Internationalization program at VAMK

We aim to:

1. Maintain already existing exchange programs, relationships and collaboration with partner universities or other partners in different countries.
2. Establish new partnerships to ensure the most comprehensive offering and added value. The main goal in new partnerships is either to have a common offering and similar degree programs or something different to complement the offering provided by VAMK which may lead to new forms of collaboration.
3. Target new partnership initiatives specifically at countries where VAMK does not yet have operations, or which would otherwise complement existing partnerships.
4. Provide support and resources for students to participate in study abroad or international internship programs. These experiences offer valuable opportunities for students to gain international exposure, develop intercultural competencies and expand their professional networks.
5. Support digital technologies to enable virtual collaboration with international partners. This can mean online meetings, webinars or courses which can help ongoing communication and collaboration, overcoming geographical barriers and enhancing global engagement.

Our goals:

1. Participation in mobility activities is accessible for all students and staff.
2. Cultural exchange is promoted both in formal and informal activities. At VAMK, cultural exchange is part of campus life and we aim to create various possibilities to interact with other nationalities and cultures on campus. Cultural exchange is encouraged in the degree programs, curricula and courses. This can be organized for example by mixing Finnish and international student study groups.
3. Different events like culture festivals, cultural competency workshops and learning activities are organized that connect students and staff to come together and learn from each other.
4. Close collaboration with the student union plays a key role in enabling peer-to-peer support (e.g. Student Friend Programme), helping international students to adjust and all students to understand and appreciate different cultures.
5. VAMK will continue to take part in the mentoring programs e.g. Energy Academy mentoring and Vaasa International Talents. This enables students to get insights into working life, acquire new skills and knowledge and grow one’s network.

Preparing Students for Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility

The Internationalization program aims to educate students to become active global citizens who are socially responsible and aware of global issues. It is central that students are supported in learning and acquiring the required competencies to work efficiently in an international working life. This requires having globally competent staff that can support students in achieving these goals. This theme emphasizes the importance of instilling values such as empathy, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to addressing global challenges.

Promoting International Research Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Facilitating international research collaboration is key to VAMK’s Internationalization program. By fostering interdisciplinary research and focusing on global challenges such as sustainability, digital innovation, and well-being, we aim to create impactful solutions through cross-border partnerships.

VAMK will actively seek participation in international research grants, including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, to fund collaborative projects. Our key focus areas are Europe and the Nordics.

We will support researcher mobility, offering opportunities for faculty and researchers to engage in knowledge exchanges with our partner institutions. Additionally, we will leverage digital platforms to enable remote research collaboration and ensure continuous global engagement.

Enhancing Language Learning for Effective Communication and Cultural Immersion

Promoting language learning is a core component of internationalization. This theme encourages students and staff to acquire proficiency in foreign languages, enabling successful communication and cultural immersion.

Strategic Financial Management and Risk Mitigation

For VAMK, to effectively manage economic benefits and risks in the internationalization, this requires a comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape, proactive risk management strategies, and strategic collaborations with trusted partners to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate potential threats.

Identifying and mitigating risks associated with international operations concerns, especially in the fields of international student recruitment, education export as well as international funding opportunities.

Collaborating on international RDI projects to advance education and boost external funding

Collaborating on research, development, and innovation projects with international partners fosters knowledge exchange, enhances institutional reputation, and attracts external funding opportunities. By engaging in collaborative initiatives with trusted partners, such as universities, research institutions, or industry stakeholders, VAMK can leverage complementary expertise, resources, and networks to drive educational development and innovation while accessing additional funding sources.

Compliance with international laws, regulations, and visa requirements

Ensuring smooth operations and adherence to legal standards. Navigating legal and regulatory frameworks in different countries and ensuring compliance with international trade laws, taxation, and customs regulations.

KPIs

KPIs for these measurements e.g., growth in international student numbers, revenue from tuition fees.

Cultural Awareness

Our primary aim is to cultivate understanding and intercultural competence among our diverse community members through a range of international activities.

Safe and Inclusive Environments

We are committed to establishing and upholding environments free from prejudice, where everyone not only feels accepted but also valued and respected.

Empowerment

An integral aspect of our strategy involves providing intentional opportunities for marginalized populations to thrive. This empowerment goes beyond giving them a voice, extending to the provision of tailored support systems to facilitate their full integration into the broader university community.

Promoting Responsibility, Ethics, and Openness

At VAMK showing sympathy is a responsible act – we look after each other! We operate in line with our values, emphasizing humanity, equality, and ethics as integral parts of our daily activities. We operate and communicate openly and transparently about our activities. The values of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences are sympathy, openness, bold pioneeringness and customer orientation. Our ethical and responsible operations are built on this value base. The Ethical Code of Conduct guides our daily work.

Ensuring Ethical Practices and Transparency in Educational Collaboration

In all of VAMK’s collaboration agreements with educational agencies, we require our agents to follow good business ethics in their target countries and commit to ethical marketing. All partner agents are systematically trained, the collaboration is monitored, and all potentially unethical activities are actively dealt with.  Training is organized before each recruitment cycle begins as well as at the beginning of each partnership. The ethical guidelines for agents are listed on the website Our Educational Agents – VAMK.  VAMK uses agents more in marketing and in new market entries, rather than in the recruitment process itself, depending on the markets.

By being committed to its organizational values and to the national Finnish International Agent Code of Conduct, VAMK demonstrates accountability to both its students and partners. This transparency is essential for building and maintaining long-term relationships.

Advancing Sustainability Through Responsible Practices and Education

We demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility by:

1. Promoting alternative and sustainable travel options for students and staff, such as public transportation, carpooling, or online meetings, to reduce carbon footprint.
2. Developing guidelines and practices to promote the efficient use of resources in the programmes. We use digital materials instead of printed materials.
3. Integrating principles of sustainable development globally into curricula and programs such as environmental awareness, climate change or sustainable development education.
4. Offering virtual exchange options as an alternative to reduce the need for long-distance travel.

Sustainability in International Student Recruitment

This involves adopting sustainable practices throughout the recruitment process to attract and enrol international students while minimizing environmental impact. Alongside the student fairs and high school visits, we at VAMK use digital marketing channels and virtual recruitment events like webinars and virtual campus tours to reduce the need for travel, thus lowering carbon emissions associated with traditional recruitment methods. Additionally, promoting sustainability initiatives and green campus initiatives during our recruitment efforts can appeal to environmentally conscious prospective students and align with their values.

Incorporating sustainability principles into VAMK’s internationalization efforts not only aligns with ethical values but also enhances institutional competitiveness and attractiveness to environmentally conscious stakeholders.

Comprehensive Student Support

We prioritize providing students with a comprehensive support system that addresses their academic, personal, and professional needs. This includes access to career development resources, financial aid, counselling services, and academic guidance to ensure their overall well-being and success throughout their academic journey.

Dedicated Staff Support

Similarly, we recognize the importance of supporting our faculty and staff members in their roles. We offer mentorship programs, opportunities for professional development, and wellness activities to support their growth, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

Accessibility Services for Inclusivity

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that fosters the success of individuals with diverse abilities. Our accessibility services ensure equal access to education and employment opportunities by providing accommodation and support to staff members and students with disabilities.

Developing International Competence and Promoting Global Talent Recruitment

Our international work and study environment offers great opportunities but also requires continuous development of our staff’s international competence. We pay special attention to hiring international talents whenever a position does not require strong proficiency in the Finnish language. As part of every recruitment process, we consider whether international recruitment is feasible. In each recruitment process, we assess applicants’ abilities to operate in an international setting.

Assessing Well-Being, Equality, and Community for International Staff

The following statements from our annual employee survey (Työyhteisövire) best assess the well-being of our international staff, equality and non-discrimination, as well as the sense of community:

• All employees are treated equally regardless of age, ethnic background, gender, physical characteristics, etc. (The result for this statement on a scale of 1-5 in 2024 was 3.75).
• Equality for minorities (in terms of workability, sexual or gender orientation, ethnic or cultural background, religion, beliefs, or values) is realized in my workplace (The result for this statement on a scale of 1-5 in 2024 was 4.11).
• There is a caring atmosphere in my workplace (The result for this statement on a scale of 1-5 in 2024 was 3.43).
• I have positive interpersonal relationships at work (The result for this statement on a scale of 1-5 in 2024 was 4.41).

Unfortunately, there is no breakdown available between international and Finnish staff in the survey results.

Approximately 8% of the staff at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences are employees with an international background. Our goal is to increase the percentage of international staff in the coming years. We aim to be a community where international talents thrive, and where every member can contribute their valuable expertise.

Maintaining brand consistency while respecting local cultural sensitivities

We highlight the significance of a consistent brand identity that reflects the institution’s core values, mission, and academic excellence. We emphasize the need to adapt messaging and branding strategies to resonate with diverse cultural audiences while ensuring that the fundamental essence of the institution’s brand remains intact.

Managing online presence and reputation across different markets

We introduce the importance of a strong online presence in today’s digital age and its impact on shaping the institution’s reputation globally. We manage digital platforms, including social media, websites, and review sites, to engage with diverse stakeholders and showcase the institution’s strengths and achievements. We highlight the role of digital marketing, content strategy, and online reputation management tools in enhancing visibility, credibility, and positive sentiment across different markets.

The role of faculty and staff in brand building and reputation management

Faculty and staff members are also important, as much as the students and alumni, in shaping VAMK’s brand reputation. VAMK can invest in faculty development programs, such as cultural competency training and professional development opportunities exchange. The faculty and staff can also then promote these initiatives so that they take part in social media and digital publications more actively, and not just participate in it, which will give brand recognition from both local and international institutions.

The use of data on decision-making and improvement

We use data-driven insights to develop our brand, image and offering.

1. From Local to Global

VAMK as a university of applied sciences plays a vital role in supporting regional development by providing locally relevant education, research, and innovation. Our aim is to address regional challenges and opportunities in ways that can also have broader, even international, impact. This approach prepares students to apply their skills both within their communities and in a global context, equipping them with a broad perspective and adaptable skills that can benefit both the local area and the wider world.

2. A Broader Global Reach

A future vision that emphasizes VAMK’s growing presence in new regions, such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America, solidifies our place in a rapidly globalizing world.

3. Digital and Virtual Innovation

By developing digital collaboration tools, VAMK ensures that we stay ahead of trends in international education.