Exchange Life in Kingston: From Finland to Project Smile - By: Axel wallgren and Viktor Karle

At the turn of the year, my friend Viktor and I arrived in Kingston to begin our exchange semester at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. We are both from Helsinki, Finland, and are currently completing the final year of our B.Sc. in Financial Economics. Making the move across the Atlantic was an exciting step for us, and while we knew the experience would be enriching academically, we didn’t anticipate just how quickly Kingston would come to feel like a second home.

From the very beginning, we have genuinely enjoyed our time here. Kingston is a vibrant city with a unique blend of history, student life, and community spirit that makes it feel both lively and welcoming. Whether it’s walking along the waterfront, exploring downtown cafés, or spending time on campus, we’ve found no shortage of opportunities to settle in and feel connected. Beyond Kingston itself, our exchange has already taken us to unforgettable hockey games in Toronto and Ottawa, experiences that gave us a true taste of Canadian culture, and we’re excited to continue exploring more of what Canada has to offer.

One of the most meaningful and unexpected highlights of our exchange has been getting involved with Project Smile. Our engagement with the club came somewhat unexpectedly, but we couldn’t be happier that it did. We have stepped into the roles previously held by Annabelle and Delaney, who have embarked on their own exchange journey in Manchester. Taking over these responsibilities has been both motivating and rewarding, allowing us to contribute in a hands-on way while learning more about community-driven initiatives in a new country.

We have been incredibly impressed by the work Project Smile does and by the passion and dedication that drive the club forward. Being part of an initiative that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives has added a deeper sense of purpose to our exchange experience, beyond academics and travel. It has been inspiring to work alongside such committed individuals and to contribute to a project that values compassion, collaboration, and impact.

As we look ahead, we are very much looking forward to what lies ahead, both within Project Smile and throughout the rest of our time in Kingston. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a welcoming, supportive, and inspiring community, and we hope to leave a positive mark during our exchange semester.