President

Rita Haukkovaara

Hey! I'm Rita and originally from Helsinki but have been here and there since I left Helsinki after high school. I moved out to Sweden for my first love basketball, but fell in love with the country and decided to study there. I did my bachelors degree in nutrition in the University of Gothenburg. After that I lived a dream in Australia working and travelling before coming to Kuopio last fall to do my masters in clinical nutrition. ESN KISA keeps my life in Kuopio international enough and life here wouldn't be the same without it.

 

 

Vice-President

Teresa Rikkonen

Moi! My name is Teresa and I am from Finland. I moved to Kuopio from Taipalsaari couple years ago and now I am studying my second year of social sciences (social psychology as a major). On the fall 2017 I volunteered for international tutoring, and later that fall I met ESN KISA for the first time. I didn’t expect to be a Vice President just few months later, but here I am! I’m very excited about this year and the opportunity to learn new things and get to know amazing people from all around the world! On my spare-time I play in a band, dance and watch too much Netflix.

 

 

Local Representative

Jasmin Viita-aho

Hejsan!

My name is Jasmin. I’m originally from Vaasa, Finland. I did my bachelor’s degree in Umeå, Sweden and from there I did a Erasmus exchange in Barcelona during spring 2017. That was definitely one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. I moved to Kuopio in September 2017 to do my master’s degree in Clinical nutrition. The first thing I did when I moved to Kuopio was to join ESN Kisa so that I can keep the internationality in my life and I haven’t regreted it!

 

 

Communications Manager

Outi Nikunen

Heippa! My name is Outi, the girl from this lovely North Country - Finland. I come from Kouvola, but I moved to Kuopio couple years ago and fell in love with this beautiful city. I’m doing (just about to finish) my MA in Nursing Science, and also work full-time as a public health nurse. I joined KISA, this lovely international family when I moved to Kuopio. I’m happy to be part of this network at the local level, and I’m doing my best to help our association to be better, and organize the activities which enable all the international students have the most memorable experience while their stay here in Finland, Kuopio UEF. In addition to work, studies and KISA I do my best to give enough time also to my friends and family, nature and traveling. I definitely get most of my energy from the nature, from its beauty and tranquility. My first name Outi comes from this Finnish Lapland word Outa, which means ‘forest’. So I might say, that my name describes me pretty well.

 

 

Trip Coordinator

Antonina Hines

Hey! My name is Antonina and i’m from Sydney, Australia. I moved to Finland in August 2016 and joined KISA last semester as an events manager. This was one of the best decision of my life and I wish I had joined earlier! My passion is travelling, learning about different cultures, skiing, lazing around all day at the beach and eating weird and wacky meals (latest one being sea urchin)!

 

 

Treasurer

Annika Rajasalo

Hi everyone! My name is Annika, I’m originally from the West Coast of Finland but have been living in Kuopio for a few years. I have done my studies in Tampere where I was also involved in the international sector of  the local Student Union and worked at the Center for International Mobility of the University of Tampere as well. In Kuopio, I’m employed as the Coordinator for International Affairs and Administration for the Student Union, ISYY, and as a part of my duties I’m the treasurer for KISA and also try to help with a bunch of other things! I can be contacted via email, phone or at the Student Union Office!

 

 

Event Manager

Lena Baumann

Hei! I am Lena; 23 years old; I am an exchange student and originally from Germany. I study Biomedical Sciences in the Netherlands and here I also take some courses in Public Health. I am interested in food, nutrition, sports as well as other cultures, traditions, recipes, etc. I love traveling, doing sports, the sun and having coffee with friends. My goal for the exchange in Finland is to learn more about the country and to stay as active as possible to escape “winter depression”. One step in achieving this is being Event Manager of ESN KISA. I would like to make the most out of my and your time here in Kuopio and create fun events for all of us.

Event Manager

Louisa Guse

Hei, My name is Louisa and I’m from Germany, specifically the wonderful city of Bonn, near cologne. I am currently studying medicine and am in my 4th year of studies. The decision to come to Kuopio and also to join KISA are undoubtedly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. KISA has so many opportunities for meeting new people from all over the world, getting involved and so much more. And that’s why I love it! Until now I haven’t regretted it and I’m absolutely sure that I won’t regret it in the future. I’m looking forward to future possibilities and my job as event manager. In my spare time I love participating in sports, travelling and spending time with my friends and family.

 

 

Event Manager

Sanna Arvola

Hi! My name is Sanna and I’m from Finland. I’m studying social psychology for the third year. I first started in KISA as an active member maybe a year ago, and now I’m one of the Event Managers. I also do volunteer work in the Criminal Victim Support Finland (RIKU) as a support person. On my free time I like to do all kinds of different sports (lately mostly jogging and gym) and I always love to try new exciting things. I’m looking forward to the new ESN KISA semester with all of you!

 

 

Event Manager

Nima Am

Moi! I´m Nima. I´m a medical student from Munich. I am very happy to be able to join the KISA team for the next time. As far as I´ve got to know we are gonna organizing lots of very funny events, so don´t hesitate and be part of the next KISA event! See you there!