1. In what country were you, when and for how long? How old were you at that time?When I was 20 years I was in Finland, Turku for a whole season, about 7 months year 2012 to
2013.
2. When you started to plan your trip abroad, when did you start to do arrangements
before leaving?
I thought long about going abroad to play ringette, either Canada or Finland. I chose Finland
because I have a lot of contacts and friends there. I started to contact the Finnish Ringette
Federation in spring. I got some e-mail from different teams. Then it took some time for me to
choose what team I wanted to play with. In the end of July I had decided to go to Turun Ringette.
I had so much help from people in Finland so I didn't have to do a lot of arrangements. And in the
beginning of September I moved.
3. What were the most important things to do at first? What do you especially have to
take notice of when you are going abroad for a long time?
At first you have to find out how big city you are going to and how you are getting around in
town. I was in a small city and could walk almost everywhere. I borrowed a bike from a friend so I
could get to places faster. If you are going to find a job then you should open an account so you
can get the salary. And to open an account you have to get you own personal number. That can
be a bit tricky so find out how and were you are going to fix that stuff before you leave.
4. How did you end up playing in the team you played in?
They contacted me and asked if I wanted to come play with them. They wrote in a way that made
me interested at once. And also a big part why I chose Turun Ringette was because Marjukka Virta
was going to be one of the coaches.
5. How did you get an apartment and/or job?
A Finnish friend heard that I was going to play ringette in Finland and offered me to stay with her.
I was lucky, it was all about contacts. Before I left, I had already thought about what kind of job I
wanted, substitute for Swedish kinder gardens. Because it's easy, it's in daytime, nothing on the
weekends so I wouldn't miss any practices or games. I browsed the Internet and found people I
could contact. I got fast answers that I could come and show myself and write some papers. I
worked from one day to everyday in a week.
6. What did you learn as a ringette player from playing a season abroad? Do you
recommend the experience for others?
I learned so much ringette, how to think when playing, new exercices and because I played so
much I got in good shape. I truly recommend this, you learn a lot by playing with others and
different countries have different rules and playing style. I didn't want to go back to Sweden and
play at first because it's harder in Finland and that's how I like ringette. It was hard to play home
again when I couldn't do half of what I have learned. It's a great experience!
7. What kind of advice/help would you have needed yourself when you started
planning your trip abroad?
The first problem I had was in the start, to find e-mail to the Finnish Ringette Federation. I had no
idea who to contact, who could help me in Finland. So I contacted the Swedish Ringette
Federation and they gave me some e-mails that I try.
8. What would you say to a ringette player who is considering playing abroad?
If you want to go, just do it! It's a once in a lifetime and it was the best thing I have ever done!
Med vänlig hälsning Jessika Runolf