Introduction Atsuko Yoshida

Hello!

My name is Atsuko Yoshida, an exchange student from Japan. I lived in Tokyo for about 3 years to go to University, but my hometown is Fukushima, which is located in the north of Japan, and had lived there until 18. As for sports, I had practiced Kendo (Japanese traditional martial arts) for 10 years, but I can't swim, skate and ski, so I'm really worried if I can enjoy the winter in Finland ...

In Centria I'm a business course student but my major is Languages and Cultures, especially Area Studies. So my stay in Kokkola combines language study with a part of my field work. (If you don't mind, please tell me your country's culture, life, education and languages :) ) Last year, I visited Helsinki and other near cities to study about school system and child welfare works, that made me think that there are some similarities between Finland (particularly rural areas like Kokkola) and my hometown, so I really like and respect this country. I want the class to show me a lot of real lifestyle in Finland and their sense of values. I do want to understand about Finland including its negative side.  Kiitos!