Alla Kovalchuk’s journey from fleeing Ukraine to pursuing higher education in Finland is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education in rebuilding one’s life in a new country. Kovalchuk, along with her two children, found themselves seeking refuge in Finland in the midst of the war started by Russia in 2022. Their initial stay at a reception centre in Tampere provided them with much-needed support and a sense of community among fellow immigrants facing similar challenges.
During her time at the reception centre, Kovalchuk took Finnish language lessons twice a week, which played a crucial role in helping her integrate into Finnish society. Encouraged by an employee at the centre, she also decided to enroll in Finnish language and culture courses offered by Tredu, as well as the TUVA training program that prepares students for further education. As a former teacher of the Ukrainian language, Kovalchuk approached learning Finnish with a realistic and goal-oriented mindset, acknowledging the challenges that come with acquiring a new language as an adult.
As Kovalchuk’s proficiency in Finnish improved, she began to envision a new career path for herself in Finland. The Preparatory Programme for Higher Education Studies at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) became a pivotal opportunity for Kovalchuk and other immigrants seeking to pursue higher education in Finland. The program, part of the national Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education (SIMHE) network, focuses on deepening participants‘ Finnish language skills to a level where they can successfully study and work in Finnish.
Tiina Miikkulainen, a teacher in the Preparatory Programme, emphasizes the importance of Finnish language proficiency for immigrants looking to study and find employment in Finland. She highlights the growing demand for advanced Finnish language courses and the need to support highly educated immigrants in accessing higher education and career opportunities in the country. Miikkulainen stresses the value of identifying and utilizing the skills of immigrants to benefit Finnish society as a whole.
For Kovalchuk, the Preparatory Programme not only enhanced her language skills but also introduced her to essential study tools and platforms necessary for higher education. Transitioning to distance learning presented initial challenges, but Kovalchuk’s determination and perseverance allowed her to adapt and thrive in the new learning environment. By the end of the program, Kovalchuk had honed her language abilities and academic skills, preparing her for the next chapter in her educational journey.
One of the defining moments in Kovalchuk’s path to higher education was when she was offered a position as an assistant teacher for a basic Finnish course for Ukrainians in Tampere. This opportunity allowed her to apply her language skills and teaching experience, further solidifying her commitment to pursuing a career in Finland. As she reflected on her strengths and interests, Kovalchuk discovered a passion for nursing, inspired by her previous work experience in healthcare.
In the fall of 2024, Kovalchuk will embark on a new chapter as she begins nursing studies at TAMK, fulfilling her dream of furthering her education and pursuing a career in a field that aligns with her skills and values. Her journey from seeking refuge in a foreign land to pursuing higher education exemplifies the resilience and determination of immigrants striving to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities. With the support of programs like the Preparatory Programme and initiatives to empower immigrants in higher education, individuals like Alla Kovalchuk are able to realize their potential and make meaningful contributions to Finnish society.