Hello! My name is Phoe Htet San, but you can call me Felix. I am currently studying International Tourism Management at Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) in Finland. My journey from Dawei, Myanmar to Europe has been filled with both struggles and opportunities. I would love to share not only my academic path but also the reality of life in Myanmar, a country facing challenges, from political conflicts to economic collapse, yet still home to thousands of kind-hearted people.
Growing Up in Dawei
I grew up in Dawei, a beautiful quiet coastal town in southern part of Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region. It is the kind of place where time feels slower- the mornings start with the sound of waves, the smell of the sea,and the chatter of neighbours who’ve known each other.
As a child, I spent most of my time barefoot on the sand, eating fresh seafood, and collecting seashells for fun. There wasn’t much in the way of big buildings or modern things, but there was always a sense of peace and belonging. Everyone knew everyone, and that made life feel full, even when it was simple.Also Tourism was always a part of our local economy, on the other hand it remained underdeveloped due to poor management and government neglect. Still, Dawei’s natural beauty has so much potential if only peace and stability could allow it to flourish.
Life in Myanmar
Finding work become nearly impossible. Many businesses had shut down, and international companies withdrew due to sanctions. For young people like me, it often felt like the only way to find a future was to leave the country altogether. My education took a hard hit. Between 2020 and 2022 right when I was supposed to finish high school, everything was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political unrest. It was a confusing time but, even with all those hard times, I didn’t want to give up learning. So I decided to look for other ways to keep moving forward. I enrolled in vocational training programs theough a local education provider, where I picked up practical skills and learned how to adapt into a new learning environment. Later, I joined in the SAMK Pathway Program, which gave me a sense of foundation for my transition into higher education. Those experiences taught me more than just academics and they showed me how to stay strong when things are falling apart, how to adapt, and how to keep going, even when the path is not clear.
Left from Myanmar and new life starting
Despite these hardships, I’ve always believed in the power of tourism to create connections, preserve culture, and support local economies. Myanmar’s tourism industry was once thriving with visitors drawn to ancient temples in Bagan, the floating gardens of Inle Lake, and the golden beaches of Maungmagan, Dawei. But since Covid-19 and coup, travel warnings and safety concerns have kept tourists away. I realized that if I wanted to contribute to rebuilding my country’s future, I needed international education and experience. That’s why I decided to study International Tourism Management at SAMK to learn best practices from Finland, a country known for sustainable tourism and high quality education.
Moving to Finland was more than just a change of scenery it was a profound transformation. After years of uncertainty in Myanmar, stepping into this peaceful Nordic country felt like taking my first deep breath in a long time. Suddenly, I could voice my thoughts without looking over my shoulder, browse the internet without sudden shutdowns, and most importantly dream about the future without the shadow of fear. The stability here was unfamiliar yet healing, like sunlight after a relentless storm. At SAMK, my academic journey has been nothing short of enriching. The program goes beyond textbooks, immersing me in the dynamic world of destination marketing, sustainable tourism, and hospitality management. What I love most is the hands-on approach whether it’s collaborating on real-world projects, networking with industry professionals, or debating ideas in a classroom filled with students from every corner of the globe. These interactions have reshaped my perspective, teaching me as much about cultural diversity as about tourism itself. But the true gift has been the people. Sharing stories with classmates from Asia, Europe and beyond has woven a tapestry of experiences that constantly inspire me. Their ambitions, struggles, and triumphs remind me that the world is vast, yet wonderfully connected. Every conversation feels like adding a new lens to my vision one that’s broader, brighter, and full of possibilities. Finland didn’t just offer me safety, it gave me a space to grow, to belong, and to believe in what comes next.
Thank you for reading my blog,
Phoe Htet San @ Felix