Talent should not know about barriers, even in times of pandemics. That is why, in the midst of the coronavirus crisis, some Finnish educational institutions continue to provide opportunities for students from all over the world who want to boost their academic careers.
In the beginning of 2020, while half the world's schools and universities were closed and education seemed to be on standby, Finland demonstrated that in the digital age there is no reason to stop.
During these months, the country continued to attract boys and girls from outside the European Union (EU) who have just finished secondary education and are eager to live an international experience. It is not easy, as candidates must prove that they have adequate prior training, a sufficient level of English and pay the tuition fees. Still, many dare to try.
In April, Helsinki Business College (HBC) in collaboration with Akademia Scandinavia recruited a group of Moroccan boys and girls who will study the next academic year at its facilities. Now in May, another institution, the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, is looking for talented students from North Africa and the Middle East.
Exam on 1 June
Haaga-Helia staff will conduct their exams electronically on 1 June, a member of Akademia Scandinavia explained. At stake there are around 20 places to study in English the International Business, Marketing and Tourism programmes.
Students and teachers at Haaga-Helia campus. Photo: HH.
The exam will consist of two parts: written exercises, in which candidates will have to answer a multiple choice questionnaire based on previous reading material, a logical thinking test and a short essay. There will be also an oral part, a personal interview with Haaga-Helia managers, in which they must demonstrate their English language skills.
The places offered are for the academic year 2020-2021, that will begin this fall. Those students who wish to participate must enroll in the Akademia.fi project website, where after verifying that they meet the requirements they will be provided with access codes to the Haaga-Helia online platform.
Helsinki Business College
In April, Helsinki Business College (HBC) selected 5 young students -3 girls and 2 boys- from Morocco to study one of its vocational degree in Business.
According to Akademia Scandinavia, staff from HBC conducted the tests online on 16 April. It consisted mainly in a personal interview to assess the students' English language skills, motivation, previous education and suitability to integrate into an international academic environment.
Those who passed the test and fulfilled the other requirements -previous education, no legal impediments to live in Finland and tuition fees- earned the right to study this program for a year and a half in the Finnish capital. But their stay in Finland does not have to end there. As the creators of Akademia.fi emphasize, if they succeed and complete the degree they will be qualified to continue their studies at a University of Applied Sciences.
