Partnerships, networks and education export
TAMK’s European network of strategic partners expanded when we signed partnership agreements with the German Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) and Lithuanian Kauno Kolegija (KUAS).
Our international events, Eye on TAMK and Educational Leadership Forum, attracted more than 150 participants from our cooperation organisations around the world in March 2022.
Our work for education export paid off: the education export volume grew significantly, by 130% compared to the year before. At the beginning of 2023, there were 242 degree students in our international commissioned education groups in Tampere.
We took Finnish teaching expertise to new geographical areas, such as Barbados and Trinidad-Tobago where 200 teachers were provided with digital skills education. The programme was financed by Inter-American Development Bank. We started cooperation with the Chinese Qilu University, attending as a sub-coordinator in Applied Chemistry education for 78 students.
Talent Boost promotes studies and employment
The objective of the Talent Boost programme in higher education is to promote international students’ academic progress, integration into the society and employment in Finland.
Tampere is a perfect city for students because there is a lot going on at weekends and a varied offer is also designed for students. There is something for everyone. – Exchange student
In 2022, TAMK’s Talent Boost was divided into four work packages whose key measures were:
- Internationally attractive TAMK: We increased visibility of TAMK’s international degrees in communication channels and at international fairs.
- Support for international students’ studies and integration: We offered students speaking different languages possibilities to meet each other and made closer cooperation with International House Tampere.
- Language and cultural competence: We developed a Finnish as a second language path which enables achievement of B1 language proficiency during the studies.
- Working life cooperation:We started practical training support for non-EU/EEA students and cooperation with Tampere Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Truly international campus
The number of applicants to TAMK’s English-language degree programmes grew by 32% in spring 2022 – a new record was made in the number of applicants. The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Nursing, which was offered in the joint application of autumn for the first time, was a success.
The guidelines on recruitment of international students were considered in five years after introduction of tuition fees. In the autumn, we concluded new education agent agreements for new target countries to improve applicant matching.
New legislation on granting of residence permits for the whole degree period took effect in April 2022. This was a change welcomed with open arms by the entire higher education sector. The work to make admission processes and immigration smoother continued during the whole year in cooperation with authorities.
When people feel good and interact openly, they have courage to learn to know other people and it is easier to learn. The threshold to speak in a foreign language becomes lower when the atmosphere is warm and safe. – Finnish Language Club coordinators
The number of international students grew evenly at TAMK. In 2022, there were more than 900 international students. They came from 78 different countries, most from Kenya, the Philippines, Russia and Vietnam.
I really enjoyed my exchange, whether it was the university, travelling or culture. I gained a lot of independence, joy of life, curiosity, quality of learning and professional experience. – Exchange student
2022 was a challenging year in international student mobility. Due to scarcity of staff resources, the focus of service and guidelines transferred to the intranet and website. Clearer guidelines and supplementary material were created for the sites.
The shortage of registered nurses and other challenges of the health care field affected TAMK as there were fewer training places available for international exchange students. Exchange students mostly completed their practical trainings through studies at TAMK.
Text: Carita Prokki, Director, Business Operations & Tarja Kalliomäki-Linnas, Head of Education and Learning Services & Päivi Vartiainen, Senior Specialist
Editing: TAMK Communications
Photo: Saara Lehtonen