Exchange student has un-finnished business at Pendine Park

A Finnish woman missed being with us at Pendine Park so much as an exchange student she came straight back.

Jenni Kauhanen, 23, who spent five weeks with us as part of a European exchange initiative, the Leonardo Da Vinci Mobility Programme, loved it here so much she returned as soon as she could.

Jenni, who has been training as a nurse at the Health Care Institute of Hyvinkää, in Finland, came to learn at Pendine Park because we excel when it comes to the happiness and well-being of their residents and we also lead the way when in providing enriching activities for them to do.

She's now working at the Penybryn centre which specialises in providing care for people with brain injuries and neurological problems.

Jenni said: "I came back because I love the country. I love Wales very much and I have friends here, and last time when I was here they said that if came back they would give me a job.

"It's very nice to be back because I get to see all the familiar faces, and all the residents. They were happy to have me back and I am very happy to be back. This is my second home.

"I missed the people here the most when I was back home and I missed my friends, and the nature and the food. I like going for walks in the countryside and I go to the gym.

"The residents like me very much and I like them and also their families.

"I think that's important. At first I was nervous but then they remembered my name and say hello.

"It's not just the basic care we do at Pendine Park. When I speak to people it helps me with my English so I try to speak to people as much as I can. I like the residents very much. They're very friendly and it's so easy to talk to them now.

"I was at home for three month before I came back. I had to finish my course at home.

"I have learned very much at Pendine because their culture and habits are so different. I think they are more happy than in Finland. They talk more, the residents and employees, and I think that is important. In Finland we are very shy."

Penybryn manager Tracey Cuthill added: "When she was here last time she did a couple of shifts on the unit and she really liked Penybryn which is great for us. She's so lovely, communication is great, her level of understanding is very good."