18-Year-Old from Tampere Interns in Brussels, Meets Jyrki Katainen and Urges Others to Apply
After a month in Brussels, 18-year-old Sami from Tampere says his internship showed that Finnish voices matter in EU decision-making and urges other young people to apply for internships or short Erasmus exchanges.
According to Tamperelainen, after a month in Brussels, 18-year-old Sami from Tampere says the placement showed him that Finnish voices matter in EU decision-making.
Sami started the placement straight after graduating from Rellu's social studies line. Over the month he drafted social media posts about the Tampere office and EU topics, hosted visitor groups, attended meetings and international seminars, and wrote reports. He describes a warm welcome from office staff and a lively communal dorm with interns from across Europe. Memorable encounters included a meeting with former Finnish prime minister and EU commissioner Jyrki Katainen and an Austrian EU lawyer who had once been an exchange student in Nokia and immediately asked, "Ilves or Tappara?"
The placement convinced him Finland must be present at the tables where EU decisions are made. He warns of a growing shortage of Finns in Brussels and urges other young people to apply for internships or short Erasmus exchanges, saying they offer practical skills, a wider network and, quite possibly, a new friend to watch ice hockey with back home.
Catch the full story over at Tamperelainen
