“The #1 Lesson Exchange Life Teaches You About Being Yourself | TSP005 The Swades Podcast

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Disclaimer
This episode is for educational and storytelling purposes. All views expressed by the guest are personal opinions.

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Description:

In this episode of The Swades Podcast, I sit down with Danek Clement, an exchange student from HAN University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) visiting JAMK University of Applied Sciences (Finland).

Danek opens up about the raw, honest, and funny truths of:
• living abroad as a young student
• navigating cultural differences between Finland & the Netherlands
• understanding directness vs politeness
• learning to be authentic
• growing confidence while being away from home
• balancing studies with his work at Sligro Food Group
• how international mobility shapes identity

This is a candid conversation full of humor, depth, and powerful reflections on youth, culture, and self-expression.

If you’re a student, traveler, or anyone who wants to grow by stepping outside your comfort zone — this episode will resonate deeply.

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⏱ 3. TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
02:15 – Who is Danek? Exchange Journey from the Netherlands
05:40 – Finnish Culture vs Dutch Culture
10:25 – Directness & Communication Differences
14:50 – Student Life in Finland
18:30 – Lessons from Living Abroad
22:45 – Working at Sligro Food Group (Netherlands)
26:10 – Balancing Studies & Work
30:55 – Cultural Misunderstandings & Funny Moments
34:20 – Building Confidence Away from Home
38:05 – Personal Growth Through Exchange Life
42:30 – What Students Should Know Before Going Abroad
43:10 – Honest Talk: Dutch “Rudeness” vs American “Fake Nice”
45:40 – Finnish Reserved Culture & Reading Social Cues
48:20 – Sports Culture & Youth Discipline
50:10 – Teamwork & Understanding Team Roles
52:30 – Finland’s Passive Approach vs Dutch Proactivity
54:40 – AI in Education, Jobs & the Future
57:15 – Student Mental Wellbeing & Emotional Balance
59:40 – Closing Thoughts: What Exchange Life Teaches You

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• What do students learn from exchange programs?
• How does living abroad build confidence?
• Why is Dutch culture more direct compared to Finland?
• What challenges do international students face in Europe?
• How does part-time work shape student identity?
• Is Finland a good place for exchange students?

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Tags:

exchange student podcast, Finland student life, Dutch culture Finland, JAMK HAN exchange, living abroad student stories, confidence youth mindset, Sligro food group student job

Hashtags:

#SwadesPodcast #ExchangeStudent #FinlandLife #Netherlands #Directness #Culture #Integration #StudentLife #Inspiration #Motivation #आत्मविश्वास #प्रेरणादायककहानी #اعتماد #تعلیم #Suomi #Inspiraatio