International aspects of education

Internationalisation in the curriculum

Internationalisation is an important part of the higher education and the curriculum of each degree programme. During their studies, students learn about challenges, opportunities and practices of international cooperation. 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 information and networks, a broad perspective and knowledge of the various sectors in society, as well as innovativeness, flexibility, initiative and skills to encounter various situations and people from different cultures.

Tuition in English

The Bachelor-level Degree Programmes in Sustainable Food, Automation Engineering, Hospitality Management, International Business and Nursing are taught completely in English. Also, the Master’s Degree Programmes in International Business Management and Social Services and Health Care, Development and Management, are totally implemented in English.In addition, there are several semester-long exchange programmes taught in English in various fields of study. Also, visiting foreign lecturers and English study material are used in various courses.

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences has about 15 agreements on double degree programmes. Students of International Business, Business Management and  Automation Engineering have opportunities for a double degree at a foreign partner institution.

Together with eight higher education institutions, SEAMK is part of the HEROES European University Alliance. It will offer SEAMK students new and diverse opportunities to incorporate internationality into their studies and develop their skills. Read more on the HEROES alliance website https://www.heroesuniversity.eu/

SEAMK offers a wide selection of courses in foreign languages and cultures to its students. Bachelor-level degree programmes include compulsory language courses in both Finnish and Swedish, and one or two other foreign languages. Students can also study optional language courses to deepen their language skills or to learn a new language. Finnish language and culture studies are also offered to international students all year round, sometimes in cooperation with other educational organisations.

Internationalisation at home

Internationalisation at home means experiencing and learning internationalisation in your own home university. Language and cultural studies as well courses taught in English are internationalisation at home. Also, e.g. being a tutor to international students, participating in international projects or working as an assistant in seminars or conferences are ways of Internationalisation at Home. In addition, foreign students and teachers who study or work at SEAMK’s campus offer possibilities for international experiences and interaction.

Student mobility

Every degree student of Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences has an opportunity for a study period abroad or international practical training. SEAMK has international partner institutions in over 50 different countries: about 160 in Europe and a total of about 40 in Asia, North and South America, and Africa. This offers a wide range of different study abroad possibilities for SeAMK students.

The number of international exchange students at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences is about 200 annually. Foreign students have an opportunity to attend orientation and extracurricular programme throughout the year in addition to their studies. The student tutors and members of the SAMO Student Union participate in organising various activities for international students; as part of “internationalisation at home” activities. More information about the exchange programmes is available on SEAMK website.

Mobility periods are supported by different grants. In addition,  state-provided student financial aid (Kelan opintotuki) is available mainly to Finnish students for study and practical training period abroad. In addition to the insurance provided by SEAMK, the student should have own travel insurance and, possibly, also other types of insurance for their period of study or practical training abroad. Before going abroad, students with Finnish citizenship should check their social security and health care insurance provided By Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA, www.kela.fi). Sometimes (depending on the destination/target country) also vaccinations must be checked together with a nurse or medical doctor. The student can obtain more detailed information about the practical arrangements of a mobility period from SEAMK International Education Services Team and SEAMK intranet.

International projects and events

Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences has several ongoing international research and development projects each year. Students are offered opportunities for doing different project work assignments as well writing his/her thesis in connection with an R & D project. Sometimes students are also offered opportunities for working or assisting in different international events organised by SEAMK and its cooperation partners.

Guidance, consultation and information for internationalization

SEAMK International Education Services team, study counsellors heads of degree programmes and teachers provide assistance to students interested in internationalization, i.e., studying or doing their practical training abroad. Information can also be obtained at  different information events and sessions related to internationalization, SEAMK.fi website, Intranet, Facebook, guidebooks, and by email.

SEAMK International Education Services Team

Team email: international.office(a)seamk.fi
Incoming student exchanges: incoming(a)seamk.fi
Outgoing student exchanges: outgoing(a)seamk.fi

Marjo Arola
Manager of International Affairs, International degree and network collaboration,
marjo.arola(a)seamk.fi

Carita Prokki
Manager of International Affairs, Mobility and support of internationalization
carita.prokki(a)seamk.fi

Maria Loukola
Coordinator, incoming student exchanges
maria.loukola(a)seamk.fi

Tiina Välimäki
Coordinator, outgoing student exchanges
tiina.valimaki(a)seamk.fi

Jiuliano Prisada
Specialist, traineeships of international degree students
jiuliano.prisada(a)seamk.fi

Maiju Kinossalo
Expert, Inclusion and Integration projects,
Study Counsellor; Automation Engineering
maiju.kinossalo(a)seamk.fi

Becky Luoma
Agent Partner Coordinator
rebekah.luoma(a)seamk.fi

Kimmo Pollari
International Facilitator
kimmo.pollari(a)seamk.fi