Sandhya Hegde ventured into Special Educational studies at the Open University of the University of Eastern Finland. She has successfully combined studying with work and family life.
"I have gained a great deal of knowledge and a deeper understanding of special education and the Finnish education system. At the same time, I have been able to connect the theory from my studies to my own work as a teacher," says Sandhya Hegde, describing her experiences of studying at the University of Eastern Finland’s Open University.
Originally from India, Hegde has studied Basic studies in Special Education alongside working. Her path to these studies has been a multi-stage journey.
Hegde has a background in commerce, and she worked as an accountant as well as a tutor for children of different ages in her home country. After moving to Finland, she took part in a Finnish language course that included a practical internship. It was during this internship that Hegde got her first experience of the Finnish school life.
"I have worked as a teaching assistant in an international school in the Helsinki metropolitan area, and currently I have been working as a substitute teacher for three years."
Her teaching experience has sparked a growing interest in educational sciences and special education.
"I was really impressed with inclusion in the Finnish education system. Particularly impactful was seeing two teachers co-working in a classroom to support pupils with special needs. This sparked my interest of having a deeper understanding of the Finnish educational system."
Hegde searched for study possibilities in special education from different universities and settled her decision with the University of Eastern Finland.
"I was looking for flexible, English-taught education. The studies needed to be flexible enough to complete alongside working and family life, so I was specifically looking for fully online options. When I found out about the Basic studies in Special Education at UEF’s Open university, the decision to start them was clear."
Independent studying and peer conversations
Open University was a familiar concept to Hegde, but in practice, studying there was a completely new experience. She soon realised that Open university studies require time and careful planning but combining them with work has gone well.
"The study materials have been well structured and easy to follow. The studies are completed entirely online, which makes it easy to progress at your own pace. All instructions, deadlines and materials are available on the online learning environment. Most of the assignments have been essay-based, and there have also been exams that could be taken on a flexible schedule."
As part of the studies, one of the courses includes webinars where students have had the opportunity to get to know the teachers and engage in discussions with each other. This has enabled students from different backgrounds to share knowledge and gain insight into education systems in different countries.
"We didn’t just learn about the Finnish education system – we were also able to compare it with systems in other countries and see how they work. That was really valuable. I really enjoyed the webinars," Hegde notes.
”I feel more confident in my work”
The Basic studies in Special Education at the Open university have exceeded Sandhya Hegde’s expectations.
"In fact, the studies have given me a better understanding of special education than I expected. I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge, and the study materials have been excellent. I’ve been able to connect theory with my own experiences at school, which has helped me learn more effectively."
Hegde feels that the studies have had a significant impact on both her professional and personal development.
"I can say that I feel more confident in my work. I work with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, and through my studies I’ve been able to better understand their needs and support them better."
Hegde recommends special education studies particularly to those interested in education and to those working in schools. She would also like to continue her studies in the future.
"I would say this is just the beginning for me. I want to continue studying and build my future in this field."
