Our trip to Germany

Emden once more

Once upon a time there were 15 Community Educator students from Humak and two lectures. They all had the same mission: To participate in a study trip organized by Humak. Our host school in Germany was the University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer.  

We started our trip one early April morning at Helsinki Vantaa Airport and took a flight to Hamburg. When we arrived in Germany it was still morning, so we had a whole day ahead of us.  

Seaman´s mission in Hamburg   

Our first place to visit was Finnish Seaman`s mission in Hamburg. We felt ourselves really welcomed there by Valtteri Salmi the director of the seaman`s mission. It was a very interesting place for a visit, and might be a good place for professional training, if someone is interested in? 

After saying goodbyes to Valtteri we continued our journey to Emden by train. Like in every good road trip we had a little excitement with German train system and culture. Finally, we arrived as last passengers to Emden`s train station. There were Students with Finland signs waiting for us!  

Our group in Hamburg

Our days in Emden   

These young students took such a good care of us “oldies” during the whole visit.  They had arranged visits for us in different places like; Youth Center Alte Post, NGO Outlaw (child and youth work) and on the North Sea coast located Social center Nasareth 

Thinking hard

One day we split in to the smaller groups and had dinner in students’ homes. Last evening, we had evaluation and pizza party. Our hosts took care of our transportation (cars and bicycles) and most importantly they didn´t  let us to get lost! We had always guides with us or at least they asked if we needed one.   

Evaluating

Was it worth to go?  

YES, for sure. It was a busy week, but everybody learned so much. To travel and get to know another culture expand your views and ways to think. We are looking forward to meet our Student colleagues soon again! 

Text: Krista Lampolahti & Saija-Riikka Louhelainen