The University of Eastern Finland (UEF) offers a variety of support services for international students to ensure that they have a smooth transition and successful experience during their studies. These services cover academic, social, and personal aspects of university life, helping international students integrate into the Finnish academic and cultural environment. Below are the key international student support services provided by UEF:
1. Orientation for International Students
Pre-arrival Orientation: UEF offers pre-arrival guidance for international students, including detailed information on visa requirements, accommodation, travel, and the university’s services.
On-campus Orientation: Before the semester begins, UEF organizes an orientation program for new international students. This program includes:
Introduction to Finnish culture and the local area.
Presentations on academic systems and university facilities.
Information on student life in Finland, including legal matters like residence permits, health insurance, and social security.
Guidance on studying at UEF, including how to use the library, online learning platforms, and university IT systems.
2. Student Services and Support Centers
International Student Services: UEF has a dedicated team that provides assistance to international students, offering help with practical matters such as residence permits, visa extensions, health insurance, and general advice on living in Finland.
Student Advice: The student services office offers personal counseling on academic and social issues, helping students with challenges such as academic stress, cultural adjustment, and social integration.
Buddy Program: UEF runs a Buddy Program to pair incoming international students with current students (both Finnish and international). This program helps new students acclimate to life in Finland and UEF by offering peer support and local guidance.
3. Academic Support Services
Study Skills and Language Support: UEF provides academic support to international students, including tutoring services, workshops, and courses to help students improve their study skills. There are also language coursesavailable for non-Finnish speakers to help students improve their proficiency in Finnish or English.
Library Services: The UEF libraries provide support with academic resources, including guidance on research tools, online databases, citation management, and writing assistance. International students have access to library resources in both English and Finnish.
Student Counseling Services: For academic or personal issues that may impact studies, UEF provides student counseling services where students can receive professional support.
4. Cultural Integration and Social Activities
Cultural Events and Social Activities: UEF organizes various social events and activities to help international students meet new people and experience Finnish culture. These activities might include:
Student events such as welcome parties, international student meet-ups, and holiday celebrations.
Excursions and trips to explore Finland and other nearby regions.
Student clubs and societies where students can join interest-based groups (e.g., sports, arts, international cultures).
Finnish Language Courses: UEF offers Finnish language courses, which can help students understand basic communication and adapt to life in Finland more easily. These courses range from beginner to advanced levels and are often available at no additional cost.
Volunteering Opportunities: UEF encourages students to participate in local community events or activities to improve their cultural integration and build a broader network in Finland.
5. Career Services
Career Planning: UEF provides career counseling for international students, helping them plan their careers and gain valuable insights into the Finnish job market.
Internships and Job Search Support: Career services offer assistance with finding internships, part-time jobs, and summer work opportunities in Finland. They also provide workshops on writing CVs, cover letters, and preparing for interviews.
Job Fairs and Networking Events: UEF organizes job fairs and networking events where international students can meet potential employers and learn about career opportunities in Finland.
6. Financial Support and Advice
Financial Aid and Scholarships: International students are informed about available scholarships, financial aid options, and student loan opportunities. The university offers guidance on applying for tuition fee scholarships, the Finland Scholarship, and external scholarships for international students.
Budgeting Advice: The international student services team also provides advice on managing living expenses in Finland and setting up a budget.
7. Health and Well-being Support
Student Health Services: UEF students have access to health services provided by Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS), which offers medical care, mental health services, and counseling.
Mental Health Support: For international students experiencing stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, UEF provides professional counseling services. These services are confidential and aim to help students cope with the pressures of studying and living in a foreign country.
Health Insurance: UEF advises international students on the necessity of securing appropriate health insurance. Students from EU/EEA countries can use their European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC), while other international students are required to have private health insurance.
8. Accommodation Support
Assistance with Finding Housing: UEF helps international students find accommodation in student housing facilities provided by local student housing organizations or private housing options. The university provides guidance on how to apply for and secure housing before arriving in Finland.
Student Housing Services: The university works with organizations such as Joensuun Elävä Opiskelija (JOE)and other local housing providers to help students find affordable living arrangements near the campus.
9. Legal and Administrative Support
Residence Permits and Legal Guidance: UEF provides support with the application process for student visas and residence permits for non-EU/EEA students. The university assists with paperwork and provides information on the regulations regarding work permits, travel restrictions, and other legal matters related to studying in Finland.
Immigration Services: International students receive guidance on extending their residence permits, changing their student status, and applying for a post-graduation residence permit if they choose to stay in Finland after completing their studies.
10. Student Union and Representation
UEF Student Union (ISYY): The Student Union provides a wide range of services and support for international students, including advocacy, social events, sports activities, and discounts on student services like transportation and meals.
Student Representatives: The Student Union represents the interests of international students in university decision-making and acts as a voice for students' concerns.
11. Emergency Support and Crisis Management
Emergency Services: UEF ensures that students have access to emergency contacts in case of personal, health, or safety emergencies. The university provides guidance on what to do in emergency situations, including contacts for the Finnish emergency services.
Crisis Support: Students facing personal crises, such as health or family emergencies, can get confidential support and advice from the university’s counseling services.
12. Buddy Program
Peer Support: The Buddy Program pairs incoming international students with local students or other international students, providing a friendly and supportive environment for adjusting to life at UEF. The buddy helps the new student with practical matters, such as navigating the campus, understanding Finnish culture, and exploring the area.
Overall, UEF offers extensive support services to ensure international students have a positive and enriching experience during their time in Finland. From orientation to career advice, social integration, and academic support, UEF is committed to helping international students succeed both academically and personally.