Students from Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS) are embracing international opportunities through week-long short exchanges, offering a quick and affordable way to experience global education.
Industrial Management and Engineering students Topi Turpeinen and Atte Niskakoski recently participated in short exchanges in Germany and Spain, highlighting how such programmes build cultural understanding, teamwork skills, and confidence. For Turpeinen, it was his first trip outside Finland’s neighbouring countries and even his first flight.
“I felt the short exchange was the perfect way to try travelling and learn about internationality. It encouraged me so much that I applied for another exchange immediately,” Turpeinen said.
Niskakoski, who had just returned from a year-long exchange in Japan, joined a short exchange to explore more European cultures. “It’s intensive but fun. You learn teamwork, meet students from across Europe, and experience cultural differences firsthand,” he explained.
Organised every six months in different countries, these short exchanges focus on themes like future skills, with packed days of lectures, company visits, and group projects. In Germany, students worked in mixed-nationality teams on problem-solving tasks, including designing solutions for a pet food company facing a raw material shortage.
The programme also includes social events and evening activities, allowing participants to connect informally with peers from across Europe. Both students emphasised that even those with basic English skills should feel confident in joining.
“For anyone interested in internationality but unable to commit to a longer exchange, this is ideal,” said Turpeinen.
Source: Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS)
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