MSc Forestry student Tim Casanda Gibson shares how UEF helped him discover his passion and future path.
In 2019, Tim began his academic journey in China. There he first understood how urgently his home country needed forestry experts. Deforestation, illegal logging, and rapid forest loss motivated him to pursue knowledge that could make a real difference. That decision ultimately led him to Finland and to the University of Eastern Finland.
Early on, Tim had only looked into Finland at a general level, mainly its strong reputation for high‑quality education. That was enough to add Finland to his list of possible study destinations. He compared what mattered most to him: peace, affordability, safety, and the chance to study in a place known for academic excellence. Once he saw UEF’s strong global and regional rankings in forestry combined with Joensuu’s calm atmosphere the choice became clear. He marked the January application date, prepared his documents, and applied.
Today, studying forestry feels different from what he expected in the best possible way.
“It feels like not studying forestry,” Tim says. His programme in Forestry blends forestry, data, technology, and geography, helping him understand forests while also learning how to use information and digital tools for better decision‑making.
A year or two ago, I didn’t know what my passion was. Now, thanks to this programme, I’ve found it.
Tim Gibson
Student of Forestry
Some of his best moments have come from the friendships he has formed. Hiking in Koli National Park and sharing a barbecue in the forest at –8°C have become unforgettable memories. Finland, and Joensuu in particular, has made Tim feel welcome from the beginning. He has become a fan of the local second-hand shops, which he sees as a reflection of Finland’s strong culture of recycling and sustainability. “You can find everything here, furniture, clothing, electronics, and at very affordable prices,” he says.
Life in Finland has not been without challenges. “The major challenge I have faced while studying in Finland was getting a job in the first year; however, the expectations we build do not always reflect the reality.”
Tim’s advice to future students is simple: “I feel that UEF is a place where anyone can feel at home.”
He encourages new students to talk to people, make friends, join activities, and approach professors without hesitation. “They feel more like your friends than your professors.”. He also encourages students to take advantage of the freedom to choose courses across different departments, something he considers one of UEF’s strengths. “UEF gives you real freedom to explore your interests by choosing minors and courses from other fields. I have for example taken a course in Data Analysis from Computer Science Department and Scientific Computing from the Technical Physics Department.
Looking ahead, Tim hopes to continue to a PhD in remote sensing and artificial intelligence to solve environmental challenges both within and beyond forestry. Whether in academia or industry, he finally feels certain about his direction.
“A year or two ago, I didn’t know what my passion was. Now, thanks to this programme, I’ve found it. I can dream about a future doing something I truly enjoy.”
