Anulakshmi Pushpavally chose higher education in Finland over a corporate career, seeking new perspectives as a business student in a multicultural environment at UEF.
When Anulakshmi Pushpavally was choosing her next step, the decision was not straightforward. With a background in accounting and finance, she had a clear direction, but two very different paths ahead.
“I had the option to continue into a corporate career, but I chose higher education in Finland instead,” she explains. “I wanted to explore what it means to study as a business student in an entirely new environment.”
Finland was always her top choice when applying abroad. Among several strong universities, the University of Eastern Finland and UEF Business School stood out for its multicultural environment and sense of growth. “It felt like a place where integration truly happens,” she says. “I also felt that the Business studies at UEF are evolving toward something even stronger. I’ve always benefited from being part of a growing environment, so I wanted to experience that again. Thus, I decided to apply to the Master's degree programme in Accounting and Finance, and luckily, got accepted.”
The first weeks in Finland were not without difficulty. The teaching style, discussions, and academic expectations were all new. “The first two weeks were quite challenging,” Anulakshmi recalls. “But the faculty and coordinators were very supportive, especially for international students trying to adapt.”
Gradually, things began to change. The learning environment became something she genuinely enjoyed.
“The classes are very interactive, and there’s a non-hierarchical structure. It makes learning joyful, it feels less like a duty and more like a journey.”
At the same time, life outside the classroom offered its own lessons. From the moment she arrived, she was struck by the values she observed in Finnish society. “I’ve been continuously surprised by people’s honesty, punctuality, and discipline,” she says. “In many places, these qualities exist in individuals, but here, it feels like a shared mindset across society. That really motivates me.”
One of the biggest challenges, however, has been the language. “Outside the classroom, everything was in Finnish, which is natural, but it made integration harder at first, especially finding Finnish friends.” Still, she sees steady progress: more bilingual environments and her own growing language skills are helping her feel more at home.
I have been continuously surprised by people’s honesty, punctuality, and discipline. In many places, these qualities exist in individuals, but here, it feels like a shared mindset across society. That really motivates me.
Anulakshmi Pushpavally
Student of Accounting and Finance
A decision that changed everything
Looking back, Anulakshmi feels confident that she made the right choice.
“Coming to Finland and choosing Kuopio was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she says. “The country opens doors if you are ready to find the best version of yourself, as a student and as a person. And Kuopio has many stories to whisper in your ears.”
Her journey doesn’t end with graduation. She is already thinking about the future, possibly continuing into doctoral studies. “I want to learn more about the Finnish education system, its evolution and its innovations. Maybe in a year or two, I’ll come back as a PhD student, welcoming new students and doing research in business and economics.”
For those considering a similar path, her advice is clear:
“Stay focused on your goals. Be consistent in your plans and studies, that’s what helps you reach your destination.”
