Being an international student in Finland: Amiable, but lacking in employment!

The National Union of University Students in Finland (SYL) and the National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (SAMOK) recently commissioned a survey titled At What Cost? Being an International Student in Finland (research report currently available in Finnish). The survey, conducted by the Research Foundation for Studies and Education Otus sr, compiled a significant 656 responses from international undergraduate students. 

The survey found that two in three respondents considered financial support from family the primary method of funding studies, and a third reported paying full tuition without a stipend. Worryingly, only one in four students had found a job or traineeship during their studies. This may lead to international students being financially insecure upon graduation, which is far from ideal. Four in five respondents said that the most common factor hindering their employment was the requirement to know local languages.

However, the results of the survey weren’t all negative. Most respondents had good experiences with their studies, and many would recommend their study programme to an international applicant. Over a half of international students would choose Finland again if they were applying for a study place now. Respondents complimented Finland’s safety, the functioning society, and employment. On the other hand, employment was also a factor reducing the attractiveness of Finland. Forty percent of respondents considered learning local languages the most important factor affecting employment, but 32 percent also mentioned a workplace culture that is more open to English. International students in Vaasa might be at an advantage, because many workplaces already function bilingually in Finnish and Swedish. 

Like many small university towns, Vaasa constantly faces the scarcity of employment and traineeship positions. The approaching municipal elections offer the opportunity to make a change. Vaasa’s positive outlook on company growth directly correlates with the number of employment opportunities. The wellbeing services county is a significant employer in the area, so the simultaneously held county elections will prepare the ground for the future of the county. Employment in the public sector needs stable general government finances to keep public institutions running. That will in turn secure sufficient employment opportunities.

So student, remember to vote!

Juuso Tynjälä
Board member, internationality and communication