What makes one plan and implement foreign exchanges? What is it that makes one return to a host institution? The answer to both questions is easy: it is the warm welcome of the colleagues abroad as well as great learning!
As a Senior Lecturer in languages, and with a long experience as language user at a professional level, I have made it my business to go on an Erasmus teacher exchange every year. At best, these experiences are both immensely valuable learning and great fun! When doing one’s job in a different environment, different culture and with a different group of students and colleagues one sees oneself from a perspective. This gives a unique opportunity to look at oneself with others’ eyes and to pay attention to many features and ways of working in a totally new way. I always find, having returned home from an exchange, that there are so many things I will be able to improve in my working methods, such as teaching methods and materials. I am very grateful for this! How this happens is probably by simple magic: I was made feel very welcome!
I have visited Henallux twice, and both trips have been very successful in many ways. I was able to meet a Henallux student who is now coming to Haaga-Helia in the Autumn. This is very rewarding. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to discuss various issues related to curriculum development and best practices with my Henallux colleagues. I feel I have a lot to contribute when I have returned.
I want to extend my warmest and sincerest thanks to the Henallux colleagues and Mrs Thunus for a highly interesting and stimulating, superbly organised and lovely week in Arlon and Luxemburg. I also would like to welcome my colleagues to accept the challenge and embark on an Erasmus exchange to Finland!
With my very best regards and warmest thanks
Kristiina Åberg
May 26, 2017