Guide for Incoming Exchange Students. Welcome!

Guide for Incoming Exchange Students Welcome!

Contents 1. Welcome to Savonia our dear guests 3 2. Finland in Brief 4 3.Savonia University of Applied Sciences 5 3.1. Degree Programmes Conducted in English 6 3.2. Practical Information on Studies 6 3.2.1.Academic Year 6 3.2.2.Learning Agreements 6 3.2.3.ECTS European Credit Transfer System 6 3.2.4.Detailed Schedules on Lectures and Courses 8 3.2.5.Moodle e-learning Environment 8 3.2.6.Internship 8 3.2.7.Assessment 8 3.2.8.Certificates 8 3.2.9.Student Union 8 3.2.10.Free Time 8 3.2.11.Adaptation 8 3.3.Supportive Services 8 3.3.1.IT Login Names, Passwords, Printing and Copying 8 3.3.2.Tutoring 9 3.3.3.Library and Information Services 9 3.3.4.Student s Health Care 9 4. Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Kuopio, Varkaus, Iisalmi: What Kind of Places - How to Get There - Where to Stay? 11 4.1. Before Entering Finland: Visas, Residence Permits and Insurances 12 4.2. Travelling 13 4.3. After Arriving in Kuopio/Varkaus/Iisalmi 13 4.4. Accommodation 13 5. As Your Exchange Period Comes to an End 15 6. Contact Persons at Savonia University of Applied Sciences 17

3 4 1. Welcome to Savonia our dear guests International skills can be achieved only by international mobility activities and by international cooperation. To be able to operate internationally you need not only foreign language skills but also experiences abroad, knowledge of different cultures and ability to think in a global way. The best way to learn these skills is to study and work abroad. It is also very important for us to learn international skills from our foreign incoming students. In active interaction with foreign students and their universities we will understand better other cultures and we can see them as a part of increasing international development. The interaction between people from other countries is the most essential tool in building organizations more international. At Savonia University of Applied Sciences we try to increase our international cooperation. We must be able to receive more students from abroad so we are very happy of your arrival in Savonia. The European Community promotes studies abroad by improving the quality of academic cooperation bringing benefits to students and higher education institutions. Incoming students from abroad will be looking for: study programmes which are relevant to their final degree, full academic recognition which ensures that they will not lose time in completing their degree by studying abroad. To help students make the most from their studies abroad we have European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which provides a way of measuring and comparing learning achievements, and transferring them from one institution to another. ECTS helps higher education institutions to enhance their cooperation with other institutions by: improving access to information on curricula, providing common procedures for academic recognition. 2. Finland in Brief There are several excellent web sites from which you can find facts and figures, cultural considerations as well as everyday facts concerning Finland and the Finnish way of life. Here are some good ones: Virtual Finland Visit Finland Everyday Life in Finland from A-Z (by CIMO) Discover Finland At Savonia University of Applied Sciences we are strongly involved in the challenges of internationalisation and I personally hope this guide to be useful for reaching these objectives. Currency Converter Finnish Education System Veli-Matti Tolppi President

5 6 3. Savonia University of Applied Sciences Savonia University of Applied Sciences was established on August 1, 1992. The degrees taken in the University of Applied Sciences are Bachelor s and Master s degrees, which offer you both professional skills and a trade-related academic degree qualification. Savonia University of Applied Sciences was awarded Quality Assurance Certificate in 2009 by the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council. Savonia University of Applied Sciences comprises three faculties: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Social Services, Health Care and Rural Industries and Faculty of Business, Tourism and Culture. Introduction and general information on Savonia Campuses and Schools: School of Business and Administration, Kuopio School of Business and Administration, Varkaus School of Engineering and Technology, Kuopio School of Engineering and Technology, Varkaus School of Health Care, Kuopio School of Rural Industries, Iisalmi School of Social Services and Health Care, Iisalmi School of Tourism and Hospitality, Kuopio Academy of Music and Dance, Kuopio Academy of Design, Kuopio 3.1. Degree Programmes Conducted in English The following degree programmes are conducted at present in English at Savonia University of Applied Sciences: Degree Programme in International Business (Kuopio and Varkaus). International Trade Expert (Kuopio) International Marketing Management (Varkaus) Degree Programme in Information Technology (Kuopio) Degree Programme in Industrial Management (Varkaus) Master s Degree in Industrial Management (Varkaus) 3.2. Practical Information on Studies In this section you will find some important facts and practical information on Learning Agreements, European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and detailed schedules on courses and lectures. Furthermore, Savonia e-learning environment, assessment and certificates will be introduced. 3.2.1. Academic Year Academic year 2010-2011 comprises two terms, autumn and spring term. Autumn term starts on 1 September 2010 and finishes on 20 December 2010. Spring term starts on 10 January 2011 and finishes on 31 May 2011. Please note that ending dates may vary on different campuses and some campuses have divided the terms further into shorter scheduling periods. Detailed schedules for each degree programme are to be found here. 3.2.3. ECTS European Credit Transfer System The ECTS project started in the Savonia University of Applied Sciences in 1997. The ECTS system includes two guidebooks providing information to foreigners. The information package includes: ECTS Guide for International Students and Visitors ECTS Course Guide The following forms are used within student exchange Student Application Form Learning Agreement Transcript of Records With the ECTS procedure we aim to ensure that the studies completed by our students abroad can be accepted as a part of their degree programme. On the other hand, we want to guarantee that the studies completed by the international students in Savonia University of Applied Sciences will also be accepted in their home institutions. The ECTS procedure provides us with flexibility in making an agreement beforehand covering the procedures used. ECTS Credits Credits are numerical value allocated to a course unit to describe the student workload required to complete it. In ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study (1600 h). If any questions should appear, the procedure ensures that we are able to find the right person to provide an answer. 3.2.2. Learning Agreements Learning agreement is an individual study plan made for the exchange student and accepted by the sending and receiving institutions. Exchange students should make preliminary course selection before arriving at Savonia University of Applied Sciences campus. The selection of studies and courses are confirmed at the beginning of the exchange period.

7 8 ECTS Organization Vice President, Mervi Vidgren (Ms), ECTS Institutional Coordinator, Kuopio ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Business and Administration, Kuopio Eeva Mönkkönen (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 6938 Fax. +358 17 255 6279 Email. eeva.monkkonen@savonia.fi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Business and Administration, Varkaus Tuula Linnas (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 5790 Fax. +358 17 255 6763 Email. tuula.linnas@savonia.fi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Social Services and Health Care, Iisalmi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Rural Industries, Iisalmi Hannele Tams (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 6642 Fax. +358 17 255 6644 Email. hannele.tams@savonia.fi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Health Care, Kuopio Hannele Korpela (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 6413 Fax. +358 17 255 6432 Email. hannele.korpela@savonia.fi 3.2.4. Detailed Schedules on Lectures and Courses available here 3.2.5. Moodle e-learning Environment All Savonia campuses use Moodle e-learning environment, https://moodle.savonia.fi. Moodle e-learning environment can be used, among others, for interaction and online forums, sharing information and producing material. Personal, campus login names and passwords are needed in order to log in the system. Students will get instruction on using Moodle at the beginning of their studies if needed. 3.2.6. Internship Internship is an essential part of studies. Training enables students to apply the knowledge they have learned to practice and familiarize themselves with various professions, duties and tasks. In case you wish to complete your internship in Finland, have a discussion about it with your contact person at Savonia. 3.2.8. Certificates After the exchange period, the student will receive a Transcript of Records issued in English and given free of charge. 3.2.9. Student Union Student Union SAVOTTA organizes different kinds of activities, such as parties and sport happenings. Membership of the union is voluntary. More information on Student Union s activities will be available at the beginning of studies. Find out more on: SAVOTTA Student Union 3.2.10.Free Time An exchange period is more than just studying. At each campus, student union representatives, tutor students as well as the staff can give you hints on what s going on and where to go to. Get to know the local culture and different kinds of events to make the most of it! ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Engineering and Technology, Kuopio Tuula Peura (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 6231 Fax. +358 17 255 6234 Email. tuula.peura@savonia.fi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Engineering and Technology, Varkaus Jarmo Pyysalo (Mr) Tel. +358 44 785 6781 Fax. +358 17 255 6763 Email. jarmo.pyysalo@savonia.fi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in School of Tourism and Hospitality, Kuopio Anu Mylläri (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 5365 Fax. +358 17 255 6060 Email. anu.myllari@savonia.fi ECTS Departmental Coordinator in Academy of Design, Kuopio Pirjo Venhovaara (Ms) Tel. +358 17 308 122 Fax. +358 17 308 222 Email. pirjo.venhovaara@savonia.fi 3.2.7. Assessment Assessment includes the student s entire learning process during the course. It focuses on checking to what extent the student has acquired knowledge and skills in accordance with the course objectives. The student s attitude and motivation are also taken into account in the assessment. The grading scale is the following: excellent (5), good (4 and 3), satisfactory (2 and 1). A course can also be assessed on the grading scale pass (S) / fail (F). The table below shows the grading scale of Savonia University of Applied Sciences compared with the grading scales of ECTS. ECTS grading scale A excellent B very good D satisfactory E sufficient FX fail F fail Savonia University of Applied Sciences grading scale 5 excellent 4 very good 2 satisfactory 1 sufficient 0 fail fail is not specified 3.2.11.Adaptation Arriving and studying in a different country and university may bring unexpected procedures and issues during the first few days and weeks. The purpose of an exchange period is to give a rich and many-sided view on international aspects and experiences; therefore culture shock may occur and be more or less involved in the process. Be open-minded and in case you start feeling anxiety about the different ways to do things, address your student councellor and/or International Office and let them know your feelings. 3.3.Supportive Services So that your studies will proceed the best possible way, Savonia University of Applied Sciences has ensured a thorough supportive network, which consists of IT support, tutor students and student health care, among others. ECTS Departmental Coordinator in Academy of Music and Dance, Kuopio Mari Miettinen (Ms) Tel. +358 44 785 7425 Fax. +358 17 262 3617 Email. mari.miettinen@savonia.fi 3.3.1. IT Login Names, Passwords, Printing and Copying All Savonia campuses have modern IT-equipment. Computers are in Savonia University of Applied Sciences domain and all workstations have Internet access. Students and personnel have their own login names and passwords and thus have a possibility to log in the system in all Savonia units. Accordingly, each user is able to access one s own files and documents. Login name will be informed automatically as student is registered in Savonia Student System. Password is personal and its length is min. of 10 characters. Login name and password are needed for accessing email. Please note that on study matters only the Savonia email address is accepted due to information security matters.

9 10 Savonia University of Applied Sciences promotes sustainable development in all its activities and therefore pays attention to, among others, the usage of paper. 3.3.2. Tutoring Tutoring and student guidance is provided to help students with practical matters, to ease the study process, and to help them to utilize the available teaching resources in the best possible way. The supervisor of a new group, tutors and heads of the degree programme, lecturers and office staff provide student guidance. An introduction is arranged for new full-time students at the beginning of each academic year. This is to introduce the school and its degree programmes and to deal with practical issues. For exchange students, there are also tutor students. They are students of Savonia University of Applied Sciences who have volunteered to assist exchange students after their arrival. They help exchange students in completing the necessary forms etc. Tutor students may also help the exchange students in finding leisure time and social activities. 3.3.3. Library and Information Services Savonia University of Applied Sciences Library is an academic library open to everyone. It constitutes an essential part of the learning process and supports research and development within all Savonia. The library operates as an independent information provider and a learning environment, and promotes the ability to manage information by offering up-to-date services and collections of printed books, journals and e-books. The focus of the library collection is based on the degree programmes of each unit. Savonia Library comprises of seven site libraries at three locations: Iisalmi campus library, Kuopio Academy of Design library, Opistotie Campus library, Emergency Services College library, Sairaalakatu Campus library, Kuopio Academy of Music and Dance, and Varkaus Campus library. In order to borrow books, student needs a library card, which will be provided the first time the student visits the library and presents the ID-card. Library staff will provide the students with information retrieval and using library information. Especially online services will be introduced in detail at the beginning of the studies. Library opening hours, contact information and rules are available here. 3.3.4. Student s Health Care Students can use the general health services. The school nurse will help students if the student becomes ill or needs some mild medicine e.g. for headache or information and help concerning other medical services received. In Finland, the school nurse takes care of vaccinations. The school nurses at Savonia University of Applied Sciences campuses: School of Engineering and Technology, Kuopio School of Business and Administration, Kuopio School of Health Care, Kuopio School of Tourism and Hospitality, Kuopio Street address: Sairaalakatu 6-8, Building 5 Tel. +358 17 186 570, +358 44 718 6570 School of Social Services and Health Care, Iisalmi School of Rural Industries, Iisalmi School of Business and Administration, Iisalmi Street address: Haukisaarentie 2 Tel. +358 17 255 6633, +358 40 8092 876 School of Business and Administration, Varkaus School of Engineering and Technology, Varkaus Street address: Osmajoentie 75 Tel. +358 17 579 6506 Academy of Design, Kuopio Street Addresses: Piispankatu 8 and Niiralankatu 15 Tel. +358 17 186 559 Academy of Music and Dance, Kuopio Street address: Maaherrankatu 2 Tel. +358 17 186 559 Consulting hours may vary between schools. A student must ask from the school if he/she has to make an appointment with the school nurse beforehand or if he/she can go to meet her without reservation. Urgent cases are taken care of without reservation. Emergencies In the case of an emergency, the free of charge general emergency number 112 must be called (ambulance, fire department, police, SOS service). In an emergency situation, please remember when calling 112: Always try to call personally and give your name and location Say first what has happened and where Answer the questions asked Act as directed by the emergency centre Do not hang up the phone until you are given permission by the emergency centre. In case of poisoning but not an emergency call (09) 241 4392 (Myrkytyskeskus). Dentists If a student needs immediate dental care, he/she should ask for a dentist on call. It is quite inexpensive to use the Public Health Centre, but an appointment must be made beforehand. Emergency number: 112

11 12 4. Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Kuopio, Varkaus, Iisalmi: What Kind of Places - How to Get There - Where to Stay? In this chapter you will receive information on practical issues concerning travelling procedures and documents as well as staying and living in Finland. Have a look at the cities in which Savonia campuses are located in more detail: Kuopio Varkaus Iisalmi 4.1. Before Entering Finland: Visas, Residence Permits and Insurances When a student plans to study in Iisalmi, Kuopio or Varkaus, more information can be obtained from the Student Affairs Office and/or International Office and the named contact person of the school where he/she is going to study. Also, the Finnish Embassy in student s country can be contacted. If a student comes from outside the EU, the Finnish Embassy can be contacted to find out information about residence permits and visas or other licenses. An exchange student must have a European Health Insurance Card or other document stating valid health insurance as well as valid accident insurance. Checklist of the Documents to Bring with You valid passport letter of acceptance from the Savonia University of Applied Sciences Health Insurance Card (stating valid health insurance and accident insurance) Personal Belongings If a student intends to bring, for example, his/her own car, the driving license must also be valid in Finland. Finnish Customs provide details on importing personal belongings and the insurance policies related to them. Residence Permit A student from the EU member state does not need to have a visa. Neither does he/she need a residence permit if the duration of his/her stay is less than 3 months. For longer stays, the residence permit must be applied for, but it does not have to be obtained in the home country before leaving for Finland. It can be applied for from the Finnish authorities, and it will be issued automatically if he/she has been accepted as a student at a Finnish institute of education and if he/she is able to finance his/her studies in Finland. More and detailed information on the residence permit procedures: Residence Permit for Studies Insurances Exchange students must arrange all necessary insurances for the duration of their stay before leaving their home country. An international student or a visitor is responsible for arranging all necessary insurances for the whole duration of the stay before coming to Finland. Other Things to Check Out bring your prescriptions if you are on medication inform International Office or the contact person of the exact date and time of your arrival as well as the means of travel International Student Identity Card for Travelling Abroad- The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is for students. The ISIC is internationally accepted proof of your student status and you can obtain many benefits with it, for example Kilroy tickets. However, do check the acceptability of the card as some places and institutions may not recognize neither approve it. You can obtain the ISIC from the Kilroy Travels agency either in Finland or in ca. 70 other countries all over the world. To get the cards following documents are needed: a passport photo a student card or a study certificate from the home institution or from the Finnish institute of further or higher education 12 * Kilroy Travels has agencies in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere. For more information concerning Kilroy Travels check the Internet address or contact the agency in Helsinki

13 14 4.2. Travelling All cities, in which Savonia campuses are located, can easily be reached by airplane, train or bus. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is an international airport with good international and domestic connections. The distances from Helsinki are as follows: Iisalmi Kuopio Varkaus ca. 500 km ca. 400 km ca. 300 km From Helsinki it takes by plane 45 minutes, by train or by bus about 4 5 hours to Kuopio and Varkaus and about 6 hours to Iisalmi. Finland is known for punctuality and therefore timetables are reliable. Timetables vary slightly on public holidays, weekends and during the summer. Detailed information on timetables can be found on the Internet, for example: Train Timetables; Bus Timetables; Flights Driving License Drivers must have a valid driving license. If a student comes from the EU member state his/her driving license is valid in Finland. Driving licenses from other than EU member states are also valid, if the country is a member of Vienna or Geneva Road Contract countries. Then a student can drive for one year without any need to change his/her driving license for a Finnish one without the driving test. A student can change his/her driving license after 6 months to a Finnish one, but he/she has to do it before 18 months has passed this is the period in which he/she can change his/her driving license without a test. If a student s country is not a member of the EU or the Road Contract countries, his/her driving license is not valid in Finland. More information is available at the nearest police station. General information on documents/procedures needed when arriving in Finland can be found e.g. Practicalities before Entering Finland (by CIMO); Finnish Immigration Service 4.3. After Arriving in Kuopio/Varkaus/ Iisalmi It is recommended to arrive in Kuopio / Varkaus / Iisalmi on weekdays at office hours. Once you arrive, please follow the instructions you have been given by the International Office and/or the contact person. 4.4. Accommodation Savonia UAS does not have its own facilities for student accommodation. However, we will assist you on having the accommodation organized and, therefore, information on housing procedures and arrangements will be enclosed as you receive the acceptance letter from the University of Applied Sciences. Student housing in Iisalmi, Kuopio and Varkaus is of a high standard and very popular. The rooms are equipped with beds, desks and chairs. Kitchens and bathrooms are shared with 2 4 other students. The currently rent for a furnished room with shared cooking and bathroom facilities is 150-250 (electricity, heating and water are included). There are usually two or more rooms in one unit. There are also studio apartments and double room apartments, but they are very popular and therefore the waiting period is often from 6 months to several years. Coin-operated laundry facilities are also available. A student is responsible for cleaning his/her room. The student houses are situated 1 9 km from schools in different parts of the city, which means that in some cases students have to use buses daily. However, the public transport system is well organized and a car is not an absolute necessity. Private accommodation can be found at a higher cost. The rent for a studio apartment (even small ones) is normally over 300. During the summer, there are some summer hostels in Kuopio that offer short-term accommodation at reasonable prices. IISALMI In Iisalmi the students can apply for accommodation in the student housing units of the City of Iisalmi. Application forms are available at the Housing Office of the City of Iisalmi. KUOPIO In Kuopio, the Student Housing Company KUOPAS provides student housing. You can apply for a room once you have received a formal letter of acceptance. The housing company is independent and it is not run by the Savonia University of Applied Sciences. The Student Association of the School of Engineering runs a hostel for its students. The hostel is called TEKMA and it is located about 1.5 km away from the school. VARKAUS Students staying in Varkaus may apply for accommodation in the hall of residence near the school. The hall of residence is owned by the town of Varkaus. Student Services Office or International Office will give you more information and help with the application. Students may alternatively apply for an accommodation in the other student housing units of the town of Varkaus. Application forms are available at Housing Office of Varkaus. Electrical Supply The power supply in Finland is 240V AC / 50 Hz. If a student has any electrical equipment requiring a different voltage, he/ she must check if it is possible to get a transformer to be able to use equipment and avoid any possible accidents. International Calls This is how to make a phone call to Finland: International Prefix +358 Area code (without initial 0) Phone number For example, if a student wants to call to Kuopio (area code 017), to number 251 1285, he/she must dial: +358 17 251 1285. The two important numbers to be remembered: Emergency number 112 Number enquiries 118

15 16 5. As Your Exchange Period Comes to an End Before leaving make sure that all your course assignments, exams and reports are done and returned as scheduled. Consult your contact person and/or International Office for any formal procedures and documents that have to be checked before leaving the country. Give feedback on your stay and studies to your contact person and teachers. We d appreciate it! We hope you keep in touch with us also in the future!

17 18 6. Contact Persons at Savonia University of Applied Sciences Each unit of the Savonia has appointed an International Coordinator, who guides and helps the students in questions concerning coming to Savonia University of Applied Sciences. School f Business and Administration, Kuopio Tuula Linnas Academy of Music and Dance, Kuopio Secretary of International Services P.O.Box 88 FIN-70101 KUOPIO Tel. +358-44-785 5790 Fax. 00-358-17-255 6763 E-mail: Tuula.Linnas(at)savonia.fi Kuopionlahdenkatu 23 C FIN-70100 KUOPIO International Coordinator Laila Seppänen Tel. +358-44-785 6232 E-mail: Laila.Seppanen(at)savonia.fi Ms. Eeva Mönkkönen Tel. + 358-44- 785 6938 Fax 00-358-17-255 6279 E-mail: eeva.monkkonen(at)savonia.fi School of Business and Administration, School of Social Services and Health Care, School of Rural Industries, Iisalmi P.O.Box 72 (Haukisaarentie 2) FIN-74101 IISALMI International Coordinators Ms Marjatta Kumpulainen Tel. +358-44-785 6654 Ms Hannele Tams Tel. +358-44-785 6642 Fax. 00-358-17-255 6644 E-mail: kv-toimisto.iisalmi(at)savonia.fi School of Engineering and Technology, Kuopio P.O.Box 88 FIN-70101 KUOPIO Fax. 00-358-17-255 6279 International Coordinator Tuula Peura Tel. +358-44-785 6231 E-mail: Tuula.Peura(at)savonia.fi School of Health Care Kuopio P.O.Box 1028 FIN-70111 KUOPIO International Coordinator Hannele Korpela Tel. +358-17-255 6413 Fax. 00-358-17-255 6422 E-mail: Hannele.Korpela(at)savonia.fi School of Tourism and Hospitality, Kuopio P.O.Box 1028 FIN-70111 KUOPIO Anu Mylläri Tel. +358-44-785 5365 Fax. 00-358-17-255 6422 E-mail: Anu.Myllari(at)savonia.fi Markku Haapakoski Tel. +358-44-785 6065 Fax. 00-358-17-255 6422 E-mail: Markku.Haapakoski(at)savonia.fi Mari Miettinen Tel. +358-44-785 7425 Fax. 00-358-17-262 3617 E-mail: Mari.Miettinen(at)savonia.fi Academy of Design, Kuopio P.O.Box 98 FIN-70101 KUOPIO International Coordinator Pirjo Venhovaara Tel. / Fax. +358-17-308 222 E-mail: Pirjo.Venhovaara(at)savonia.fi International Office, Centre of Development and Services P.O.Box 6 FIN-70201 KUOPIO Fax. 00-358-17-255 5014 Ilkka Toroi Head of International Affairs Tel. +358-17-255 5061 E-mail: Ilkka.Toroi(at)savonia.fi Marina Malinen International Relations Coordinator Tel. +358-17-255 5065 E-mail: Marina.Malinen(at)savonia.fi Secretary of International Services Sinikka Korsikko Tel. +358-44.785 6421 Fax. 00-358-17-255 5043 E-mail: Sinikka.Korsikko(at)savonia.fi School of Business and Administration, Varkaus and School of Engineering and Technology, Varkaus Osmajoentie 75 FIN-78210 VARKAUS International Coordinator