Eric Kwayisi: Alumni story

EVENTS and NEWS

2022

04.12.2022: GREEN DIET: Panel Discussion
29.11.2022: GREEN DIET: Keynote speaker #5: Graham Dodge
27.11.2022: GREEN DIET: Presentations of Scientific Papers
23.11.2022: GREEN DIET: Keynote speaker #4: Otto Richard Pukk
15.11.2022: GREEN DIET: Keynote speaker #1 - Linnar Viik
10.11.2022: Dr. Ahmet Esad Yurtsever from Istanbul Gelisim University visited EUAS
07.11.2022: GREEN DIET: Keynote speaker #3 - Hendrik Roosna
28.10.2022: GREEN DIET: Keynote speaker #2 – Andres Sutt
27.10.2022: International education network learns how to teach and study in multicultural environment
11.10.2022: International business and education network learned how to practise environmental awareness from Ülemiste City
28.09.2022: Introducing the speaker in the academic part of the 10th Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference, Viktorija Priļenska
27.09.2022: Introducing the keynote speaker for the 10th Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference, Linnar Viik
26.09.2022: Introducing the speaker in the academic part of the 10th Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference, Inga Uvarova
26.09.2022: Introducing the speaker in the academic part of the 10th Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference, Marika Eik
22.09.2022: Introducing the keynote speaker for the 10th Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference, Otto Richard Pukk
21.09.2022: International education innovation project ‘Platform for Co-operation Between Schools and Enterprises’ kicks off at Ülemiste City
20.09.2022: Introducing the keynote speaker for the 10th Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference, Hendrik Roosna
19.09.2022: The Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences invites you to its Annual Entrepreneurship and Innovation Conference
08.09.2022: New cohort of Erasmus+ students from the University of Valladolid, Spain
23.08.2022: Orientation week for new international students
19.08.2022: Meeting with Kanazawa University
10.08.2022: The EUAS and Ülemiste City welcomed a delegation from Digital Economy Promotion Agency in Thailand
20.06.2022: The international student grabs an Internship at the Hitachi Energy Estonia AS due to Ülemiste smart city Job Shadowing Day.
13.06.2022: ERASMUS+ Staff mobility for teaching. Why go on vacation when work is so much more fun?
01.06.2022: The project “Educational and Entrepreneurial co-operation in Future City” creates the strong link between modern educational system and future business
16.05.2022: Charity opportunities to support Ukrainian students
16.05.2022: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Scholarship 2022 for Postgraduate International Business Administration Master's Programme
09.05.2022: Arcada University visit dissemination
12.04.2022: News for robotics enthusiasts - a new admission for Autumnt Intake to Cleveron Academy has already started
30.03.2022: EUAS participated in the international conference of universities of applied sciences.
29.03.2022: Joakim Helenius - video recording of the lecture
28.03.2022: Scholarships 2022/23 for international students, researchers and academic staff
25.03.2022: Scholarship 2022 for Postgraduate International Business Administration Master's Programme
21.03.2022: Estonia: international students and grads add record €16m in taxes in 2020/21
14.03.2022: Estonian and Japanese students discussed the future of Ülemiste City
28.02.2022: We raise 30 million steps for our schools birthday!
21.02.2022: Job announcement: Erasmus+ and exchange coordinator
14.02.2022: EUAS attended in University of Stavanger visit
24.01.2022: 100 free internships: #Road Trip to Ülemiste City Hub
14.01.2022: Materials of the Conference „Building the Virus-Resistant Company“
10.01.2022: Universities and enterprises: from thoughtful collaboration to more efficient and profitable entrepreneurship
06.01.2022: Highly qualified United States expert recommends that now is the time to dive into entrepreneurship!

2021

2020

23.12.2020: Season's Greetings from Rector
11.12.2020: Changes in the study process since 14.12.2020
20.11.2020: Application deadline is coming soon!
31.10.2020: POSTPONED!! Workshop "Cybersecurity for Entrepreneurs"
23.10.2020: Future City hackathon
08.10.2020: 8th annual EUAS entrepreneurship conference
23.09.2020: sTARTUp Gaming 2020
16.09.2020: Entrepreneurship conference will be held on 8 October 2020
10.09.2020: Achievement of the Year 2019 – Cleveron Academy
08.09.2020: Preventive measures to control the spread of COVID-19
04.09.2020: Important information and FAQ about the COVID-19 virus situation for student
18.08.2020: The future of the gaming industry in Estonia
09.07.2020: 2020 best theses and graduates with honours
24.06.2020: The Student World Fair
21.06.2020: The Lecturer of the Year 2020 title won...
20.06.2020: Virtual Graduation Ceremony of EUAS
17.06.2020: Graduation in a new way
09.06.2020: Study: Ülemiste City has the fifth-largest economy among Estonian cities
28.05.2020: Conference “Entrepreneurship and Innovation: How To Avoid Getting Stuck In Today’s World” - Call for Papers
22.05.2020: EUAS student story: Fletima Andrianne Dias
21.05.2020: Ülemiste City announces a thesis scholarship competition for the development of a future campus
13.05.2020: Eric Kwayisi: Alumni story
ERIC Kwayisi: "Our nations have a lot in common"

Eric Kwayisi, originally from Ghana, has graduated from the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS) with a Master's degree in International Business Administration and now works at TransferWise. We met Eric in early January to discuss his relationship with Estonia and talk about his future plans. This article is part of the Alumni Success Stories series, created in collaboration with the Estonian tech news platform Geenius.ee.
- What exactly did you study at the university?
I studied International Business Administration at the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (EUAS) and received my Master's degree in November last year. I would describe my studies as very practical and thorough. The school constantly encourages students to take the initiative, participate in different projects, and be proactive in their professional field. My course was designed in a way that it immediately allowed me to apply my study skills to real-life work. I have previously studied Civil Engineering and Business Administration in Ghana. Combining this knowledge helps me see the world from a much better, intelligent perspective.
- Where do you currently work?
I currently work for TransferWise as a Compliance Specialist. I constantly monitor and control the risks associated with user authentication, such as fraud, money laundering, etc. I love my job very much; it’s a fun and pleasant environment. I feel very happy to have started my career as a Customer Support Specialist several years ago and reach such a position in an Estonian company.
- When did you come to Estonia and how did you hear about our country?
I arrived in Estonia in 2018 from Kursk, Russia. I was born and raised in Ghana, but after my university studies there, I went to Europe to pursue a Master's degree. While in Russia, I started picking up the language and was planning on going to Moscow to study in the same field. Unfortunately, it was a heavy-workload course taught entirely in Russian, so I could not learn the language and follow the specialty at the same time. It was at this moment that a friend living in Kursk told me about the opportunities in Estonia. I have been doing online research on the country for a long time and, honestly, I was overwhelmed ー the possibilities and technological development of the Estonian e-government seemed perfect for continuing my studies. After that, I learned more about my school and its modules. Since the language of instruction was English, and the program seemed exciting, Estonia was confirmed as the first choice!
- Did you have any fears about coming to Estonia? How did you adapt?
In the beginning, what scared me the most was learning about the size of the population. I mean, there are 30 million people living in Ghana, and we are not even the largest country in Africa. Seeing that only 1.3 million people live in Estonia, I was a little bit afraid, because I didn't know what to expect. On the other hand, I can adapt to all kinds of changes quite quickly and easily. Currently, I work for a multicultural company around people from different countries, which has also helped to adapt. By now, I enjoy many hobbies here. I play football in a team, play music, and go to church.
- How would you compare your academic and social life in Ghana and Estonia?
In Estonia, students have an opportunity and a greater privilege to define themselves, decide for themselves, and follow their journey. I have studied most of my life in Ghana and I have to say that the difference is enormous. In my country, students have to gain a lot of experience before they are even allowed to move on. The education I have received in Estonia has enriched my professional self-confidence and the wealth of opportunities ahead. When it comes to the Estonian people, we actually have a lot in common as nations. Both are young countries that only emerged from the occupying power in the last century. Of course, the main difference lies in diversity, because there are more than 400 ethnic groups living in Ghana. Ghanaians also resemble Americans in a way of being open and friendly. Estonians, however, always seem to have a colder and more reserved attitude; they do not always want to start a conversation until you get to know each other better.
- What do you like and dislike about Estonia?
This may surprise you! I really like the weather here. It’s chilly, cloudy, and rainy ー as cozy as it can get. But most of all, I admire the hard-working and determined character of Estonians, the fact that has shaped the history of your nation. In terms of inconveniences, I would emphasize that I did not choose my skin color or the place where I was born. While I understand that people tend to protect themselves and their property, I also face an unpleasant and discriminatory attitude from time to time. If Estonia wants to be on the world map in the future, it must learn to be more open-minded.
- Have you learned any Estonian?
At the moment, I don't speak Estonian very much. I know some simple expressions and I can speak if necessary. Unfortunately, my work schedule has been so busy that there is little time left to study. Hopefully this will change in the future, but I am glad that it is very easy to get along with English and Russian.
- What do you think of the e-government?
As I mentioned before, e-government has been one of the main attractions for me to move here. I will not stay in Estonia forever, and if I ever return home, I would definitely like to bring my e-government knowledge there, contributing to a better Ghana. I have visited Estonia’s neighboring countries, such as Finland and Sweden, but all things digital are not so well developed there. Instead, it's a lot of paperwork, and access to services can be quite painful. For Estonia, there is definitely a reason to be proud of e-government!
- Are you happy with your experience in Estonia so far?
‘Happy’ is not the right word ー ‘fulfilled’ would describe it better. Estonia has added enormously to me, and I want to help this country be famous on the world map. I have found friends, new hobbies, a wonderful job, and a new life here. In addition, there are 15 other Ghanaians here with me, who also add positivity to my life.
04.05.2020: Study and work organization from May 4
22.04.2020: How we are coping at the hostel with the coronavirus crisis
21.04.2020: EUAS #StayHomeChallenge
17.04.2020: Applicants invited to apply for Ülo Pärnits Scholarship Fund grants
08.04.2020: Digital Challenge Accepted
26.03.2020: Measures of blocking the COVID-19
18.03.2020: ABB scholarship program candidacy
10.02.2020: Opening ceremony for the 2020 academic year
31.01.2020: Global Game Jam 2020
29.01.2020: Public lecture: FLOW is the New Place - Revolution in the Customer Journey

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