“A Leap of Faith Across Hemispheres”: Mazhar’s Story of Finding a Home away from Home
Leaving behind a stable career, a loving family, and the familiarity of home is never an easy decision. For Mohammad Mazharul Islam — known to friends simply as Mazhar, the choice to pursue a new life in Oulu, Finland, wasn’t just about education; it was about growth, discovery, and the courage to start over.
With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Mazhar had built a successful career in Brand Management where he worked for 3 of the top conglomerates of Bangladesh. “It was an incredibly rewarding journey; but I could see that the landscape was shifting. Data was becoming the language of modern business. I wanted to speak it fluently.”
That’s when Finland came into the picture. He across the the University of Oulu’s Master’s program in Business Analytics, and something clicked. “I read about the university, the city, and something told me—this is where the next chapter begins.”
In October 2024, Mazhar packed his bags, said goodbye to his wife, two children, and parents, and flew into a future shaped by curiosity and courage as he arrived in Oulu to begin his M.Sc. in Business Analytics at the University of Oulu.
The First Impression
“My first impression was that everything looked so well-organized. A well-disciplined society, people who really take care of their health, and so much respect for personal space! And of course, the cold,” he laughs.
He was equally amazed by the vastness of nature around him — “the calm, the green, the quietness”-but admits his first winter gave him a few memorable lessons. “I slipped and fell on ice three times. Fortunately, no injuries! And then there was the day when I tried to ski down a slope without really knowing how… let’s just say, gravity won that day.”
Like many newcomers, Mazhar had a few surprises waiting for him. The silence at the bus stops, the affinity for sauna, and the way people jog fearlessly even during the first few weeks of winter. Yet, amid these moments of novelty, Mazhar found beauty too — in the snow-covered parks, the crisp air, and the Finnish appreciation for simplicity and resilience.
Balancing Personal Homesickness with Purpose
One of the hardest parts of Mazhar’s journey was being away from his family. “I’m not just a student here. I’m a son, a husband, and a father of two little ones. The homesickness was real.”
Daily phone calls and video chats became the lifeline. But he also knew he had to build something for himself here — a sense of purpose, connection, and belonging.
“I realized quickly that isolation can sneak in if you’re not careful. So, I pushed myself to be social, even when it wasn’t easy. I joined sports groups, met fellow students, and slowly started making friends.”
Learning, Unlearning, and Relearning
At the university, Mazhar dove into analytics, statistics, and problem-solving. Coming from a marketing background, it was a shift, but one that energized him.
“I’ve learned how to look at problems differently now. Business decisions backed by data carry so much more clarity.”
Alongside his studies, he also joined International House Oulu as a Communications Trainee, where he’s been helping tell the stories of other internationals navigating similar journeys.
“It’s been eye-opening to see how many stories there are; people from all over the world trying to build something here in Oulu. Being part of that storytelling has given me a sense of belongingness.”
Navigating Language and Life
Like many internationals, Mazhar faced the challenge of learning Finnish. “Everyone told me it’s one of the hardest languages in the world; and they weren’t entirely wrong!” he says with a grin. “But I’ve realized that if you put in the effort and practice every day, it slowly begins to make sense.”
He now uses Finnish in simple daily tasks — at cafés, supermarkets, and in exchanging greetings. “What surprised me most is how encouraging Finns are when you try to talk in Finnish. They’ll help you find your words if you get stuck. Such small encouragement matters.”
Finding Calm in the North
Over time, Oulu has become more than just a place to study. It has become a place of renewal.
Mazhar finds comfort in long walks through the greenery around the university, visits to Nallikari beach, hangouts at the Espresso House of Rotuaari and quiet time at the library in Pekuri. “I love the ease of getting around, the clean air, the peaceful pace. It’s a very livable city.”
Mazhar also plays bass in musical jam sessions at the university’s music room. “It’s a nice break from the daily rigors. Music has always been a part of my life — it keeps me grounded.”
He also feels that living in Oulu has changed him — personally and professionally. “I take better care of my health now. I plan my time better. And I’ve learned that here, it’s your skills and your network that matter the most, not just your degree.”
Advice for Fellow Dreamers
Mazhar has this to say to anyone considering a move to Oulu:
“Come with an open mind and a willingness to adapt. Understand the culture and learn the language, even a little. Don’t isolate yourself — go out, meet people and build connections. Things won’t always be easy, but the journey will be worth it.”
A Story Still Being Written
Mazhar doesn’t yet know how the next chapter of his story is going to turn out; whether it’s a career in analytics, consultancy, or something new. But one thing is clear: he’s no longer just surviving such a big change — he’s thriving in it.
And with every connection he makes, every winter he overcomes, and every step he takes toward his dreams, he’s writing a story of transformation that many will find familiar, and many more will find inspiring.
