Magellan Magellan

overview

Known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, Finland is a country whose identity is closely linked to nature. With a reputation for safety, design, scenery and outdoor sports, Finland is a hidden gem of the North just waiting to be discovered. Satakunta University of Applied Sciences offers courses in three cities in southwest Finland. Pori, founded in 1558 in proximity of the sea and Kokemaenjoki River, has grown into an international city of commerce and industry.  Nearby Yyteri Beach serves those who want to relax and be active.

courses

Bachelor Courses in English
Business, Tourism, Information Technology, Health Care, Technology, Engineering. Students taking a full load of courses register for 24-30 ECTS units of credit (12-15 credit hours). To view courses taught in English, click here.

 

Third- and fourth-year students are preferred. Lower-level students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

 

Master Courses in English
Rehabilitation and Welfare Technology. Master-level courses are mainly offered online; therefore, it is recommended that exchange students enroll in a mixture of bachelor and master-level courses so that they may have some face-to-face courses.

 

Language Courses
An Introduction to Finnish Language and Culture course is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students are encouraged to enroll in this course, which runs parallel with other studies.

academics

Orientation
All international students are assigned a student tutor following the formal orientation program. Detailed practical information is available online.

 

Internships
Internships can be difficult to find, but if available, they require a minimum commitment of 20-40 hours per week for 10 weeks. Academic credit of 1.5 ECTS units (.75 semester credit hours) can generally be granted.

 

Students with Disabilities
Generally, classrooms and accommodations are handicapped accessible at all SAMK locations. Shopping and leisure activities are typically accessible as well. Resources for students with learning disabilities are not available. Students with disabilities should advise SAMK of any special needs as soon as the admissions process begins.

 

Grades & Transcripts
SAMK uses the Finnish 0 to 5 point grading system as follows:

 

K5 Kiitettava A Excellent
H4 Hyva B Very Good
H3 Hyva C Good
T2 Tyydyttava D Satisfactory
T1 Tyydyttava E Sufficient
I Hylatty F Fail

 

T1 is the minimum passing grade.  Transcripts will show the Finnish grade and the equivalent ECTS grade.  The International Office automatically sends an official transcript to your home university at no cost once the information is available.  For additional details on transfer of credits, please refer to the Student Guidebook.

fees

Health Insurance
Health insurance is strongly recommended and should be purchased prior to arrival.

 

Textbooks
Typically no cost. (If a book is needed, it is usually 30-40 EUR each.)

visas

Students planning to stay in Finland for more than three months must apply for a residence permit prior to entering Finland.

video

logistics

Housing
Apartment. There are several options available, ranging between 400 and 600 EUR per month; the rent will vary according to the size, location, and facilities. It is also possible to share an apartment. All apartments are rented from the open market and can be located quite close to campus; therefore, you can use a bike or walk. You’ll generally spend approximately 600-1,000 EUR/month for rent, transportation, leisure, and personal expenses.

 

Meals
A campus restaurant offers snacks and lunch from 8:00 a.m. to late afternoon, with lunch costing 3-4 EUR.

 

Transportation
The nearest airport is in Pori (POR), which requires a connection in Helsinki (HEL). You may obtain better schedules and fares traveling via Stockholm or Copenhagen into Turku (TKU), which is 55 miles south. There is frequent bus service to Pori and Turku with connections to points beyond. When flying to Helsinki, you may want to take a train or bus to Pori.

 

A bus service is available within Pori, but most students walk or use bicycles for local transportation in these towns.

community

Entertainment
Pori is home to several museums, the Pori Theater, The Ark Nature Center, and the Pori International Jazz Festival (July). Water sports of all kinds are popular, including swimming, windsurfing and kayaking. Two full size golf courses are in the area as well as facilities for ice hockey, Finnish baseball, football and archery. Various student organizations are also responsible for social events including the fall Grand Opening celebration and the spring Sports Tournament day.

 

Shopping
Numerous small shops and stores are located on the main square and central shopping area; hours are generally 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Saturday.

 

Climate
Average temperatures in summer range from 55ºF to 85ºF, and summer is characterized by long days. Winter temperatures range from 5ºF to 30ºF, with snow possible from November to April. Winter brings shorter days but no periods of 24 hour “twilight.”