or if you are feeling adventurous, even take a tent with you and spend the night there!

As a student ambassador I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of various tasks, ranging from market research to holding presentations about the university to high school students. Back when I was still thinking about applying to SibA, talking to current students and hearing about their experiences was a major reason why I ultimately chose to apply here. Now as a student ambassador, I hope that sharing my experiences, both in as well as outside of school, can help anyone interested in Uniarts.

Haiyun (she/them), Master’s in Arts Management, Society and Creative Entrepreneurship

Languages: Chinese, English

I came from China and when I was looking for an arts management programme related with performing art and about how art is related with shaping the values of society, I found my current programme in Sibelius Academy. Plus, I traveled to Finland for my high school graduation trip, and I visited the Sibelius Monument! Thus, I applied immediately for this programme and I’m happy that I got accepted! In University of the Arts, I enjoy creating interesting projects with people from different backgrounds. My places to go in Helsinki are Vintage UFF and Cat café.

Being a student ambassador means being a window to the student life in University of the Arts. We’re able to have a channel to share our daily student life, reflect on the whole institution from our student’s perspective, and raise the awareness of well-being and make a difference as a student in UniArts. I’m newly onboard as a student ambassador, and I’m really looking forward to working with others during my study here!

Miina, Bachelor’s in Music Education

Languages: Finnish and English (can understand/speak a bit of German and Swedish)

I am from a little village in Central Finland. After studying abroad, I wanted to experience student life in Finland and continue studying music. The studies at Music Education provide good musicianship skills as well as general knowledge through pedagogical studies. My favorite place in Finland is by the fireplace in my childhood home in the middle of the forest. In Helsinki one of the best places is a walk or run in Seurasaari.

Being a student ambassador is a nice way to get to meet students from different Uniarts campuses as well as from my own. For me as a student ambassador it’s important to share my experiences realistically as a degree student for both people who might consider applying to Uniarts but also to the faculty of university.

Sabina, Master’s in Classical Music Performance, Accordion

Languages: Polish, English

I am from Warsaw, Poland. I first came here as an Erasmus student, and then I fell deeply for Sibelius Academy. The pedagogues were very inspiring and encouraging to go beyond limitations with a calm and peaceful attitude. The practice rooms and all facilities were also of outstanding quality. The improvisation module that I took gave me a lot of experiences that I always wanted to delve into! Also, the improvisation pedagogy conducted by Erja Joukamo-Ampuja was beyond my highest expectations.

One of my favorite places in Helsinki is Viikintien läntinen silta. It’s a place where the Vantaa river connects with the sea. I adore watching how the waterfall changes through the seasons.

I became a student ambassador because I want to help future and current students of Uniarts and improve their lives. As I can relate to their problems, it is uplifting to help and support such a unique group.

Photography and editing by the Student Ambassadors of the Academy of Fine Arts: Anastasiia Lapteva (@aasyalapteva), Ellenor Rose Nish (@studiomokii), Anna Karima Wane and Rong-Ci Zhang (@rrong.ci.zhang)