phd in italy or in finland? a very big dilemma !!

[Meri-Tuuli]

Why don't you look at which has the bigger or better department? Are there any reseachers that you particulary admire in terms of their research etc?

Are there any other foreigners in the dept? My experience with Italian universities is that many many people do not speak english to any reasonable level, whereas, at least here in Finland they do. OTHO Italians are extremely welcoming and friendly (at least in my experience) and it is very easy to make friends and there are lots of social occasions etc whereas, in Finland, it tends to be alot more closed even if they do speak very good english (but then, italian is much easier to pick up than Finnish!) But they do have quite a relaxed attidude to life. But then, Turku uni does have its charms.... although after about 5 months of slushy snow and permanent greyness and darkness, I'd chose Italy at this point...

I'd think about it purely in terms of your research career. Italy is great through....

[hackoff]

i came here as a simple student and i didn't regret it ....
do not forget that finland has the best educational system in the EU ( am i right ? )
living expenses is much higher then in the rest of Europe .... but in the other hand you get a quality services ( welfare, good traffic connection.....)
i have heard that Italian do no speak English generally , so if its right you better think about that ....
if you are Ultra-Social guy ..... go to Italy.

here or there Good luck

[bisrat]

The PhD would go farther than 4 years, in many cases in finland, though they always tell you that it is a 4 year program.

[Andrew_S]

i came here as a simple student and i didn't regret it ....
do not forget that finland has the best educational system in the EU ( am i right ? )

You say educational system, but at what level?

The best university departments in Europe are not generally found in Finland. The universities are in general mediocre and the truly outstanding scientific achievements have not been made in Finland.

To the original poster. The most important thing is the specific research project and the specific academic who will be your supervisor. Which one is the better academic? If you don't know colllect all research publications by each and read them to make the assessment.

If all else seems the same let your partner decide.

[dumaguete]

Few point from an Italian:

from work point of view: may be it will be better to choose the Finnish University (I have quite a bad feeling for the italian new graduated,
I know a lot of them that need to waste their time answering in teh call-centers).

from cultural point of view: you will learn a lot of thing both in Finland and in Italy.

about food: I think that you want eat everyday in restourants (appart from teh university canteen - that is much different) and that you will end
up on cooking your own traditional food (all ingridients can be foud in both countries, I had my Barilla's Spaghetti N°5 while I was in Oulu).

for climate: everyone will say Italy but do not be afraid of the Finnish dark cold winter, when ever you will be indoor it will be ok while the "simple wet"
winter in Italy might give you the feeling that that the Italian houses (or apparments) are not so well thermically isolated. Finnish summer is really great
while the Italian one is too hot.

about teh University: I agree with one previus comment, it deoends on the subject.

your future wife: if english will be the used lenguage, the Finland is the best. Still many people do not speack english in Italy

Hope those few opinions can give you some hints for you to choose. Good luck!

[ALIISA]

mmh,do u get 1400 euros per month or per year?
I am Italian but I've been living in Finland so...except the food and the weather I highly recommend FINLAND. Lifestyle is better and services are also...
life is great in Finland come on!
EVERYTHING WORKS!!!

[ashish shah]

Both Country are great in Education...
Its up to Student how much hard working he is..
Usualy in Italy BiG research center takes 4 years .. some times more than that like
www.IRCC.it or FIRC etc ...
here in finlad its always more than 4 years ...
Italy is economic than finland ...
1250 Euro is more worth than finalnd 1400 ... (It varies from place to place.. )
Its better get detail of university and research toipic ..
Because PhD is first stage of research carrier thus pay attention more on it..
Food and festival are more in Italy..
In finland people speak english thus its eassy life....
But In Research field many Italian Research institute use English (they know english ) thus language
is not big problem...
Sure u get quick friend in Italy than finald..

[Hank W.]

But is "friend" who smile and say hello or someone who will save you from a snowdrift?