The FAQ’s

Since I knew I would apply I already had a million questions about the IWG course and trust me they didn’t become less after being accepted. Quite the opposite was the case to be honest. I wanted to know as much as possible. Well, I call it overly excited and luckily I had some amazing former grads helping me. (Big thanks again to all of you!)

So below is a collection of the most important info for you - and if you still have more you want to ask, drop me a line.

1. How is the application process? Any advices?

Before I started to write my application I did some research about current or past students. (Thank you social media!) Simply to get in touch and to get their input in what to expect. That was super helpful. So that is my first advice.

Finnish people like facts and no smalltalk. When you start writing clearly show them why you are the right candidate, that you are the one with all that wild passion inside of you and of course that you are thinking of doing your own business in Finland, somehow, someday…

Deadline for your written application is around mid of April. I knew my one by heart in the end before I finally sent it off in March. (Just a quick site note, in 2018 they received over 120 applicants. So be creative!)

After the deadline it will take another two weeks of nerve testing and waiting. The teachers are inviting half of the applicants for a Skype interview. Well done if you already came this far!

Another three weeks past until I had my interview. Prepare yourself a little bit, like what are possible business ideas of you, how do you handle living on small space, how do you fund yourself etc. But most important: Just be you! Show your enthusiasm and your motivation throughout the conversation. The interview lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. And then the real wait starts. Weeks of checking emails hundred times a day, questioning yourself, left in the unknown for another 3 or 4 weeks. Might be already some kind of patience test to be honest. Either way one day you will have an Email in the top of your inbox with the decision! Time to relax, finally.

2. Where is Kuru, where is the school?

For 10 months your new base will be mainly in Kuru. A little village in nowhere. Two supermarkets, a pizza place, a pub, a library, a bank, a second hand shop and… well, there is not much more to find in Kuru. The next bigger place is Tampere, 50 km south of Kuru. Tampere is actually Finland’s second largest city after Helsinki, which is another 150 km south. So yes, sounds like a perfect place for not spending too much money. Not! The shops in the village are small and pricey if your not used to it. That’s where most of your money goes. Oh and gear, of course!

Accommodation and school are just 150m away from each other. So that’s easy.

Zoom out of the map to get a better idea where Kuru is.

3. How do you live?

For people who choose to move to Kuru there is only one option:

The famous Yellow House. One side for the girls, the other for the men. For many years it has been the base for IWG students.

If you don’t mind a basic and simple interior, big windows with a green view and shared rooms, then a €100 (since 2019: €140) per months is probably the best offer you will ever get for a place to stay. Including hot water, laundry, internet and of course unlimited sauna!

You become family anyway, no space for secrets. Sharing is caring!

4. Who will be in the course?

Every year 16 students get selected. Usually 8 international and 8 Finnish students. Almost half women, half men. This year we are one American, one Canadian, one Irish, two Germans, one Austrian, two Russians and one Italian. The rest is Finnish. 7 women and 9 men. All different ages and individuals.

5. How much does it cost?

One of the main reasons why I decided to study at Tredu College in Kuru were definitely the low fee for the course and for housing. Only €750 (since 2019: €1000) for the course and €100 (from 2020: €140) rent a month. Everything else for the school or for expeditions is paid by the school. (Seriously, I couldn’t find anything comparable anywhere else in the world!)

That means your main expenses will go for food, some new gear (even though you think you might have it all) and personal things and trips. Bring as much as possible from your home country, because yes, Finland may be one of the happiest countries, but that has its price here.

There won’t be much free time to get work somewhere for one day a week (Kuru is just a tiny drop in the forest), but some people are getting help with student or housing benefits, though. That could be worth considering!

6. Do you have to be experienced?

People come here to be students again. To learn and to share their knowledge and skills. And that is beautiful. You don’t have to be a total expert and be able to name every plant when you come here. The teachers are much more interested in your motivation and passion for becoming a Wilderness Guide. So don’t worry, you don’t have to bring experience.

Be prepared for months of studying hard, living togteher on small space, new challenges and growing over your limits and expectations. It’s really amazing!

7. What do you do in those 10 months of hard labour?

I am not going into details here, because it’s a hell lot of stuff we learn and do. You can read a brief description about the course at the top or simply click here and download an older schedule. That’s the best way to get an idea.

8. What do I need to pack?

This isn’t easy, trust me. It was a nightmare. Especially when you come from abroad and need to fit most of your things in two 23kg bags (in my case) in order to get on the plane and travel to Kuru.

Take some sentimental stuff to make your corner in your new room homely and cozy. Get your winter stuff posted (it honestly won’t all fit at once). Stock up on new towels and bed sheets when you are in Finland (or kindly ask your new Finnish mates to stop at IKEA in Tampere for you). And if you can, arrive two or three days before school starts to settle in, to check out your new neighbourhood and to familiarise yourself with the Finnish language. Might be helpful to install a translation app on your phone as there is not much translated in English, e.g. in supermarkets.

And for every serious packer I have a basic clothing and gear list here!

Please fell free to get in touch with me if there are still questions on your mind. I am happy to help where I can.