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Meet the Theatre Academy’s Student Ambassadors

Student ambassadors Chen, Estrellx, Homa and Sointu introduce themselves. Want to ask about theatre, dance or performance studies? You can reach us at: teak.student.ambassadors@uniarts.fi.

Chen, Master’s in Choreography

Languages: English, Hebrew 

I am from Israel, Morocco, Romania. After living here with my partner for about six months, we decided to stay in the area. Having previously learned about the choreography MA program at Uniarts, witnessing numerous performances and various productions, I concluded that it offered an ideal environment for enhancing my creative and choreographic exploration. I saw it as an opportunity to deepen my ongoing research, and network with professionals both locally and internationally. One of my cherished spots in Helsinki is in Laajasalo, by the sea. I have been taking frequent walks with my dog around the area, where we stumbled upon a green area within the forest, offering a view of the sea and its small islands adorned with boats and little houses. Watching my dog explore the shoreline, dipping into the water in search of fish and tracing scents, I would sit beside him, gazing out at the horizon. Whenever I revisit this spot, I’m instantly transported to the moment of now. Being a student ambassador encompasses a wide range of responsibilities for me. I’m involved in organizing social and community events at the university, from planning and coordination to overseeing the event and assisting with registration. However, the most fulfilling aspect of this role for me is providing prospective students with the opportunity to connect with someone who is actively studying at the university. I believe it’s essential for them to have a platform to ask questions and address any concerns they may have. 

Before embarking on my master’s degree in choreography, I was seeking guidance from current students, which proved invaluable in gaining insight into the program’s dynamics and the atmosphere of the university. This role takes on added significance when you come to Finland from vastly different cultural backgrounds, requiring time and patience to acclimate to the weather, social and cultural norms and more. I take this role as an opportunity to try and make welcoming space for individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them feel included, fostering an environment where questions are encouraged, and ultimately contributing, even in a small way, to cultivating a sense of belonging in their new surroundings. 

Estrellx (they/them), Master’s in Choreography

Languages: English, Spanish, Spanglish

I am from Unceded Mohican & Munsee Lenape Territories on Turtle Island, colonially renamed West New York, New Jersey in the so-called United States. One of my long-term creative goals is to establish a Queer, Trans, Global Majority dance company called The Cosmic Angels and being based in the Nordic region of the world was a step in the direction of this dream. The MA Choreography program within Uniarts continues to clarify the kind of value system I wish to embody and provides the appropriate amount of tension I need to further flesh out my roster of choreographic ideas. Aside from this, a dear friend, Ayesha Jordan who is based in Norway, sent me the open call for the program last January and I applied on a whim after feeling very resistant to doing so. I had, however, applied to Uniarts back in 2016 for an Ecology & Contemporary Performance Program (MAECP) that was discontinued after its initial cycle. I had been accepted, but chose not to attend due to life circumstances that pulled me in another direction. It is nostalgically humbling to be able to circle back this way and see firsthand what this Finnish artistic ecosystem is all about.

Being a student ambassador means being honest and transparent about my experience at Uniarts, especially as a queer and BIPOC (or Global Majority) body navigating a predominantly white institution so that other queer BIPOC students who reach out to chat about the lived experience can understand more clearly what they might be committing to if they decide to apply and get accepted. There are also a lot of logistics that go into making a transition into a new geographic context possible and my transition would not have been as easeful if I had not talked to previous student ambassador, Lydia Touliatou, which was a second motivator for applying to the position. I wish to support others in a similar fashion if they decide to move to Finland and start their studies at Uniarts. What’s exciting about the role is the ability to design one’s own projects and to get to meet other ambassadors from within Uniarts and at other universities within the Helsinki region. Looking forward to seeing what future friendships and collaborations emerge from this constellation of folks.

Homa (she/her), Master’s in Directing

Languages: Farsi, English, basic in Finnish

I am from Tehran, Iran. My decision to choose Uniarts Helsinki is grounded in its engaging course offerings and lively community atmosphere. The directing program at Uniarts Helsinki stood out to me due to its comprehensive approach towards nurturing artistic visionaries. The emphasis on practical experience, coupled with theoretical insights, promised a well-rounded education that aligns with my aspirations in the realm of directing. What I like about this University is the dynamic intersection of collaboration, community, and creativity.

As a student ambassador, the role holds significant personal meaning for me. Primarily, it’s about fostering a sense of community and support, particularly for international students navigating the educational landscape in Helsinki. Having experienced the journey of being an international student myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with studying abroad. Thus, being able to extend a helping hand and provide guidance to fellow students is something I find fulfilling. Additionally, being a student ambassador means being embedded within the university community, both in terms of its social fabric and its systemic. It’s essential to me to be aware of and engaged in discussions surrounding the university’s policies.

Sointu Saraste (she/her), MA Dance Performance

Languages: Finnish, English, French and basics in Swedish and Italian

I am from Espoo, Finland. I did my Contemporary Dance BA in London, so I wanted to study my Masters in Finland to be able to network more here. The study program is quite diverse and also we, students, can have a say on, e.g., what kind of teachers we want to invite and what kind of workshops we wish to have. I like the trust and respect that Uniarts has on students in this sense. I really love Theatre Academy’s wardrobe! There’re so many beautiful and interesting pieces of clothing and the staff is super friendly and helpful. Most of all, however,  I love my great classmates who make every day at school wonderful <3 I have a very basic Finn’s answer: my favorite place in Finland is my grandma’s summer cottage. It’s on an island in central Finland, and a real time capsule to the past – there’s no electricity at all and the only way to get there is by rowing boat.

Being a student ambassador is about helping other people, especially those who think of whether they want to apply to Uniarts. We also help the school by working in Uniarts’ events sometimes. This position is also quite new, so we’re also innovating and brainstorming a lot to develop it.

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

Life of an art student

In this blog, Uniarts Helsinki students share their experiences as art students from different academies and perspectives, in their own words. If you want to learn even more regarding studying and student life in Uniarts and Helsinki, you can ask directly from our student ambassadors.

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