Student Profile: Timo Henrik Heinonen

Name: Timo Henrik Heinonen

Country of origin: Finland

Current Course: Master of Philosophy in Transportation Geography

Current University: University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Having completed his Bachelor of Social Sciences (double major in politics and geography) from HKU, continuing his studies abroad made perfect sense to Timo. “Although I appreciate the Finnish education system, I felt studying overseas provided me with more possibilities and suited my interests better,” he says.

Choosing Hong Kong as his study destination was quite an unusual decision for this 24-year-old European. “Unlike some of my classmates who were determined to study either in the United Kingdom or the States, I was open to different options,” Timo observes. Since he had always been interested in East Asia, Hong Kong seemed to be a good choice. Although he had applied to Canada and Switzerland as well, he was keen for Hong Kong. “HKU has a good reputation and uses English as the means of instruction—the optimal choice,” he feels. Timo also believes that the central location of Hong Kong has proved strategically advantageous for him as a foreign student since it enables him to travel and do his research across various countries, especially in East Asia.

His final decision of picking the right study abroad destination was based on the funding packages offered to him by the various universities he has applied to. In fact, funding his education abroad was not at all an insurmountable obstacle for Timo. He was lucky enough to secure a scholarship from HKU which comfortably covered his tuition fee and living expenses. Besides, there was also a small living allowance which he received from the Finnish government.

Studying in Hong Kong has been a great experience for Timo. He also got an opportunity to spend one semester as an exchange student in Beijing and it has been quite an emancipating experience for him. Timo feels international students should realize that being an exchange student is completely different from being a full-time foreign student. “It is an interesting experience to study overseas. As a full-time student you have more time to adapt to a new culture and studying environment,” Timo observes.

Having now lived in Hong Kong for more than three years, Timo has grown to love the place. “It feels like a second home to me now. There is so much going on all the time that I do not have much time to miss my family. Besides, I can always contact them through Skype,” he says. To meet other Finnish people living in the city, Timo has been ingenious enough to teach at the Finnish School of Hong Kong.

As far as applying to a foreign university is concerned, Timo suggests that it is advisable to start as soon as possible. He advises that prospective students should give ample thought before choosing which graduate school to go to. Once the required research has been done and you are sure of what you want, then things pick up pace. From his experience as an overseas student, Timo states that things like research proposals, collecting recommendations can be time-consuming and you should be geared up to not miss the deadlines. “It is good to start well beforehand,” he says.

Timo feels that it is best to avoid any peer pressure and not give in to what others want you to do. “Do what you are interested in, otherwise you will feel sorry in the future,” he says, has been the best advice given to him till date.