Orientation Programme and student tutors

To facilitate the integration of international students in Finland, the International Student Services of the University of Eastern Finland organises a three-day Orientation Programme on the Joensuu and Kuopio campuses at the start of both semesters. The programme includes lectures on Finnish society, culture and university life. It is highly recommended that all international students participate in the orientation. It is also a good opportunity to meet other international students for the first time. Those who complete all parts of the programme will earn one ECTS credit. Instruction at the departments begins mainly during the following week of the Orientation Programme.

• Orientation for International Students on Joensuu campus in January 2012 (PDF)
• Orientation for International Students on Kuopio campus in January 2012 (PDF)

International Student Services will try to provide each incoming student with a student tutor. Tutors are students, mainly Finnish, who volunteer to help international students. Tutors are trained to help incoming students adapt to Finland, the new town and the University of Eastern Finland.

Tutors will help the international students familiarise themselves with everyday routines (e.g. banks, shopping, housing) and show them around the town and the university campus. Please note that tutors have other duties as well, and may not be available for you at all times.

Your tutor will contact you by e-mail a few weeks before the semester begins. Make sure you have provided International Student Services with a valid e-mail address that you check regularly. When your student tutors contact you, please reply to the message so that they know you received it.