Why Russia?

Many people have been very surprised about the fact that I'm going to Russia. Especially people in Finland (relatives and friends) do seem to be really worried about me. In all the countries in the world, why did I choose Russia? Well, Russia is an interesting and truly not a common choice for an exchange. AFS was the only organisation, that I found, which sends students to Russia. I feel really good about the organisation and a friend of mine actually recommended it for me :) I was today in an info orientation in Turku which lasted about two hours. There were some AFS volunteers (former exchange students) and it was great to hear about their experiences and tips! There were also other future exchange students (like me) and their parents. Most of them were going to the USA which is the most common destination (at least via AFS).
    I wanted something else. Something way different. I have been studying Russian language for almost three years now but I only know the basics and I really can't understand the language. I really want to learn to speak and understand it fluently. So that's one reason. Other practical reasons are that Russia is a huge neighbour country of Finland. The importance of Russia to our country is growing all the time! I think I will have a big advantage about the Russian language skills and knowing Russian culture in Finland in the future.
    Of course money affected too on my decision. It's way cheaper to go to Russia than for example to Australia! It costs nearly twice the amount that my year will cost. It's difficult to get the money for Russia but not impossible. Impossible would be to get the money twice that much. I do have good experiences about Russia and Russians. I have been in Russia for five days with my school. It was just great and all the Russians were so incredibly nice!  I'm very well aware of our countries' history but in my opinion past is gone. It's the future you need to focus on! I wan't to help creating the friendship between Finland and Russia. Nowadays the image of Russia in Finland is not the best one. I wan't to be part of making it better.
    I think it's not that big deal where you go. Of course it matters but the main point is that you go! Don't let your dreams to be dreams. Do what you wan't to do and make an effort to reach your goals. Live your life! I want to learn about other cultures and about my own culture. I want to experience something I won't experience later. I want to get to know new people and make new friends. I want to grow as a person and learn. I want to have an experience of a lifetime.

Love
Nella

http://int.rgo.ru/news/russia-finland-developing-cooperation/