Kaelan Robinson was never afraid of being different. At age 10, while his friends followed the pop music charts, he fell in love with Nordic metal bands.

Years later, few people were surprised when he decided on a university that was a little off the beaten track.

Helsinki, Finland, is where Mr Robinson headed in 2013. He’s probably the only Bermudian at the Arcada University of Applied Sciences, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international business.

“The interest to study in Nordic Europe was initially sparked by my interest in the wider Nordic music scene, which gradually led to getting interested in the languages and cultures of that corner of the world,” the 20-year-old said. “On top of that, I couldn’t picture myself in the more traditional choices of countries that most Bermudian students end up in for university — like the UK, US or Canada — mostly because they felt too familiar and I was determined to get and experience a different world view.”

He didn’t know the country well, but had visited it before. The first time was on a family vacation; he also scouted the area while considering where to study.

“I also had to write my university entrance exam there so luckily I had a pretty good grasp on Finnish life and lifestyle before actually living there,” Mr Robinson said. “Finland stood out to me initially in how peaceful, quiet and clean it is, even on the busiest of days in the cities — something I have come to truly love.”

He lives in Kallio, a neighbourhood in the heart of Helsinki. Decades ago it was an industrial area; today it’s where the city’s “liberal and hipster-savvy young folk” live.

“The fact that there are a lot of small, locally owned and run independent cafés, art galleries, shops and restaurants in the area makes it a bit of a ‘hipster-paradise’,” Mr Robinson said.

“I’d say it’s a place that has a lot of the hidden gems of Helsinki even though it’s in plain sight. It just takes a little exploration.”

Helsinki has consistently ranked as one of the top five most livable cities in Europe.

One thing that Mr Robinson initially found odd, was just how frank people there are.

“If you speak to someone and they don’t have any interest in conversation they won’t hesitate to tell you so, and doing so is not considered in any way mean-spirited or rude nor should it be perceived as such,” he said. “It’s often just a matter of respecting people’s right to be left in peace.

“The cultural method of conversation is different in that it’s more direct and doesn’t involve much small talk — at least with strangers — but it’s something I’ve come to appreciate and love since sometimes I feel we tend to say ‘good morning’ or ‘how are you doing?’ more out of an expectation to talk when spoken to rather than actually being sincere in wanting to talk.”

On average, temperatures in Finland range from about 20F in the winter to just over 60F during the summer. The Warwick Academy alumnus hasn’t had a hard time adjusting to the colder climate.

“Finland has actually been having record-breaking warm winters over the past few years, although it’s not unheard of for temperatures to reach [-31F] in Helsinki, pretty much as far south in Finland as you can go,” he said.

“Cold weather has never really phased me much. I love the snow, ice and dry air that comes with the cold. It’s all what you make it out to be in my opinion.

“There’s an old Scandinavian saying that goes something like, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!’ And in Finland, which has the highest coffee consumption per capita in the world, coffee is the cure for all things related to winter blues.”

Mr Robinson has enjoyed new experiences and has also learnt a few things about himself since he enrolled at the Finnish school.

“Living abroad has allowed me to appreciate my Bermudian heritage and where I come from through a completely different perspective,” Mr Robinson said.

“I’m more aware of the things at home that could also be better.

“I’ve learnt in my time living abroad, and through my travels, that sometimes you have to just sit back and appreciate the small things as well as the big stuff on a day-to-day basis.

“Whether I’m here in Finland or at home in Bermuda over the holidays I always try to enjoy the moment to the fullest, no matter how simple or insignificant it may seem.

“It’s easy to get caught up in all of the stresses of life and sometimes all it takes is a few minutes sitting and enjoying the sound of waves crashing at Horseshoe Bay or walking down the streets of Helsinki and looking at the people that pass by to appreciate things for what they are.

“I’m definitely keen on continuing to see more of the world and broadening my experiences and perspectives.”

He’s already had the chance to visit parts of Iceland, Denmark and Sweden, where he plans to pursue a master’s degree later this year.

Mr Robinson said: “Stepping out of my comfort zone has, so far, been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life and, as a result, I’ve created firm friendships with amazing people, become proficient in several different languages and ultimately have a unique experience I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

“My advice for other young people would be to seize the opportunity to experience new places and cultures when and if you can.

“Along with that, I’d say that young people shouldn’t let anyone discourage them from pursuing the experiences they wish to have in life; determination will yield results.”