Before Mobility

The educational activities in SAMK are based on Finnish and English languages. All teachers and students participating Erasmus exchanges obtain adequate proficiency in English. Participation in exchange require sufficient language skills.

Teachers in the programmes taught in English are tested of their language fluency. Language training for the teachers and other staff members are provided, according to the needs. SAMK organises regularly short courses in English together with universities in the neighbouring regions (WestFinland HEI–net) for teachers, student services and other staff members.

Studying and teaching in other languages is recommended. Learning i.a. French, German, Russian, Spanish, Swedish or Chinese language and culture is one objective of the exchange, besides the substance studies.

During Mobility

Students: SAMK has organised an EILC course, and arranges regular courses in Finnish language and culture for incoming exchange students. SAMK helps the students in practical arrangements in arrival, in the language needs. Housing arrangements and other services are also provided in English.

Incoming staff members are assisted in arrangements and language questions. SAMK provides basic information about Finnish culture and a vocabulary of most common everyday words, which help to integrate to the local community and culture.

After Mobility

The teacher and staff exchange plans are discussed in the annual development discussions of the staff members. Applying for Erasmus exchanges is open to all staff members. SAMK facilitates the exchange, the exchange is normally part of working time, the journey is covered by the allowance, SAMK insurance, etc. SAMK pays the salary and covers other expenses. on top of the Erasmus grant (the averagy grant has been 500 euro). The reports of the exchanges are used to develop the SAMK and individual tasks with the partner university, and in our operations. The staff member is encouraged to give a presentation about the exchange experience. International experience and qualifications are recognised in the list of special expertise of each staff members.