Moving abroad to study is more than a step in your academic life—it’s a step into a new way of thinking. For Judit Flóra Schuller, a 24-year-old from Budapest, Hungary, studying for a Master’s in Photography at Aalto University in Helsinki has been both a professional turning point and a deeply personal discovery.
What you'll learn by reading Judit's story:
- Judit from Hungary is studying Photography at Aalto University in Finland.
- She chose Aalto for its artistic reputation, creative community, and the inspiration of Nordic nature.
- She found and compared her study options on Studyportals, financed her stay through savings and family support, and rates her experience in Helsinki as a solid 9 out of 10.
- Her story shows how studying Photography and Media abroad can help you grow both as an artist and as a person.
Finding inspiration abroad
For Judit, studying abroad wasn’t just a dream—it was a practical decision. Opportunities for Master’s-level photography in Hungary were limited, and she knew that to develop as an artist, she needed a new environment.
“There is only one university in Hungary where you can obtain a Master’s degree in Photography,” she explains. “It is essential for art students to broaden their range of interests and get inspired by a different artistic milieu.”
That desire for growth led her north to Finland—a country she admired for its culture, calmness, and connection to nature. The combination of a strong academic foundation and a creative, open atmosphere made it the perfect place to study.
Why Aalto University stood out
When choosing her university, Judit’s focus was clear: she wanted to study somewhere recognised for artistic excellence and innovative teaching. Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture quickly became her first choice.
“Aalto’s Photography department has a good reputation and a great list of artists who graduated from the school and whose works I really like,” she says. She also applied to art universities in the Netherlands but ultimately concentrated on Aalto’s entrance exam.
For Judit, studying in Finland wasn’t only about academics. It was about understanding how a country’s culture, light, and landscape can shape an artist’s vision. “The cultural and historical background, such as the nature of a country, deeply affects the artists who live and work there,” she adds.
Finding the right programme with Studyportals
Like many international students, Judit used Studyportals to explore her options before making a decision. She had already heard of Aalto, but the platform helped her find similar programmes and compare them easily.
“The portal was really useful to find other programmes and compare them,” she says. Studyportals gave her a clearer view of what each university offered and what requirements she needed to meet.
“Studyportals helped me compare my options and confirm that Aalto was the right choice.”
Settling into life and study in Finland
Moving from Hungary to Finland meant adjusting to a new rhythm of life. The Finnish way of working—calm, precise, and respectful—made a strong impression on her.
“One of the biggest surprises was that everybody is really helpful and basically things work well,” she says. “I can feel some kind of mutual respect even in everyday life in Helsinki and in the professional, artistic circles as well.”
While it took her some time to adapt, she now feels at home in the Nordic setting. “Even though I’m coming from another European country, it took me some time to accommodate myself, but my overall experiences are absolutely positive,” she says.
“Everybody is really helpful, and things work well—there’s a sense of mutual respect in everyday life.”
Financing her studies abroad
One of Finland’s biggest advantages for international students is its tuition-free education. Still, Judit had to plan her finances carefully. “Since the education is free in Finland, they cannot offer additional help for foreign students,” she explains. “I saved some money but I still need the help of family. I am also planning to find a part-time job in Helsinki.”
Her advice to future students is simple: plan early and be realistic about living costs.
Taking the first step
Judit believes that courage is the most important quality for anyone considering studying abroad. “The most important thing is to take the first steps and start doing the application procedure,” she says. “It is also necessary to be brave to go abroad and start a new life.”
That first step led her to a rewarding experience that she rates as a 9 out of 10. “I would highly recommend both Aalto University and Helsinki to others,” she adds.
“Be brave enough to go abroad and start a new life—you’ll never regret it.”
Studying in Finland gave Judit more than an education—it gave her space to grow creatively and personally. If her story inspires you, explore Master’s degrees in Film Studies, Photography or Journalism & Media on Mastersportal.
