Why Finland?

Finnish universities are known for their high standards in both teaching and research. Ten out of the sixteen Finnish universities are members of the International Student Exchange Program, ISEP.

Finnish universities offer a wide range of one-to- two-semester study programmes taught in English. There are a number of study programmes that are intended for both international and Finnish students. Students fluent in Finnish or Swedish may also take courses taught in these languages. Introductory courses in the Finnish language are available at each Finnish ISEP member university.

Fields especially popular among ISEP exchange students studying in Finland include the following: Architecture, Area Studies (Baltic, Russian and Scandinavian), Biology, Business Administration and Economics, Environmental Sciences, Forest Sciences, Geography, History, Literature and other Humanities, Social Sciences, as well as technical fields - Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, Telecommunications, and Materials Science.

Study tours to the neighboring countries - the Baltic states, Russia and Sweden - are often part of a students’ academic programmes. Many students use their semester breaks in exploring the rest of Europe - the historical sights of Rome, Paris, Berlin or St. Petersburg are just a few hours away.

Finland, known as one of the world leaders in modern technology, has one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country enjoys one of the highest levels of Internet connectivity in the world. Four out of five Finns have a cellular phone. International exchange students have access to the Internet, as well as to state of the art computer facilities.

Paid or non-paid internships at Finnish enterprises are possible for ISEP students who want to combine their studies with a professional experience and are interested in expanding their knowledge of Finland. Both the studies and the internship should be accepted as part of the student’s degree studies at the home university.

All Finnish ISEP universities have International Relations Offices/ International Student Services offering excellent services to incoming exchange students. Orientation programmes, trained student tutors, host family programmes and daily advisory services all contribute to making international students feel welcome in Finland.

Finland offers quality accommodation for international students in studios or shared apartments at private student hostels. Student housing is also available for families.

The Finnish lifestyle is very similar to the North American one, yet it is different enough to make one’s stay exciting. Finland has a distinctly Nordic identity at the same time. Finland’s unspoilt natural environment, known for its 188,000 lakes and vast forests and spectacular, snowy winters, is the perfect setting for all kinds of outdoor activities. The Student Unions of Finnish universities organise a variety of leisure time activities for international students.