Exciting study opportunities and snow intrigued Khalil Chakal about Oulu

Algerian Khalil Chakal, a 2022 Finland Scholarship recipient, says he didn't really have to think long about his decision to come to the University of Oulu.

“My friend's cousin had been studying in Oulu and he was able to give me lots of information about life and studies here. I also had a very inspiring online interview with the staff at the University during the application process and receiving the scholarship was another thing that made this a no-brainer for me”, Chakal says.

Chakal has a background in computer engineering and so he enrolled in the Computer Science Engineering Master's programme in Oulu and he is on the Applied Computing Engineering track.

He says he was impressed by the University's focus on the Arctic and also by the research that is going on in his field.

Naturally an extroverted person, Chakal has made a number of friends already in his few months in Oulu.

“I am very happy with the track I chose and I have already made some close friends with the international students here. When I was researching Finnish culture, I kept hearing that Finnish people are reserved and like to keep to themselves, but that hasn't been my experience. I am outgoing and I like to make eye contact and say hello and I find that Finns are just as eager to have a conversation”, Chakal says.

Text and photos by Janne-Pekka Manninen

Next application period for international programmes will take place on 3-17 January 2024 for studies starting in autumn 2024.

Applications are made online at studyinfo.fi . Please indicate your willingness to apply for the Finland Scholarship when you fill in the online application form.