Planning on Going on Exchange?
Timing of the exchange period
In order to make sure that your studies in Finland and during your exchange proceed as smoothly as possible, it is important to start thinking about the timing of the exchange studies as early as possible. Some degree programmes/faculties have a specific timeslot they recommend for exchange studies whereas in some degree programmes/faculties it is more up to the student to find out a suitable timeslot. Talk with your degree programme coordinator or with your international coordinator about the timing.
Think about the following questions:
- What would be a suitable time for you to go on exchange?
- For how long do you want to study abroad?
Choosing the exchange destination
In addition to your personal interests, things that have an impact on your choice of exchange destination are, for example, your degree programme and language skills. Some of the agreements are multidisciplinary and open to all students who find suitable courses in their course catalogues. Some agreements are restricted to only one Faculty or School and only their students are entitled to apply to those destinations. In most of the destinations it is possible to study in English, but some might require knowledge of the local language.
Think about the following questions:
- Which continent/country/city/university do you find interesting?
- Which exchange destinations are possible for you?
- What language requirements do different receiving institutions have?
Planning your studies
Studying is an essential part of a student exchange. Explore the course catalogues of the possible receiving institutions and also think about including the studies you complete during your exchange in your degree in Finland.
Think about the following questions:
- How many courses do you need to complete during your exchange?
- What kind of studies do you want to do on exchange?
- What is the course catalogue like in the receiving institution you are interested in?
- How do you get the studies transferred in your degree?
Need help with choosing your exchange destination?
The contact information of international coordinators can be found from the Need Help with Your Application? page.
In addition to the international coordinator of your degree programme/faculty, you can get information about exchange studies from student exchange info sessions and students who have already been on exchange. From the Experiences from around the world -page you can find stories and blogs about student exchange experiences as well as directions on how to find exchange feedbacks from SoleMOVE.
Study Abroad Fair is an event where you can meet students who have previously been on exchange and students currently on exchange in the University of Oulu. Study Abroad Fair gives you an opportunity to get information about different exchange destinations as well hear and ask about the exchange experiences of other students.