suomeksi
in English
- EVTEK University of Applied Sciences
- Institute of Technology
- School of Business Administration
- Institute of Art and Design
- Other Studies
- Study Practices
- Student Services
- Accommodation
- Caretaker and Info Services
- EVTEK Regulations
- Guidance and Counselling Services
- Health Care
- Important Dates
- Information
- Insurance
- IT Services
- Meals
- Parking and Bicycle Shed
- Psychologist
- Registration for the Academic Year and Study Time
- Student Affairs Office
- Student Association
- Student Welfare Adviser
- Student Welfare Team
- Timetables
- University Chaplains
- Career Services
- International Affairs
- Student Exchange
- Student Exchange Programmes
- Student Exchange Destinations
- Application Procedure for Student Exchange
- Double Degree Programes
- Planning and Preparing for Student Exchange Period
- Financing
- Studies
- Other Practical Arrangements
- Returning from Student Exchange
- Adapting to New Culture; "Culture Shock"
- Check List for Outgoing Exchange Student
- Travel Reports
- Short-term Student Exchanges
- Internationalisation at Home
- Practical Training Abroad
- Useful Websites and References
- Contact Information
- Library
- Premises
- Leisure
- Vocabulary
- Information for International Students
Planning and Preparing for Student Exchange Period
Before going on student exchange you need to ask yourself why do you want to go abroad. Is it a desire to familiarise yourself with a new culture, new people and to improve your language skills? Or is it a desire to learn something new about life, about your field of study and expand your view of the world. And perhaps become more independent at the same time? If these are your reasons for going on student exchange then you have the right attitude and a good chance to spend a meaningful and productive time while studying abroad.
You should apply for student exchange based on your own interests. Students who go on exchange should be proactive, patient and open-minded. You should be prepared for unexpected changes as not everything always goes like you planned and there might be surprises.
Because of the large number of outgoing exchange students from EVTEK you need to take responsibility for making sure that your arrangements and preparations proceed smoothly. If you need any materials or something seems not to be as it should please contact the International Office and ask for help. The International Office will do its best to help you.
If there are any changes to the student exchange period prior to the start of student exchange or if the student wants to cancel the student exchange the Student Exchange Coordinator of his field of study needs to be informed immediately so that the student exchange place can be re-assigned to another student. Students cannot change student exchange places on their own as the International Office is responsible for deciding who will get the placement in case of a cancellation.
As soon as you have received student exchange documentation from the host institution you need to fill in all the necessary forms and bring them to the International Office. Prompt action will help, among other things, to organise your accommodation. Please note that you need to take copies of all the forms and documents which you send to the host institution because then you will be able to check afterwards when and what information you have given them about yourself and about your studies.
It is worthwhile to go through the travel reports on the host institution once more. You will be able to find general information about local practices, price level, etc. in various travel guides. More extensive information about the country may be available at libraries. You will find a list of useful links in the Useful Links section. And even if you prepare yourself in advance there will always be place for adventure!
Besides the country specific information it may be worthwhile to read new guide books on settling abroad as well as on intercultural communication. These little books are often collections of real life examples that are well and humorously written and prepare you to meet new culture with open mind. You will find these books, for example, at the EVTEK libraries (a list of the books is available at the International Office).
Exchange students represent also their home country while abroad. Exchange students will most probably be asked about the basic facts about Finland, the education system, the history, and the every day life. To get the EVTEK materials in English please visit the International Office.
The better you plan and organise the exchange the more you will get out of it!
If the student chosen for student exchange do not show initiative in dealing with practical arrangements for the student exchange, and fails to deliver necessary documents in time, or does not show overall prepardness for student exchange, the International Office may cancel the student exchange.
Keeping in Touch
An outgoing exchange student should contact the host institution already when planning the student exchange to convince them that the student is serious about going on exchange. Some partner institutions are easier to keep in touch with while others are more difficult. If you cannot reach the contact persons at the host institution by e-mail you should try to phone them. For the contact information please contact the EVTEK Student Exchange Coordinator. It is very important to make sure that your own contact information is always up-to-date on WinhaWille before and during the student exchange.
Language Studies
No matter what the country or the language will be, it is very important to make your best effort to study and refresh the language. This will help you to settle down in a new place and to start your studies abroad. Some partner institutions organise intensive language courses prior to the start of the student exchange semester. You can find more information about this from your host institution.