Finland is renowned for its high-quality education system, attracting students from all over the world. Many foreign students come to Finland with the goal of pursuing higher education in its world-class universities and research institutions. The number of international students in Finland exceeded 20 000 in the last years. Higher education institutions offer a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits.

While the aim of academic excellence is undoubtedly essential, the study ability and overall well-being of foreign students play a crucial role in shaping their workability in the future. So, how the study ability of foreign students in Finland influences their workability and what is the role of well-being in this context?

Is foreign students’ study ability the key to their employability?

The university student’s ability to study effectively during their academic journey is directly linked to their employability, both while they are still studying and in their future career. In this context, the intersection of study ability and employability is particularly significant.

Study ability encompasses a wide range of factors, including the student’s own resources, their proficiency in university-level study skills, the quality of teaching and guidance they receive, and the support available within the learning environment. Even if challenges arise in one area, strengths in others can help maintain study ability (YTHS, 2022). By strengthening study ability, fostering well-being in learning, and enhancing general employability skills during university studies, we can have a positive impact on the transition to the workforce and the ongoing maintenance of employability and self-care for well-being after completing studies, particularly in the early stages of one’s career.

As for the significant portion of the Finnish students’ engagement in both work and study simultaneously turns to happen often, foreign students are facing a challenge. The latest survey conducted by the research institute E2 Tutkimus, indicating that, despite their positive experiences, 47 percent of international students in Finland plan to leave after completing their studies. Approximately 32 percent of foreign students perceive their career advancement prospects in Finland as “limited.” Additionally, an equal number express the need for greater assistance in areas such as job search training, connecting with Finnish companies, networking, and language acquisition.

This highlights greater needs as well as challenges of international students during their educational path in Finland, which can significantly influence their well-being and further motivation of staying here.

Significance of well-being initiatives in higher education and their implications for the needs of international students

In recent times, the promotion of well-being in university education has garnered considerable attention. Kaukinen’s (2022) work emphasizes that the effectiveness of any educational system is intrinsically tied to the well-being of students, educators, and the academic community. UNESCO’s report, titled “Making every school a health-promoting school – Implementation Guidance,” urges us to reflect on how the university community fosters students’ study skills, well-being, and resilience. The core of well-being initiatives within universities revolves around instruction, support, and the cultivation of a multidisciplinary environment (Penttinen, 2022).

Foreign students in Finland often encounter the challenge of adapting to a new educational system, cultural frame, and sometimes, a different language. The ability to swiftly adapt to these changes is a valuable skill that can have a lasting impact on their employability. By placing greater emphasis on the adaptability, networking, and collaboration of foreign students, universities promote their well-being, which in turn directly enhances their academic performance. A positive mental state can result in improved decision-making and sustained motivation for achieving success in their careers.

For foreign students, proficiency in the Finnish language can confer a significant advantage. While many programs are available in English, learning Finnish can make them more competitive in the Finnish job market and enhance their employability. Providing opportunities for them to improve their language skills directly influences their social integration. Feeling a sense of belonging in a foreign country can profoundly affect a student’s overall well-being. When students are socially integrated, they are more likely to excel academically and establish themselves in the Finnish workforce.

Expanding the availability of internships and project work for foreign students is a vital element in leveling the playing field for their future employment prospects and overall well-being during their studies. It also affords them the opportunity to master the art of work-life balance as they gain practical experience while pursuing their education.

Promoting well-being in everyday teaching

Savonia University of Applied Sciences is actively participating in the Future work ability- project, which seeks to advance the well-being of students through innovative pedagogical solutions. The project also evaluates the role of universities in enhancing students’ study well-being and employability. This initiative marks the beginning of our exploration into students’ well-being, with an additional special focus on international students and their unique perspectives, needs, and challenges.

This endeavor is a collaborative effort, in partnership with Karelia University of Applied Sciences, the Joensuu Region Different Learners Association (JOSE), the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela), and the Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS). Within this project, Savonia is at the forefront, leading a work package dedicated to the development of well-being-promoting pedagogical approaches and improved accessibility, with the goal of creating valuable resources for both teachers and students. This project is funded by the European Social Fund.

Author:

Agnieszka Laherto, Executive Coach and Behavioural Change Practitioner, specialist in the Future work ability project, agnieszka.laherto@savonia.fi

Sources:

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YTHS. Opiskelukykymalli. 2022. https://www.yths.fi/palvelut/opiskeluyhteisotyo/opiskelukyky/ . Accessed on 30th of October 2023
Study in Finland. 2023. https://www.studyinfinland.fi/ . Accessed on 2nd of November 2023

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