NDSU students launch college journey in Finland

Before their first college class, a group of NDSU students already was bonding halfway across the world, paddling through Finnish lakes, exploring forests and sharing meals with local families.

Thirteen first-year students took part in NDSU’s new short-term study abroad program in Finland, designed to help them connect, experience another culture and gain confidence before starting fall semester.

For Olivia Larsen, a sport management major from Hastings, Minnesota, the trip was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She said her favorite moment came during a day trip to Tallinn, Estonia.

“Walking through Old Town on our history tour was unforgettable,” Larsen said. “The whole trip made me realize how curious I am about the world. I discovered how much I want to learn, travel and see as much as I can.”

Wyatt Gifford, a biological sciences major, said the program’s slower pace gave him new perspective.

“I learned that sometimes it is okay to just slow down and enjoy what is happening in the present,” Gifford said. “You don’t have to do everything or see everything. You can just be.”

The students began the program by moving into campus housing in early August for orientation before traveling to Turku, Helsinki and Naantali. Their itinerary included canoeing in a national park, spending a day with locals, learning about sustainable development in Porvoo, foraging in Finnish forests and experiencing traditional saunas and saltwater pools along the Baltic Sea.

Gifford said meeting people and exploring Finnish cities stood out.

“It was amazing to see what everyday life is like for people there,” he said. “They are so clean, polite and smart. I’ll remember it forever.”

Larsen said traveling with other incoming students made the transition to NDSU much smoother.

“By going on the trip, I started the year knowing 12 other students, four of whom became really close friends,” she said. “It gave me familiar faces to recognize on campus and even a best friend.”

After returning to Fargo, participants continue the program through a three-credit course that satisfies Wellness and Global Perspectives general education requirements. The class focuses on mindfulness, self-care and strategies to support a successful start to college.

“This was the first of its kind, and our goal was to create a transformational experience before students even started classes,” said Tasha Cary-Waselk, study abroad coordinator for NDSU International Student and Study Abroad Services. “Research shows that short-term study abroad programs encourage fast bonding and community-building. We saw that happening in real time.”

Both Larsen and Gifford said the program gave them friendships and confidence to carry through their first semester and beyond. Larsen called it “life-changing,” while Gifford said it offered “a fun, fresh start to the year.”

The inaugural program was capped at 13 students, but organizers hope to expand in future years. Applications for the 2026 trip will open this spring.

For more information on NDSU study abroad opportunities, visit the NDSU Study Abroad web page.

Schedule a visit today to see what you can do with your NDSU journey. Or apply now to get started.