International aspects of education

Internationalisation in the curriculum

Internationalisation is an integral part of higher education and the curriculum of each Degree Programme. During their studies, students learn about challenges posed by internationalisation on experts in different fields and how internationalisation can be utilised in the development of their own fields and regions. Students are provided with the skills they need in international activities when working abroad or in international projects, but also when working in Finland. In addition to language and cultural skills, a graduate of a higher-education institution needs skills in the use of the most recent research information and data communications connections, a broad perspective to and knowledge of the various sectors in society, as well as innovation, flexibility, initiative and sensitivity to encounter various situations and people from different cultures.

The courses taught in English at SeAMK annually account for about 1 200 credits. They are available to the University's all Finnish and international degree students, as well as to students attending a shorter international mobility period. The Degree Programme in International Business (BBA) and the Degree Programme in Nursing are the two Bachelor-level programmes offered at SeAMK taught completely in English. We have also a Master-level degree programme, Master's Degree Programme in International Business Management, implemented in English. In addition, there are also several semester-long modules taught in English available in various fields. There are also English-speaking lecturers and English study material.

The number of degree programmes leading to a double degree increases each year. Today, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences has 15 agreements on double degree programmes. Students of the Business School and the School of Technology can earn another degree at a foreign partner institution.

There are a wide selection of courses in foreign languages and cultures available to students. The Bachelor-level degree programmes include compulsory courses in both Finnish and Swedish, and in one or two foreign languages. Students may also take optional language courses to improve their language skills or to learn a new language and culture. Studies in the Finnish language and culture are offered to international students year round, in cooperation with other educational organisations offering courses in the Finnish language.

Student mobility

National and international networking is the prerequisite for engaging in international activities. SeAMK has international partner institutions in 51 different countries: about 160 in Europe and a total of about 40 in Asia, North and South America, Russia, Australia, and Africa.

All the students of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences have the opportunity to study or do their practical training abroad, and they are encouraged to leave for long mobility periods, of at least three (3) months. Each year, approximately one fifth of our students leave for a long mobility period to study or to do their practical training, the average length of stay abroad being 5 months. Half of them go abroad through EU programmes. Additionally, about 300 students annually go abroad for shorter study periods. The most popular destinations are Germany, Spain and the Baltic Countries. Other countries attracting students include the United States, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Vietnam, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Australia, Argentina, and the Eastern European countries. Students have the opportunity to do their practical training abroad at a company or organisation they have chosen themselves if the placement fulfils the goals of their studies. For summertime, a trainee job can be applied for e.g. through a labour office or CIMO. It is possible for a student to write their Final Thesis during a period abroad. In addition, our partner institutions may assist students in finding desired placements in the country of destination. Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences utilises the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Students are offered the Diploma Supplement as an appendix to their Finnish degree certificates.

The number of international mobility students arriving at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences even exceeds that of outgoing students. Foreign students have the opportunity to attend orientation studies and extracurricular social programmes throughout the year. The friend-family activities, aimed especially at international degree students, were started in 2008. The student tutors and members of the SAMO Student Union actively participate in the various activities organised for international students; it is part of what is called “internationalisation at home”. More information about the orientation studies, social programme and friend-family activities for international students is available on the English webpages of SeAMK.

Student and trainee mobility is supported financially. State-provided student financial aid, housing supplements and increased student loans are available to students for studies abroad. In addition to the insurance provided by SeAMK, the student should also have travel insurance and, possibly, also other types of insurance for their period of study abroad. Before going abroad, students with Finnish citizenship should visit the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA) to make sure they are covered by social security and health care insurance. Students with Finnish citizenship must get the necessary forms (for example, Y39) and the European Health Insurance Card at a KELA office. A vaccination scheme must also be filled out together with a nurse or medical doctor. The student can obtain more detailed information about the practical arrangements from the International staff of their Faculty and the International Office of SeAMK, as well as from the Intranet.

International projects and conferences

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences has about 20 ongoing international research and development projects each year. A student can write their thesis in connection with an R & D project, either in Finland or abroad. Projects may also involve studies or practical training abroad.

Hosting annual international conferences and seminars contributes to support the professional growth and career development of the students and staff of SeAMK. Students can work as conference assistants at these international conferences and seminars, for which they will not only receive a separate certificate but also earn credits.

Guidance, consultation and information about international matters

The Heads of Degree Programmes, teachers, student tutors, International Coordinators and the International Office staff provide assistance to students interested in internationalization, i.e., studying or doing their practical training abroad. Information can also be obtained at the events of SeAMK related to internationalization, from the www page of SeAMK, Intranet, Facebook, guidebooks, and by email.