Vamia recently welcomed an international guest as Canadian chef and teacher Barry Mooney visited the school as part of a three-week tour across Finland. During his trip, Mooney is visiting several educational institutions, sharing his expertise and learning about Finnish education and culture.
Mooney, who works as a teacher in a community college in Canada, has been actively involved in both observing and teaching during his stay. At Vamia, he had the opportunity to design and lead a cooking session where students prepared a full dinner under his guidance.
– It’s been great so far. Yesterday I followed a teacher around, and today I’m teaching students to cook a dinner that I designed. It’s been very exciting, Mooney says.
This is Mooney’s first time in Finland. Before arriving in Vaasa, he had already visited Turku and Kokemäki, and after Vamia his journey will continue to Kajaani.
Finland and Canada: More Similar Than Different
Despite traveling far from home, Finland has felt surprisingly familiar.
– Finland is actually very similar to Canada. The weather and the landscape look the same. The main difference I see is in the buildings – Finland has much older buildings, while Canada is a younger country. But overall, it feels quite similar, he explains.
Finnish cuisine has also made an impression on him, even if there are some differences.
– The idea behind the food is the same, but the actual dishes are a bit different, he says.
One traditional Finnish dish he has already tried is mämmi – and the experience was a positive one.
– Yes, I have tried it! It was served with cream and sugar, a bit like for a child, but I did like it, he laughs.
Surprises, Culture and a Memorable Experience
During his visit, one aspect of Finland has stood out above the rest: the education system.
– That has been the biggest surprise. Here, students choose their educational path at a much younger age. In Canada, we complete 12 years of comprehensive schooling and make those choices around the age of 18.
Mooney has also experienced an essential part of Finnish culture – the sauna.
– Sauna is something you have to do in Finland. I’ve already tried it and really enjoyed it. We do have saunas in Canada too, but it’s not the same and not nearly as common.
Overall, the visit has been a rewarding experience for Mooney.
– The experience has been quite amazing. It’s been great to share my style of cooking and teach it to Finnish students.
His visit has brought an international touch to Vamia – leaving a lasting impression on both the guest and the students.
