University of Oulu’s International Staff Week 2026

Preliminary Program

The week offers a valuable opportunity to connect with colleagues from around the world and exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices related to international collaboration and internationalisation of higher education.

We will explore the principles, practical applications and effective design strategies of Collaborative Online International Learning during a workshop delivered by Senior Lecturer and Lead COIL Researcher Simone Hackett from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, together with University Teacher and Postdoctoral Researcher Anni Silvola from the University of Oulu. Participants will also gain insights into how the University of Oulu supports the integration of international students.

Monday 23.11.

11.30-13: Registration and light lunch.

13-14: Opening event of the University of Oulu’s International Staff Week including an official greeting from the Rector, a welcome briefing, and a short Finnish language lesson.

14.30-16: Participant introductions and networking.

18.45-20.30: City of Oulu reception and buffet dinner. Please meet at the Oulu City Hall at 18.45 sharp. Dress code: Smart or business casual.

Tuesday 24.11.

10-12: Collaborative Online International Learning. Workshop by Simone Hackett, Senior Lecturer and Lead COIL Researcher from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, together with Anni Silvola, University Teacher and Postdoctoral Researcher from the University of Oulu. This session will provide an evidence-based perspective on COIL, drawing on Simone’s own research and established educational theories to explore its principles, practical applications, and effective design strategies.

12-13: Lunch.

13-14: Collaborative Online International Learning workshop continues.

14.30-15: Digital teaching tools in multilingual learning environments, and video communication and studio services at the University of Oulu.

15-16: Campus tour led by University of Oulu’s Student Ambassadors.

16.30: Bus from campus to Varikko Panimo Brewery.

17-20.30: A relaxed pizza dinner and networking at Varikko Panimo Brewery, including a guided tour of the historic building.

Wednesday 25.11.

9-10: Showcasing some of the University of Oulu’s best practises for supporting the integration and wellbeing of international students, as well as encouraging students’ participation in international exchange programs. The session highlights:

• Offer-holder engagement and pre-orientation for admitted international students.
• First-year experience services, including Kickstart intensive language and culture course, the student tutor system and tutor training, and the Ask me! campaign.
• Exchange student ambassador program.

10.30-12: A facilitated group discussion on strategies for encouraging student participation in international experiences, focusing on sharing challenges, solutions and additional insights.

12-13: Lunch.

13-15: Study Abroad Fair: Participants can present their institutions and interact with University of Oulu students and staff.

Thursday 26.11. and Friday 27.11. (optional)

Tailored meetings with faculty members.

Please note that the program is preliminary and subject to change.

Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026

As Oulu celebrates its year as the European Capital of Culture, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant selection of cultural events both on campus and around the city during your stay. The International Staff Week is part of the University of Oulu’s Oulu2026 activities and coincides with the Festival of Cultures, where our multicultural university community shares its cultural heritage through workshops and events. The International Staff Week is partially funded as part of the Festival of Cultures 2026, and Wednesday’s Study Abroad Fair is included in the official program.

Registration

A formal invitation with detailed registration instructions will be sent to our global and UNIC European University partners in March.

Arrival

You can travel to Oulu by plane, train, or bus. Oulu Airport is one of the busiest in Finland, with numerous flights landing every day. The flight from Helsinki to Oulu takes about one hour.

If you prefer to arrive by train, the journey from Helsinki to Oulu takes about six hours. You can find timetables and routes on the VR website. The railway station is located in the heart of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the busiest centre. Right next to the railway station is the bus depot for all the long-distance buses.

For more information, visit the City of Oulu website.

Accommodation

There are several high-quality hotels in the city centre, including Lapland Hotels Oulu, Scandic Oulu City, Original Sokos Hotel Arina and Radisson Blu Oulu. For more information on accommodation options, visit the Visit Oulu website.