Tanskalaiset hyggeilivät ryhmähengen heti ensimmäisenä päivänä

Olin keväällä henkilökuntavaihdossa Århusissa. Vaikutuin siitä, miten tanskalaiset hoitivat homman heti kotiin. Tietysti opettajankouluttajilla on ryhmämenetelmät hallussa paremmin kuin monella muulla, mutta hienolta se aina tuntuu, ammattitaito.

Kun uusi upea kampus oli ensimmäisenä päivänä esitelty lyhyesti, matkustimme muutaman kilometrin bussilla UNO Friluftscenteriin (U kasvatus, N luonto, O elämys), jossa muun muassa tutustuimme toisiimme ja loimme ryhmähenkeä erilaisin pelein ja leikein. Tykkäisitkö? Tutustumisleikit jakavat mielipiteitä, mutta varautuneimmatkin (lue: minä ja ehkä pari muuta) rohkaistuivat, innostuivat ja tutustuivat  niin, että juttua oli helppo jatkaa kaikkien kanssa.

Olin  vaihdossa pitkästä aikaa. Kohteeksi valikoitui Via University College, jolla oli valmiiksi isolle ryhmälle suunniteltu viikko-ohjelma. Päätin reissussa saman tien, että lähden vaihtoon jälleen heti kun mahdollista. Vaihto avartaa aina: avaa silmiä ja korvia sekä uudelle ja vieraalle että omalle, tutulle ja arkiselle. Kokosin matkasta muutamia kohokohtia ja etenkin viestinnällisesti kiinnostavia juttuja. Moni asia kiinnitti huomiota siksi, että Porissa olimme muuttaneet juuri uudella kampukselle, jossa pohdittiin tiettyjä asioita. VIA:n Århusin keskustakampus on isompi ja alat erilaisia, mikä selittää joitakin erilaisia ratkaisuja.

VIA University College sijaitsee useassa paikassa – se on yhdistynyt useista pienemmistä kouluista.  Me pyörimme pääkampuksella, jonne väki muutti syksyllä 2015. Iso moderni rakennus oli vaikuttava. Sielläkin oli selvästi ollut ajatuksena ”koko kampus on oppimisympäristö”.

Kampus oli pohjoismaisesti wow!

Alla näkymiä ensivaikutelmaan: pääaulaan. Taideteos, joka näkyy osin, on Jeppe Heinin ”Mobile of Enlightenment”.  Aulaa portaineen ja vieressä olevine ruokasaleineen voidaan käyttää myös erilaisissa tilaisuuksissa.

(Ruokalan koko oli ensin hirvittänyt vialaisia: kuinka noin pieni ruokala toimii? Se on kuitenkin osoittanut toimivuutensa käytännössä. Jonottamaan siellä ei juuri mahdu, mutta syömään väki voi levittäytyä laajasti. Myös kerroksissa on omat astiankeräyspisteensä.)

Niin suuri osa kampusta oli visuaalista herkkua, että tämä tekstikin on pitkälti kuvateksti. Toki oli myös ”ihan tavallisia” luokkia ja käytäviä – osassa luokissa oli vain tuolit ja pöydät seinän vieressä, josta niitä otettiin käyttöön tarpeen mukaan.

Minua kiinnostivat myös erilaiset opasteet ja lasiseinien teippaukset, jotka olivat mietitty kokonaisuus. Luokkien ikkunoissa oli oppimiseen liittyviä lauseita, erilaisissa tiloissa tyylin mukaiset symbolinsa – ryhmätyötiloista invavessoihin (ei kuvaa). Lisäksi esimerkiksi auditorion ala- ja yläovella oli symboli joka kertoi millä ovella kulkija on. Näistä olisi saanut vaikka kokonaan oman blogitekstin! (Ja kyllä vain, perinteisiä paperi-ilmoitustaulujakin oli.) Korkeakoulun graafinen ilme näkyi kaikkialla, myös kaupungilla olevassa liiketilassa.

Tiloista oli haluttu läpinäkyvät, jotta aktiivinen tekeminen näkyy. Osaan aivan kapeiden käytävien varrella  luokista oli hankittu verhot, jotta keskittyminen työskentelyyn onnistuu paremmin.

Taiteelle oli ollut tilaa (ja rahaakin tietysti…)

Kahvilamainen tila, jossa opiskelijoilla esimerkiksi teatteriesityksiä. Nuket heidän kansainvälisessä työpajassa tekemiään. Via Århus
Theatre hall – kahvilamainen tila, jossa opiskelijoilla esimerkiksi teatteriesityksiä. Nuket heidän kansainvälisessä työpajassa tekemiään. Yhteistyötä tehdään mm. paikallisten vammaisryhmien kanssa.

Opiskelijat voivat olla VIA:n tiloissa 24/7. Useimmissa paikoissa voi olla mihin aikaan vain, kunhan on sisällä kello 21 mennessä. Pääsy on rajaton kuitenkin vain yleisiin tiloihin ja niihin tiloihin, jotka liittyvät omiin opintoihin: esimerkiksi vaatesuunnittelijoilla ompelutilaan, fysioterapeuteilla ja liikuntaan erikoistuvilla alakoulun opettajilla liikuntasasaliin.  Maanantai- ja keskiviikkoillan urheilut ovat avoimia kaikille.

Visiittejä ”koulupäivinä” ja vapaa-ajalla

Meillä oli hyvä porukka 11 maasta, isäntien ja yhden suomalaisen lisäksi Englannista, Skotlannista, Hollannista, Espanjasta, Ranskasta, Itävallasta, Puolasta, Unkarista, Romaniasta ja Turkista. Tässä siitä osa. Kuva: Zsuzsanna Braun.
Meillä oli hyvä porukka 11 maasta, isäntien ja yhden suomalaisen lisäksi Englannista, Skotlannista, Hollannista, Espanjasta, Ranskasta, Itävallasta, Puolasta, Unkarista, Romaniasta ja Turkista. Tässä siitä osa kouluvierailulla. Kuva: Zsuzsanna Braun.

Yhtenä iltana kävimme vähän pienemmällä porukalla myös Århusin kaupunginkirjastossa. Se on ollut myös Helsingin uuden Oodin suunnittelijoiden vierailukohde, ja aivan syystä – monitoimikohde, virikkeitä kaikille aisteille, kaupungin palvelupiste ja myös kirjat hienosti esillä. Muutama kuva sieltäkin.

Toimiva nimikyltti

Sitten ihan tällainen pikkujuttu, joka myös kiinnitti huomion:  kannattaa valita mihin panostaa täysillä – jossain riittää ihan simppeli (kuten nimilappu osoittaa). Onpa kyse viestinnästä tai jostain muusta.

Teksti: Anne Sankari. Kirjoittaja työskentelee SAMKin viestinnässä ja rakastaa visuaalisia ja käytännöllisiä asioita (ja uuden oppimista).

Tekstiä muokattu lähinnä kirjoitusvirheiden osalta 2.1.2019.

A cultural complex student enters Shanghai Slush

I am a Chinese student and came to Finland in 2010. After that, I settled in Pori and started studies.

I have lived in China for more than 20 years. I was aware of the business culture and a certain business model of the industry which are the past of China. But in the days of living in Finland, time made me seem to be derailed with many things. Therefore, I am not afraid, I went back to school to start learning, and decided to apply for the opportunity to communicate with the world. Because of the experience of Finland and China, my Shanghai Slush volunteer application was passed quickly.

Shanghai SlushSlush is a non-profit platform for high-tech entrepreneurs, companies and investors worldwide because of its global influence, especially in the entrepreneurial circle. In September 2018 in Shanghai, I was fortunate to get funding from SAMK, witnessed this charming event and interviewed Slush founder Peter Vesterbacka.

 No hidden potential and demand

My volunteer work at Slush Shanghai was responsible for a sponsor’s booth. I did some homework because I wanted to complete the interview task. How to interview them in a limited time? Why do they give me a chance? In fact, when I was fortunate enough to get in touch and communicate with Slush’s founder Mr. Peter Vesterbacka, I found out that the Slush platform gives each participant unlimited potential.

mmexport Shanghai SlushEspecially if you have done enough homework to participate in the entrepreneurial competition organized by them, the attention will be even higher. If you want to find a job, it is also possible. When Mr. Vesterbacka knew about my experience in China and Finland, he enthusiastically recommended me to work in the field of interest. I am flattered, and I admire this highly effective way.  I do not want to show off what I had, but I want to share with you that my experience is that courage is not enough; it’s more important to clearly express what you need, and do that in a short time. I promise, this gentleman who is good at discovering the potential of others, will immediately share to you all the resources around.

Courage and communication

Peter Vesterbacka lived in Pori, which is a western city in Finland, when he was young. Partly because of our Finnish ”hometown language” greetings, I was fortunate to have a good interview with him. Mr. Vesterbacka has a good insight into the education industry. For a person who has acquired the Finnish education, I deeply agree with him. The Finnish high-quality pedagogic is worth promotion to the world. After the speech, we had a short conversation.

Calm and silence

After the work, although it was only three days with Slush, it took me several months from excitement to calm down. Those inspiring entrepreneurs made me feel that it is not difficult to start a business. The hard part is how to get out of my own path. “Create the new acceptance” was the theme of Slush Shanghai 2018. Creation and innovation, no matter which industry you care about, even if it has nothing to do with high technology. No doubt, embracing technology, the combination of technology and real-life scenarios is the trend of future business.mmexport Shanghai Slush

The hard part is how to get out of my own path.

For the future exploration and observation, I think I will not stop because of confusion. Thank you to  SAMK and Slush giving me energy and wisdom along the way.

Finally, if you want to start a business, Studying in SAMK and focusing on the Slush platform is a good start.


 

By: Yan Zhang
Photos by: Yan Zhang

Observer,

Entrepreneurship  degree programme, aiming to
Bachelor of Business Administration (SAMK)


 

Karhuviestijoukkue iski jälleen

Timo Hannelius:

SAMK-TOLKKU LEGENDS oli hyvässä vauhdissa Karhuviestissä.

Karhuhalliin hyvissä voimissa saapunut joukkueemme. Vasemmalta: Miikka, Esko, Timo, Leena ja Annika. Kuvan otti Ilkka ja aloitusosuuden juossut Teemu oli jo joutunut lähtemään kotimatkalle.

Mainetta jo aiemminkin niittänyt karhuviestijoukkueemme osoitti jälleen iskukykynsä lauantaina 7.4 järjestetyssä 41. Karhuviestissä. Hyvässä säässä juostu katuviesti oli houkutellut mukaan  kaikkiaan reilusti yli 1000 juoksijaa.

Raumalta Poriin Työpaikkajoukkue A-sarjassa oli nyt mukana 47 joukkuetta. SAMK-TOLKKU LEGENDS onnistui kaikilla osuuksilla yli ennakko-odotusten ja alitti viime vuoden kokonaisajan yli 20 minuutilla.

Maaliin saavuimme hyvissä ajoin ennen pimeän tuloa ajassa 4.17.55. Sijoituksemme omassa sarjassamme oli 35/47.

Joukkueessa juoksivat tänä vuonna :  Teemu Heikkinen, Ilkka Hannelius, Timo Hannelius, Leena Nolvi, Miikka Sammalisto, Annika Suvela ja Esko Nieminen.

 

Our unforgettable NIBS case competition journey

The road to representing SAMK for the NIBS 2018 case competition in Guatemala was a special journey for all of us. We started this journey half a year ago with a qualifying course and no expectations. We had just the goal of doing the best job we possibly could and see where it would take us. After about 6 weeks’ hard working and dedication we exceeded our expectations and qualified to represent SAMK.

We began the strenuous preparation for the RICC case competition taking place in the wonderfully diverse and modern city of Rotterdam in November. RICC provided us with a tremendous learning opportunity and gave us confidence in our abilities as we improved after each and every presentation.

Arriving at the airport, we were welcomed with warm hugs and smiles, which we were totally unfamiliar with coming from the Finnish culture, but which grew to enjoy throughout the week.

Despite leaving Rotterdam without a win we were convinced of our abilities to compete with top students around the world. After RICC we took home the valuable lessons learned during the competition and immediately began to train harder than ever to provide the best possible solutions to any case we might face in Guatemala.

SAMK NIBS team fligt to Guatemala

The Guatemalan experience

Participating in NIBS in Guatemala was an entirely new experience, despite the similar procedures of both competitions. Arriving at the airport, we were welcomed with warm hugs and smiles, which we were totally unfamiliar with coming from the Finnish culture, but which grew to enjoy throughout the week. Everyone was incredibly cheerful, friendly and helpful whether it was during the official competition or just when we were hanging out.

The time difference was a hindrance, but it didn’t stop us from exploring the beautiful city of Guatemala during our first few days of arrival. With the assistance of our ambassador, we learned a lot about the cultures, the local food as well as the magnificent landscapes within the city. Hiking up the volcano and sliding down the soft sand was, definitely, an experience of a lifetime, which we wouldn’t have had the chance had it not been for NIBS and the amazing volunteers from Universidad del Istmo de Guatemala. Also, the busy nightlife of the city was very different than in Finland. It is really astonishing to see the streets full of customized buses, a unique feature of Guatemala.

The competition

The trip to NIBS has been the trip of a lifetime combining leisure and exploring with tough competition and learning. As much as we relaxed and enjoyed the incredible and breathtaking environment the first days, just as hard we worked during the competition. We went into every competition hungry for a win and just as great it felt when we on our 2nd day of competition finally got our first win over London South Bank University. 6 months of hard work culminating into one moment that none of us will ever forget.

SAMK NIBS Team
SAMK NIBS 2018 team members with their coach in Guatemala.

The competition taught us to develop creative solutions to real business scenarios and present them in a convincing manner. Furthermore, the competition truly challenged our teamwork skills as well as tested our ability to perform under intense pressure. As NIBS vice president Robin Richie mentioned in his speech in the opening ceremony, the feeling of walking to the presentation rooms before presenting the solution is an unparalleled mix of emotions that words cannot describe. The walk is a feeling that all competitors will face during the competition and one that can only be fully understood by those who have experienced it.

Money can’t buy a trip like this where every feeling is felt

Money can’t buy a trip like this where every feeling is felt, limits are pushed, great work is a reward and learning comes faster than in any other place. All this while being in the scenery which mostly looked like a paradise.

Text by the team: Alex Dyer, Mathias Hansen, Thanh Nguyen & Karin Turunen

NIBS2018_Guatemala

As trainee in Department of International Affairs in FH Aachen

Me, master degree student Ms. Janika Reunanen from Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK) had an amazing January 2018 in the FH Aachen, Germany.

Background

Right now, I’m studying my final part for the Master of Business Management: the thesis work is going on for my workplace SATAEDU, Satakunta Educational Federation, which gives vocational education. I work as International coordinator in SATAEDU and organize about 70–80 ERASMUS + mobility periods for vocational students with our international contact persons every year.

First, I would like to thank Ms. Satu Schrey, International Relations Coordinator at SAMK. She gave to me  tips and ideas where to go! We started to plan my exchange in May 2017.  I chose FH Aachen, University of Applied Sciences, which has every over 13,000 students and about 120–130 of them as exchange students abroad every academic year. Moreover, there are about 100 incoming students in the faculties. The city of Aachen is located very nicely if you want to travel there by  car from Finland and take your lovely family (husband and two kids) with you as I did…

The city of Aachen is located very nicely if you want to travel there by  car from Finland and take your lovely family with you

In FH Aachen

In FH Aachen Ms. Linda Weller organized a great program for me. She works with supporting of exchange students. She also gives consultation on exchange programs in Europe and on scholarships. Furthermore, I could meet all the wonderful members of the department of International Affairs. They organized even a lovely family day for us. Ms. Sabine Brinker invited us to her home for a brunch. After that we had a pony riding in the woods with our kids. I am so grateful for everything that you did – Thank you!

I will develop mobility periods for vocational students in Sataedu.

For my thesis, I had a very interesting meeting with Ms. Nathalie Kazma, the Head of the Department of International Affairs and ERASMUS+ University Coordinator. She was one of my interviewees, and I was very impressed about her work. I had, of course, a pre-made interview document that I used. In my thesis I will develop mobility periods for vocational students in Sataedu.  (I got excellent tips for interviews from my thesis supervisor, lecturer Mr. Kimmo Kallama at SAMK).  With the interview document I could have versatile and interesting discussions also with other experts: with Ms. Linda Weller from the Campus Aachen, Ms. Jennifer Janas from the Business faculty and with Ms. Britta Ritzal from Campus Jülich.

Janika Reunanen and Britta Ritzal.

I made interviews, and, I could have even a day with the mobility tool “MoveOn”! It is the electronic system which FH Aachen uses to run their incoming and outgoing exchange students. On the last days of my exchange, I could benchmark also the ERASMUS + outgoing financial support in the FH Aachen.

I summarize my exchange with these marvelous photos from Germany… I really had a great month in FH Aachen and I recommend for every Master degree students to go abroad!

I recommend for every Master degree students to go abroad!

 

Text by: Janika Reunanen (on the right), Master degree student, SAMK, Pori, Finland

PS. Special thanks for all the advice goes to information service assistant Elina Laineenoja at SAMK!

 

Erasmus, 30 years of success

Article by
Thomas Chirossel

The Erasmus program is one of the things created by the European Union that students adore. Erasmus has largely contributed to the construction of the European university system (Bachelor-Master-Doctorate), which has been implemented since the Bologna Agreement in 1999. The aim was also to counterbalance existing spontaneous mobilities which, without organization, led to a brain drain in Europe.

In this article I will focus on Erasmus people in Pori, Finland in the autumn 2017 and see how they feel about this experience and how it could help them in the future.

Erasmus and employment

Since its creation in 1987, the Erasmus program has aimed at attracting 10% of the students in Europe. However, they didn’t expect to see this number increased by a 25%.

Erasmus is well-known for its capacity to employ people who have used this program. It’s also a huge asset to those who have experienced that because they can have a better adaptation capacity in the professional world, especially if they would like to work abroad.

According to National Statistic Institute, the Erasmus program increases the employment of the  students, decreasing the unemployment risk in the European Union by 2,5.

Erasmus, a kind duck in a controversial program?

Since the Brexit, an increasing number nationalists think that the European Union is not strong enough to support all our countries and that it’s ruining the economies.

In fact, all European treaties are based on Liberalism which means that everyone can compete against the others (economically). Every contractor wants to be the cheapest on the market and tries to reduce the production costs. For that, there is a big solution: relocation. This process causes unemployment in some countries.

This example is one of the reasons why some people want their countries to get out of the European Union. However, the European Union brings with it also a lot of good things, such free mobility, a stable currency and different kinds of programs, Erasmus as an example.

In fact, without the European Union, these types of programs wouldn’t have been created. Today, more than 5 million people have been lucky enough to study abroad and discover different cultures thanks to this program.

Let’s see how exchange students in SAMK have experienced their adventure in Pori.

Interviews of exchange students

A couple of these lucky people studying on the Erasmus program in SAMK, Pori were willing to answer some questions about the Erasmus program and their time spent in Finland in autumn 2017.

Elsa Cuirassier, a 19-year-old student in SAMK Business
Tours FRANCE

Erasmus program is a huge opportunity to secure a job after our studies because it allows us to increase our professional network and to be more open-minded than other people. Moreover, improving one’s skills in another language contributes to opening ourselves to the world and that is what recruiters love.

We’re lucky to be in Europe and to get the opportunity to leave our home country so easily and spend a year in another one. For example, the funds we can get from the state are very useful compared those received by students not coming from a European country. Besides, partnerships created between universities are various and well-founded.

Why did you choose Finland?

In fact I didn’t have the choice (laughs) because there was only this country where English was well-spoken. The other option would have been Spain, but I wanted to improve my English. However, I don’t regret at all because I wouldn’t be here without the Erasmus program.

What do you think about your life here in Pori and in SAMK?

First of all, it was very easy to get settled because the International office managed well this thing and took care of the accommodation and administration. Besides, the tutors were so nice with us and helped us when needed, so that was awesome. Here in Pori, the university is crazy, because everything is new and we have a lot of materials and facilities such as screens in rooms, a gym, a canteen, and so on. However, I don’t like the courses here in Finland, because they are not interesting and I have a feeling that I am not learning anything.  But the relationships with teachers are very nice compared with France.

Some people are scared of leaving their home and going to another country like  you have done. What would you say to them?

Get away from your comfort zone because yes, we might be scared but the best things will happen in the future and we have to dare knowing how good it could be.

What will you miss from this adventure?

Kindness of the Finnish people, they are helpful and respectful. I will miss the landscape because it’s a very nice part of Europe. But the thing I’ll miss the most is friends I’ve meet here.

Now, let’s have a different point of view and tips about this life. Wu Zemin, a student from China will give us his remarks about it.

Wu Zemin a 21-year-old student in SAMK Business
Hong-Kong CHINA

As for me, I didn’t come here with the Erasmus program, because I’m not  European. However, my home university has a partnership with this university (SAMK), and this is another program between our two schools. When I saw this, I applied for it so that’s why I’m here. However, compared to you we don’t have funds from the state, we have to handle it on our own.

Was Finland  your only choice?

Of course not, we have got several choices and it was up to me, I chose what I wanted. I chose Finland because there were big countries, famous countries which are quite the same as my home country so I wanted to discover something else. Finland, in my opinion, is totally different from other countries so I wanted to experience a different lifestyle.

What were your main difficulties here in Finland?

The weather is really different but for me it wasn’t a difficulty. Yes, the winter is cold but not as much as I expected, maybe because we are not too deep in the winter so I can manage it, but I wish luck to the people who’ll stay for a year (laughs). The language isn’t a barrier  to me because everybody speaks English. Maybe the worst thing is the night. We only see the sun for 4-5 hours, that’s crazy. This is a new way of life.

Some people are scared of leaving their home and going to another country like you have done. What would you say to them?

I think it is important for everyone, that if you want to learn another language, master it better, you should go abroad. If you are afraid, it proves that you need to practice. You can enjoy your life only discovering new things, otherwise it’s just routine.  For me, going abroad has been the best experience I’ve ever had.

What will you miss from this adventure?

I think I experienced everything I wanted but I will miss the friends I met here. Everybody was so nice with me, they are all my brothers now.

To finish the interviews, Alejandra Moya, a nursing student from Spain answered some questions.

Alejandra Moya a 20-year-old student in SAMK Nursing
Malaga SPAIN

The Erasmus program is a very good experience to meet people from every part of the world and try to survive alone without your parents and  without help, on your own.

Do you thing it will bring something to you in the future?

Open-mindedness,  the improved language skills and the ability to see how people work in different countries. It gives us a global idea of  the different markets in the world, so that you can adapt easier to other cultures.

Besides, it’s very easy to travel with the Erasmus program because the state gives us funds. I have a general grant, just like everyone from the Erasmus program, and then my district, Andalousia, gives us an additional payment.

What do you thing about Finland and SAMK, your university here?

I think people here are respectful and treat exchange students really well, they take care of you, they help you withi everything especially in the beginning.

What were your main difficulties here in Finland?

There were difficulties in the hospital when I was doing my placement because of the language barrier with patients. Everyone speaks Finnish and I couldn’t understand anybody else except for my tutoring nurse. Luckily, as said before, to facilitate the situation, the teachers and tutors were very involved with us.

Some people are scared of leaving their home and going to another country like you have done. What would you say to them?

To go abroad,  you need to know yourself and know that you can survive alone without your parents, your friends, your home but if you think you’re able to do that, it’s the best experience you could ever have.”

What will you miss from this adventure?

Of course the people I met here and the way of living which is totally different from what I am used to. But we are adults now, we have to live on our own, it’s really useful.

 

 

Hälsa och välfärd i Sverige, Norrköping

Söndagen den 26.11.2017 träffades ett gäng blivande geronomer, fysioterapeuter, socionomer och 2 lärare i Åbo hamn. Vårt mål var att bekanta oss med äldreomsorgen i Norrköping och att förbättra våra kunskaper i svenska.

På måndag morgon var vi framme i Stockholm och började med att vara ”kulturella ”, vi besökte nämligen Fotografiska museet. Utställningarna där var fantastiska, speciellt  Nick Veaseys röntgenbilder.

På eftermiddagen anlände vi med buss till Norrköping, som ligger ca 170 km söderut om Stockholm .

SAMK visit Norrkoping
Norrköping är en vacker gammal industri- och hamnstad med ca 140 000 invånare. Många av stadens invånare har finskt påbrå och kommunen har tom. Finska sidor på nätet. http://www.norrkoping.se/

Enhetschefen Mattias Andersson i Norrköpings kommun hade gjort upp ett intressant och varierande program för oss. Vi besökte ett SÄBO (=särskilt boende) på St.Persgatan, där det finns vanliga avdelningar men även mer krävande demensavdelningar för åldringar. Till boendenas förfogande finns bla. gym, simbassäng och restaurang.

I samma byggnad fungerar behovsprövad dagverksamhet och en träffpunkt för åldringar. I samma kvarter kommer det att renoveras +55 års boende, så att hela kvarteret blir ett tryggt och trivsamt boende för äldre.

Gården på St. Persgatan
Gården på St. Persgatan

På tisdag morgon bekantade vi oss med hemtjänsten och fick höra om de ändringar som de står inför med anledning av lagen  om valfrihet. Detta var speciellt intressant med tanke på likheterna med vår kommande social- och hälsoreform.

En biståndshandläggare klargjorde processen för oss om hur man blir brukare (=boende) eller hemtjänstens kund. Processen är mycket lik det vi har här i Finland.

Efter en mycket mångsidig och informativ dag var det dags att tacka för oss och bege oss till Stockholm.

SAMK studentgrupp i Norrköping
Hälsa- och välfärdsgruppen med lärarna Airi Westergård och Mari Linna

På onsdagmorgon var vi tillbaka i Åbo, trötta men lyckliga. Med oss i bagaget fick vi förutom förbättrade kunskaper i svenska också en insikt om äldreomsorgen i Sverige.

Ett stort och varmt tack till alla som medverkade och möjligjorde resan, både i Sverige och Finland!

Jaana Joukanen
student i grupp AGE15SP

Inspired by Seville – A Mosaic of Cultures

Internationalization is a common challenge to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Europe. The importance of welcoming the world to our institutions is unquestionable, being no more an option. Wanted or not, we’re heading for a vast and dynamic change. Actually, we are in the middle of it already. By being proactive, innovative and rapid, along with bold out-of-the-box thinking, we will succeed in this competition.

Institutional strategy defines processes and procedures during them. Internationalization (either emphasized or in minor role) is nowadays most likely one of the core actions in institutions offering higher education. As generally recognized, converting ambitious, strategy level goals and visions into concrete practice may appear a desperate job, with no clear priorities or starting points. Instead of just holding back (or on the other hand taking leaps too gigantic), the famous baby steps are needed. You just need to take them a lot, and now.

Over 6,000 international HEI experts from 95 different countries, enthusiastic to hear the latest news on the field of international education, participating sessions and workshops, greeting partners and networking – that’s what the recent conference of EAIE (European Association of International Education) was about in sunny Seville, Spain. In the time of digitalized communication, the joy of real human, face-to-face contact was tangible. During few hectic days, participants shared common issues and worries, as well as visions of co-operational possibilities, in a great mosaic of cultures. Here are some highlights of the participants of SAMK.

 

Tiina García: Embedded and cross-sectional internationalization, versatile marketing and lingua franca

Actions to develop internationalization must concern the entire organization and its mindset – it’s not just translating your websites or teaching in English.

Actions to develop internationalization must concern the entire organization and its mindset – it’s not just translating your websites or teaching in English. To create a holistic, international way to think and act, takes a deeper understanding of what internationality is about. In an educational context, this means not only pedagogical methods, but also management, research, projects, collaboration with industry and other stakeholders, administration, student support etc. We need to analyze all our functions with a loop of internationality: how sound are they really?

The new degree programme in tourism in SAMK will emphasize skills and knowledge required in international tourism environment. With Tiina García sharing their tourism programme experiences and expertise from the University of Málaga Maribel Romero Ruiz and Lilian Barranco Luque.

How do we let the world know of our existence? By diverse marketing. Our strengths usually are our best-selling points, and honesty plays essential role: rosy promises with a fragile bound to reality are doomed. Sure, we cannot change some less appealing facts, like harsh climate, high costs or remote location, but why not turn them into a positive experience and pull factors? Using references and testimonials of stakeholders, associations, partners, students, mayors or celebrities, more evidence and credibility is gained for international markets.

Using references and testimonials of stakeholders, associations, partners, students, mayors or celebrities, more evidence and credibility is gained for international markets.

Usually, internationalization in HEIs starts with incoming exchange students. In the world of higher education, the lingua franca is English. When applying English as a medium of instruction (EMI), there’s an enormous myth to break: teacher should speak perfect English. This, as said, is a myth, and here comes why: Teacher’s role is not to teach language itself, but to set an example for intercultural communication and international mindset. Surely a challenge that also needs open mind and positive thinking.

Marika Seppälä: Focus on the demands on engineering and engineers

Personally, the EAIE conference is always about sharing knowledge and ideas, empowerment by enthusiasm, partnerships and learning. Over the past years I have been privileged to attend this conference to maintain the partnerships and to consider our engineering education from a local and global perspective. This year I was able to host a session with a Belgian colleague Pina Cimino from PXL about the real-world demands on engineers. And why? Because looking at the job offers, engineering graduates are evaluated by a variety of skills, not only technical. How can an engineering programme ensure its graduates will meet the demands of the fast and changing labor market, when the majority of the universities still offer traditional technology-oriented education – that is the question. It is necessary to consider how to avoid overloading the curricula only with technical courses giving technical details, ignoring the employability skills. Now we are in the beginning of a process to start a network of interested colleagues from around the world to discuss and share ideas. Want to join?

SAMK in EAIE 2017
International co-operation in action: “How can engineering education meet the real-world demands on engineers?”. Session led by Marika Seppälä (SAMK, Finland) and Pina Cimino (PXL University College, Belgium)

Now we are in the beginning of a process to start a network of interested colleagues from around the world to discuss and share ideas. Want to join?

Alberto Lanzanova: Ideas, reflections and challenges: a foreigner’s view on internationalization

At first, as a newcomer to the EAIE conference, I felt overwhelmed by the massive amounts of people, thoughts and perspectives that such an event conveys. After sailing for a while – dazed and confused – in this endless sea of suggestions and views, I retrieved my compass and I found myself absorbed in a profusion of refreshing ideas.

International Coordinator of Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences describes study course ”Snowbusiness” as one of their international success.

Because of the nature and importance of the education field we are working in, I believe it is wonderful – and at the same time crucial – to meet people from all around the world and discuss about common matters. By comparing how different organizations and cultures address similar issues, we can acquire new fundamental knowledge, be prepared to new challenges and, at the same time, set ourselves – as an institution – in an idealistic map that shows our place in the unrelenting internationalization process the world is going through.

After returning from the journey and some days of considerations, I think it is good to be back where the “real job gets done”. As an international member of SAMK’s staff, I reckon that an event like EAIE could carry a hidden drawback within it: all the people attending are somehow predisposed to international activities, projects and collaborations. Bearing in mind this, the risk is to end up in a Turris Eburnea, an Ivory Tower that functions and operates just within itself, but does not have a reflection on the real world.

In my opinion, here lays the ultimate challenge: transfer and fulfill in our own world what we have seen, discussed and argued about, despite adversities and bumps in the road.

In my opinion, here lays the ultimate challenge: transfer and fulfill in our own world what we have seen, discussed and argued about, despite adversities and bumps in the road. Of course, in order to work, this view should be embraced on all institutional levels, but probably we – as International Relations Office – should set the example and influence the decisions making process because of our background and history. Who else could step in?

Satu Schrey: Our role as an international educator is important

The conference is already over, but hopefully it left all the participants motivated to reach out and be the change – being aware even more than ever before that the work we do every day with the students will inspire them to do the same. Our role as an international educator is important: internationalization, all kind of mobility including different kinds of exchange programmes enable students to meet new people and new cultures, which removes many barriers and increases cross-cultural understanding.

The old friend of Satakunta UAS, the Programme Specialist of Unesco Regional Bureau, Dr. Anasse Bouhlal describing the state of higher education in Arabic countries to Satu Schrey.
The old friend of Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, the Programme Specialist of Unesco Regional Bureau, Dr. Anasse Bouhlal describes the state of higher education in Arabic countries to Satu Schrey.

My main programme at the conference was to meet our partner universities’ representatives – just to discuss about e.g. the existing or potential cooperation, our partnership & agreements, and the new trends. The event – with more than 6 000 participants – gave me a chance to greet many other known colleagues, too, of course. In addition, I was proposed a couple of new interesting co-operation possibilities when exploring the exhibiting area thoroughly around – not to forget about many networking events during the week.

After attending a couple of sessions I know now something about the science of happiness: how to use positive psychology in international student guidance and another interesting session gave ideas for achieving better international engagement.

To sum up: Heavy schedule with many meetings plus interesting people in inspiring atmosphere. Felt so at home there again! <3

The writers participated the 29th Annual EAIE Conference and Exhibition in September 2017 at the Seville Conference and Exhibition Centre (FIBES), Spain.

Tiina García is a Senior Lecturer and Team Leader in Degree Programme in Tourism. Her responsibilities are team coordinating, curriculum design in the international project Boosted and IoC of the new international tourism study program ”International Tourism Development – Business and Wellbeing from Nature”, starting autumn 2018.

Marika Seppälä is a Senior Lecturer (Quality and Process Management, Management and Project Management), Team Leader of Energy and Environment as well as the faculty coordinator for international relations of the Faculty of Technology.

Satu Schrey works as an International Coordinator. Her responsibilities are Erasmus+ mobility agreements and general administration in student mobility.

Alberto Lanzanova works as International Relations Secretary and temporary Intercultural Communication teacher. Originally from Italy, his responsibilities concern student mobility, whereas his fields of interests are cultural studies and linguistics.

Interested to know more? Please contact the writer: firstname.surname@samk.fi

Communication, comics and chocolate!

The first International Week 10.–14.10.2016 in PXL University College in Hasselt, Belgium offered not only information but experiences from local chocolate factory to Corda Campus.

I was honored to get invited to Hasselt to lecture about communication by Mrs. Brigitte Luyten, PXL international relations coordinator. SAMK has a bilateral agreement with the college and I have co-operated with her before ­­­in student projects.

Jatka lukemista ”Communication, comics and chocolate!”

Uusia matkailun avauksia tutulla matkailusaarella

Viime syksynä Kanarian saarilla sijaitseva yliopisto, La Universidad Europea de Canarias, lähetti matkailun koulutusohjelmansa kurssitarjontaa esittelevän sähköpostin. Siitä alkoi tiivis viestittely.

Koska olin matkustamassa Teneriffalle joka tapauksessa joulunviettoon, tarjoutui minulle hyvä tilaisuus keskustella koulutuksen yhteistyömahdollisuuksista paikan päällä. Ennen matkaa tutkin myös muita saarella matkailukoulutusta tarjoavia oppilaitoksia, ja loppujen lopuksi olin sopinut tapaamisesta kolmen kanssa.

Jatka lukemista ”Uusia matkailun avauksia tutulla matkailusaarella”