In this episode, we sit down with a Sri Lankan student currently pursuing her Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering at Aalto University in Finland. With a background in Chemical Engineering from the University of Moratuwa and work experience at Fonterra, she shares her inspiring journey of moving from Sri Lanka to Northern Europe and adjusting to life in one of the most advanced and egalitarian societies in the world.We talk about her academic experience at Aalto, how it compares with Sri Lankan education, and her thoughts on Finland’s teaching methods, research opportunities, and learning environment. She also shares what it’s like doing an internship at Nokia as a management trainee while shifting her career direction from technical engineering to the business side.The conversation dives into the culture shocks she experienced, including Finland’s emphasis on independence, minimal small talk, and direct communication. We explore what it’s like living in a Nordic society as a South Asian woman, discuss gender equality and egalitarianism, and reflect on how Finland supports women through inclusive policies and a strong social safety net.She also opens up about the semester she spent in Italy, comparing the warmth and expressiveness of Southern Europe to the quiet and structured lifestyle in the north. We explore the differences in work culture, social norms, and everyday life between the two regions.This is a deep, honest, and thoughtful episode about culture, identity, growth, and opportunity. If you’re planning to study abroad, switch careers, or just want to learn more about life in Finland and Europe from a Sri Lankan perspective — this one’s for you.For more details about the scholarship program mentioned in this episode, please visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fhd6cyEST/?mibextid=wwXIfr🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more inspiring stories from around the world!🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.Host: Nilanga VirajithGuest: Achini Nawarathna |  @achininawarathna5571  Follow us on:Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-borders/id1829070342Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7MaDiIre0WOig196CrcpLX?si=z7FRGocFR_6ZryUbQFSJVATikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beyond.borders.slInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/beyond.borders.slFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/beyondborders.podcast.slFollow Nilanga on:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nilanga.virajithFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/nilanga.virajithTwitter - https://x.com/nilangaVLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilangav#SriLankaToFinland #AaltoUniversity #StudyInFinland #LifeAbroad #WomenInSTEM #CareerChange #SriLankanPodcast #InternshipAtNokia #LivingInEurope #EgalitarianSociety #SouthAsianAbroad #ScandinavianLife #WorkCulture #StudyAbroad #SocialSafetyNet #SriLankanStories #NordicCountries