Today was the first day it rained during the day. Every other day we've had 60 degree weather and mostly sunny. Dr. Fairweather jokes with every visitor that this is all we (the students) know of Finland weather and think this is how it is all the time. Only 2 more times for this joke (hehehe). We took the train to Jyvaskyla to visit with the higher education research group at University of Jyvaskyla. The trip took about 1.5 hours. We also met with one of the Vice Rectors of the university. It was very interesting to hear the vice rector's view of the changes and then hear the research group director's views.
We had a pleasant surprise when we were introduced to a visiting researcher from the United States: Dr. Charles Mathies (University of Georgia). His wife recently completed her fellowship with the Fulbright Center which is what brought them to Finland. He's originally from Toledo, Ohio (such a small world!) He provided us with an outsider's view of the changes with the Ministry and higher education, as did Dr. Jussi Valimaa, director of the research group. Dr. Valimaa is well known in Finland and around the world in regards to higher educationr research. We also had the opportunity to interact with senior researchers in the group.
We took the train back to Tampere and arrived around 6:30pm. We leave tomorrow morning at 7:30am for Lahti and eventually Helsinki. The train ride between Jyvaskyla and Tampere was simply beautiful . . . lakes, trees, meadows, mountains, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures. Maybe I can steal some from my roommate who did take pictures during the ride. ;o)
Only 2 more days in Finland and then it is off to Italy!!
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