Getting connected through exchange experiences

The International Education Services team hosted a student event “Get excited about exchange studies and get connected!” on Wednesday 17 April 2024. Nearly 50 students attended, including SeAMK students who are going on exchange or have had an exchange experience, as well as current international exchange and double degree students.

During the event, the importance of having an international competence was discussed, as well as the opportunities to develop those during studies. Through shared experiences, it was note that although the exchange period is not always only easy or fun, everyone agreed that the experience itself was valuable, and developed skills such as self-confidence, problem solving, time management and flexibility. New networks and friendships were the best part of the experience.

Special thanks to the students who shared their exchange experience at the event. Jani Muotio from Master’s Programme in Technology Competence Management, Matti Pihlajaniemi from Bachelor Programme in Automation Engineering, Abdul Rahman and Mutti Rehman from the Master’s Programme in International Business Management shared their experiences from Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences in the Frankfurt-Rhine-Main Business Region in Germany. The discussion covered topics such as studying abroad while having a family and offered valuable tips for students planning to study in Germany. Lively discussions took place between German exchange students currently at SeAMK from the Universities of Applied Sciences of Hannover and Flensburg and the returned exchange students from Seinäjoki, where they explored their experiences of living and studying in Germany.

Leona Osmanaj, a double degree student from Hannover University of Applied Arts in Germany shared her perspective on studying in Finland and Seinäjoki, emphasising the importance of getting involved in all the activities to students and being open to new experiences and self-discovery.

Following the presentations, students formed small groups and eagerly shared tips and insights about exchange study destinations and their personal experiences. Witnessing this exchange of ideas and stories between SeAMK exchange students and those currently studying at SeAMK or who had completed their exchange studies abroad was truly heartwarming. We overheard discussions about studying at University of León in Spain, Thomas More UAS in Belgium, as well as information about countries such as Vietnam, China, Canada and Brazil.

We are already looking forward to the next networking event in autumn 2024 and hope to see you there too!