Broaden your Horizon guide - Oulu

BROADEN YOUR HORIZON
Exchange Programmes for Outgoing Students
2012–2013

International Services
January 2013
Pictures: International Services, Janne Harpela
(New Zealand), Sanna Heikkinen (Denmark,
Iceland), Kristin Davies (Iceland),Teija Skants
(Scotland)
International Services reserves the right for
changes.

1. General principles of student exchange 4
2. Application process 5
3. ERASMUS 8
4. NORDPLUS 12
5. Bilateral agreements 14
6. ISEP 16
7. UNC-EP 17
8. FIRST 18
9. north2north 20
10. North-South-South 21
11. Language proficiency 22
12. Transferring the credits 23
13. Important to remember! 24
14. Checklist before going on exchange 26
15. Contact information 28

1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF STUDENT
EXCHANGE
In general, all degree students of the University
of Oulu can apply for a student exchange. This
means that they can study a part of their degree
in a partner university abroad. There are several
programmes and hundreds of universities to
choose from. The length of a student exchange is
usually 1 or 2 terms. For more information on this
please see exchange programme specific details
in this guide.I n order to go on exchange students
need to have their first year of academic studies
completed at the University of Oulu.
Information on student exchange possibilities
can be found in this guide, and on the International
Services website. Available exchange places
are announced through a call for application
(hakukuulutus) when an application period begins.
Application rounds are organised either by the
International Relations (e.g. bilateral places) or the
departments/faculties (e.g. ERASMUS) depending
on the exchange programme. In a nutshell,
European exchange programmes (ERASMUS and
NORDPLUS) are coordinated by the departments
and faculties. The International Services
coordinates exchange programmes outside
Europe. Please note that application periods
and deadlines vary depending on the exchange
programme.
Each faculty/department in the University of
Oulu also has its own international coordinator,
who is there to help with student exchange
matters. Departmental coordinators and the staff
members of International Servces are available for
personal counselling and for detailed information
about the application and selection procedure.
Please note that all academic matters should be
discussed at the department/faculty.
When you start planning your exchange
international master’s degree students should bare
in mind that the duration of a master’s programme
is 2 years and graduating in time is important.
Master students’ study plan contains a set of
precisely defined courses, which are required for
graduation. This sets more specific requirements
for the planning of your exchange period. Thus,
before applying for an exchange, it is essential to
discuss your study progress and your possibilities
for exchange studies with your master’s degree
programme coordinator.
During the selection process the applicants
will be ranked on the basis of the GPA of their
university studies, the amount of study points
earned, and the language skills required by the
host university. Academic references may also
be required. Applicants are usually invited to a
group interview. Kindly note, that some exchange
programmes apply terms and conditions based on
nationality and citizenship, so foreign students are
encouraged to check carefully and well in advance
whether they are eligible to apply..
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2. APPLICATION PROCESS
The exchange programmes offered at the
University of Oulu are open for both bachelor and
master level degree students unless otherwise
stated. In order to be eligible for exchange a
student must be enrolled at the University of
Oulu as a degree student. First year students are
not eligible to go on exchange but they can apply
for an exchange place for their second year of
studies. The lenght of an exchange period is 3 to
12 months.
2.1. Call for Applications
International Services announces the available
exchange destinations through a Call for Exchange
Applications. The call includes all necessary
information on the application period, times of the
possible information sessions, required enclosures
and possible interviews. A printed version of
the call is always available from the International
Relations office. Students will also receive the call
through e-mail if they have subscribed to some of
the guild lists.
N.B.! Some of the exchange programmes
are coordinanted by the departments (e.g.
ERASMUS). In these cases the departments
are responsible for the call for applications.
Please note that departments’ ways of informing
studens about their calls can differ from that of
International Services’.
2.2. SoleMOVE Application Database
For all exchange applications regardless of
the programme or the cooridinating unit the
University of Oulu uses an electronic database
called SoleMOVE. Through the database
students can also scroll the list of existing
exchange destinations. SoleMOVE is an internet
based system and students can log on from any
computer that has an internet connection by using
the same username and password as they use for
the university network.
The whole application is filled out electronically
meaning that even all enclosures (e.g. Transcript of
records) are uploaded to the SoleMOVE system. If
a student is required to hand in certain documents
after the exchange, that too will happen through
SoleMOVE.
Please note that SoleMOVE is used for
incoming and outgoing exchange applications by
the University of Oulu only. Should a student
be accepted for an exchange period s/he could
be required to fill out another application to the
host university according to the host university’s
process.
Every term during the application periods
the International Services organise information
sessions in which students are adviced on how to
use SoleMOVE. Separate info sessions are available
for those applying to European destinations and
for those applying for an exchange place outside
Europe.
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2.3. Application Enclosures
MOTIVATION LETTER
A Motivation Letter, also known as Personall
Statement or a Statement of Purpose, is a
mandatory enclosure for all exchange destinations
coordinated by the International Services. The
aim of a motivation letter is to give a clear and
concise description on why the student is applying
for an exchange place. The letter should also tell
something about the personality of the applicant
as well as underlining why the applicant is suitable
for the specific destination(s) s/he has chosen to
apply to.
At . least the following matters should be included
in a motivation letter:
1. The name of the university the student is
applying to and the period of exchange.
2. What are the aims of the exchange and the
possible long term advantages gained from the
exchange.
3. A description of planned studies and why those
studies are beneficial to the applicant.
Other matters can also be included should they
seem important for the writer. It should be borne
in mind that the main emphasis of the letter should
be on academic reasons. A motivation Letter is
written in English and should not be more than
one A4 sheet in length (one sided)
LETTER OF REFERENCE
A Letter of Reference (or Academic Reference),
written by a member of the academic staff,
highlights the applicant’s academic skills and
achievements. It is desirable that the person
writing the reference has some kind of personal
insight to the student’s personality, for example
through teaching. This way the reference will be
more in-depth without being simply a summary
of the applicant’s transcript of records. The
person giving the reference does not need to
be a professor, although especially American
universities might value a professor’s opinion more
highly. The most important aspect is that the
person actually knows the student.
6

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Most of the universities abroad require the
exchange students to provide them with some
kind of a certificate proving their language
proficiency if the student is not a native English
speaker. Language proficiency can be proven with
an official language test (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) or
with a written certificate from the University of
Oulu Language Services according to the HOST
UNIVERSITY’S requirements. Please note that in
some cases an applicant can be asked to prove
their language skills in other languages than English,
for example, for some exchange destinations
Spanish.
In the Call for Application it is clearly stated
in the description of each destination if that
particular university requires applicants to provide
a TOEFL/IELTS results. If the university does not
require an official language test it automatically
means that the students accepted to that
university have to acquire the language certificate
written by the Language Services. In a nutshell, all
students applying to destinations outside Europe
should be prepared to acquire either of the before
mentioned certificates.
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3. ERASMUS
3.1 General information about Erasmus
exchange programme
Erasmus is a European Union exchange
programme that aims to support European higher
education cooperation and mobility. Erasmus is
part of the European Union’s Lifelong Learning
programme (Life Long Learning Programme, 2007-
2013). It is intended to citizens of the EU and to
those who have gained permanent residence in
one of the EU countries.
Erasmus programme is open to all EU member
countries and Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein,
Turkey, Croatia and Switzerland.
Programme is open for undergraduate and
graduate students in all academic fields. New
students are not eligible for a exchange during
their first year but can apply for a exchange for
their second year. Application period is usually
in spring term. In some cases departments can
organise an application round in the fall term too,
if they still have available places. Follow the notice
boards or contact the international coordinator
at your department for more information
on Erasmus application rounds. The contact
information for all departmental coordinators can
be found from chapter 3.6.
The exchange period in Erasmus programme
is 3-12 months. In practice that means 1 or 2
terms. It is a good idea to consider spending a full
term or even a full academic year abroad. Should
you decide to stay longer, it is usually possible to
extend your stay if both the home and the host
universities agree on this. However, should you
extend your stay you will not be automatically
entitled to any additional Erasmus grant.
As in all exchange programmes, you should
make sure that the studies you are planning to do
during your exchange will be transferred into your
degree in Oulu. In Erasmus you are required to
make a study plan (Learning Agreement) prior to
your exchange and have it signed by your home
and your host university. If your study plan changes
at any point, you are required to write a Changes
to Learning Agreement and have it signed.
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HOW TO APPLY FOR ERASMUS?
1. Find out which European universities have
a partner agreement with your department.
All Eramus destinations are listed also in the
SoleMOVE system. Check from your coordinator
which of those destinations are available to you.
Departmental coordinators usually have a listing of
the partner universities’ websites where you can
find information on their course selection.
2. Contact your departmental coordinator,
s/he will advise you with
a) application deadlines
b) SoleMOVE database
c) Learning Agreement (i.e. study plan that
must be signed by both home and host
institution, the signature of your home department
is a reassurance that your studies will be accepted
as a part of you degree at the University of Oulu)
If your Learning Agreement changes during your
exchange a new LA needs to be signed by both
institutions.
3. Find out about the language requirements
in the host university. Also, find out whether
language courses are organised and whether they
are liable to a fee. You can get more information
from the departmental coordinators, study guides
and partner university websites. It is never too
early to start practising your language skills!
4. Ask your departmental coordinator about
housing arrangements in the host university.
Check also the hosting university website for
more information.
3.2. Erasmus grant
All outgoing exchange students receive an
ERASMUS grant which can be given to a student
only once. However, the following five conditions
have to be fulfilled:
1. The exchange period is 3-12 months
2. Student makes a Learning Agreement (i.e.
study plan) which is approved and signed by the
students’ home university and host university
3. Studies in the host university must be
accepted as a part of your degree at the Univeristy
of Oulu
4. One year of university is completed
before a student can go on exchange (master’s
degree students: please consult you programme
coordinator since different rules may apply
depending on the programme)
5. Host university does not charge tuition fees
(N.B. You might be expected to pay student union
fees, library fees, etc,)
Erasmus grant will be paid to the student in
two parts so that EUR 200 of the total grant will
be detained and paid to the student AFTER the
exchange and once all the required documents
have been uploaded to the SoleMOVE system.
ERASMUS GRANTS 2012-2013:
Exchange period:
Faculty of Humanities
Amount:
3 months 800 eur
4-6 months 1200 eur
7-10 months 1800 eur
11-12 months 2200 eur
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3.3 KELA Financial Aid for Students
Students who are entitled to the financial aid
by KELA will receive it also during their exchange.
Financial aid is EUR 298 per month and Housing
supplement abroad is EUR 210 per month.
Housing supplement to low-rent countries such
as Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Latvia, Lithuania,
Poland, Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia and
Hungary varies from 58,87 to 109,32 per month.
More information can be found from Kela website
(www.kela.fi)
The government guaranteed study loan (EUR
600 per month) is also available during exchange.
3.4. Insurance
Students are responsible for arranging the
necessary travel and health insurances for their
exchange period. The European Health Insurance
card granted by KELA must be obtained by the
student. With this card student receives medical
care during temporary stay in the EU or EAA
countries or Switzerland. However, students are
strongly recommended to have a separate travel
and health insurance. Also note, that having a
certain kind of an insurance is often a prequisite
for obtaining a visa/residence permit to most
countries. More information about the visa
requirements can be acquired from the country’s
embassy or from the host university.
3.5 Erasmus Placements
In addition Erasmus excahange, students also
have the possibility to gain work experience
through ERASMUS Placement. Placement enables
students at higher education institutions to spend
a placement (traineeship/internship) period
between 3 months and 12 months in an enterprise
or organisation in another participating European
country. Outgoing trainees may be eligible a
monthly Erasmus scholarship from the University
of Oulu depending on whether they get paid
for the traineeship and on the number of
available scholarships.
Outgoing ERASMUS Placement students
can also apply for an intensive language course
(EILC) organised in the host country before their
placement begins.
For more information and guidance concerning
ERASMUS Placements, please contact Titta Koski
(titta.koski@oulu.fi) at the Counseling and Career
Services.
3.6 ECTS-points
Erasmus programme uses European Credit
Transfer System (ECTS). ECTS system ensures
transfer of obtained study credits from one
country to another. In the University of Oulu, one
ECTS is equal to one study point (opintopiste).
Grading equivalents are following: A=5, B=4, C=3,
D=2, E=1.
3.7 EILC (Erasmus Intensive Language
Courses)
The Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC)
are specialised courses organised in less widely
used and less taught European languages. Students
who have been acceptd for Erasmus exchange
(or placement) can apply for EILC if courses are
organised in their host country. EILC courses
usually last for 4-6 weeks and are organised
before the actual semester starts between July-
September and January-February. The duration of
EILC course will not be regarded as a part of the
exchange period.
EILC courses are free of charge and accepted
students will receive a separate grant of EUR 400
for the course in addition to the Erasmus grant.
Courses organised during the academic year
2012-2013 can be found online at the European
Comission website at: http://ec.europa.eu/
education/erasmus/eilc1011_en.htm
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To apply for an EILC course, please fill out
the electronic application form at www.oulu.fi/
yliopisto/opiskelu/vaihto-opiskelu/eilc-kielikurssit.
The form has to be submitted via e-mail to
Riitta Kataja (riitta.kataja@oulu.fi) by the deadline.
Application deadline for the courses in Autumn
2013 is in May.
3.8 Departmental Coordinators
Each department is responsible for making and
renweing their own Erasmus agreements. For
this reason, the selection of available places can
differ considerably between departments. All valid
Erasmus agreements are listed in the SoleMOVE
database. Contact your own departmental
coordinator to make sure which agreements apply
to your department.
Departments are responsible for application
rounds during spring term. It is worth bearing
in mind that not all destinations are necessarily
open for applications each year even though the
agreement is valid.
For more information please contac your
departmental coordinator. All e-mail addresses
are firstname.surename@oulu.fi unless otherwise
stated.
Oili Sievola, tel. 0294 483428
Faculty of Education
Jani Haapakoski, tel. 0294 483715
Oulu Business School
Merja Inget, tel. 0294 487780
Faculty of Medicine
Clinical Medicine: Virpi Parkkila
tel. 08 315 4125
Dentistry: Jorma Virtanen, tel. 029 485584
Nursing Science Ulla Timlin tel. 0294 485111
Biocenter: Sinikka Eskelinen, tel. 0294 484106
Medical Technology: Anna Jauho
tel. 0294 486005
Faculty of Science
Astronomy: Jouko Raitala, tel. 0294 481945
Biochemistry: Jari Heikkinen, tel. 0294 481208
Biology: Minna Vanhatalo, tel. 0294 481491
Chemistry: Marja Lajunen, tel. 0294 481632
Geosciences: Seija Roman, tel. 0294 481442
Geography: Topiantti Äikäs, tel. 0294 481728
Information Processing Science: Juha Iisakka
tel. 0294 481895
Mathematics: Tero Vedenjuoksu,
tel. 0294 481754
Physics, Biophysics: Kari Kaila,
tel. 0294 481283
Faculty of Technology
Architecture: Leena Kuorelahti, tel. 0294
484985
Electrical and Information Engineering:
Maritta Juvani, tel. 0294 482767
Mechanical Engineering: Yrjö Louhisalmi, tel.
0294 482054
Process and Environmental Engineering:
Marita Puikkonen, p. 0294 482309
Industrial Engineering: Paulus Lakkala, p. 040
8353753
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4. NORDPLUS
4.1. Nordplus
Nordplus and Nordlys are Nordic exchange
programmes for undergraduate and graduate
students and for university teachers. Nordplus
and Nordlys cover the five Nordic Countries
(Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland)
as well as Åland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, and
Svalbard (which are autonomous regions of
the Nordic countries) and Baltic countries. The
programme began in 1988 and its objective is to
promote and strengthen Nordic collaboration in
the field of higher education.
Nordplus exchange is organised through
Nordplus networks which operate on
departmental level. Many of the departments at
the University of Oulu have set up a network with
other Nordic Universities. Each network has its
own Nordplus coordinator.
4.2. Applying for Nordplus Exchange
• Undergraduate and graduate students from
all academic fields can apply for this exchange
programme
• New students cannot go on exchange during
their first year but can apply to go on their second
year
• The exchange period in Nordplus and
Nordlys programmes is 1-12 months (usually one
or two semesters). It is possible to go for Nordplus
exchange several times, however, the total
duration can not exceed 12 months
• Studies in the host university must be
accepted as a part of your degree at the Univeristy
of Oulu
• During the exchange period the student
must live in the host country (it is not allowed to
commute from Finland).
4.3. Nordlys
If your department does not belong to any
network, you can apply to Nordplus exchange
through the Nordlys network coordinated by
International Services. Nordlys can also be used
if you wish to study something else than your
own field during your exchange although priority
is given to students whose department does
not have a network. Almost all of the Nordic
universities take part in Nordlys. Nordplus
applications are submitted to your department/
faculty, Nordlys applications to the International
Services. Application periods may vary. Please
consult your department/faculty and/or Nordlys
coordinator at the International Services, Sanna
Heikkinen (tel. 0294 484047, sanna.heikkinen@
oulu.fi)
Nordplus students receive a scholarship of 200
euros per month. Some networks may also give a
separate travel grant if the network has received
funding for this.
NB!
Many Nordic universities are participating in
both Erasmus and Nordplus programmes so
there may be several paths to apply to a certain
university.
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4.4 Nordplus Networks at the University
of Oulu
Architecture
Leena Kuorelahti, tel. 0294 484985
Biology
Annamari Markkola, tel. 0294 481530
Faculty of Education
Jani Haapakoski, tel. 0294 483715
Faculty of Humanities
Oili Sievola, tel. 0294 483428
Economics
Merja Inget, tel. 0294 487780
Medicine
Virpi Parkkila, tel. 08 3154125
Technology
Outi Simi, tel. 0294 482004
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5. BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
University of Oulu has several bilateral student
exchange agreements with partner universities
around the world. In general, bilateral places are
available for both undergraduate and graduate
students in all academic fields. All partner
universities can be found in the SoleMOVE
database.
International Services coordinate an application
round for bilateral exchanges twice a year in the
beginning of each term. The schedule for both
application rounds can be found next page.
Should some of the destinations be restricted to
certain fields of study, this will be noted in the Call
for Applications. The length of a bilateral exchange
period is one term. All selected students are
entitled to a grant which is EUR 1100 for students
going to USA and Canada and EUR 1300 for other
coutries. Grants for bilateral places in Germany
are the same as in Erasmus.
Some overseas destinations may not be open
for applications every year. Once an application
period has begun it will be announced through
a Call fo Applications (hakukuulutus) that will be
available on notice boards and online at www.oulu.
fi/yliopisto/opiskelu/vaihto-opiskelu. International
Services also send the notice through student
e-mail lists.
Please note that some partner universities
require students to take TOEFL/IELTS language
test prior to acceptance.
For further information please contact the
coordinators.
COORDINATORS:
Riitta Kataja: Buffalo, Newcastle, RMIT, Japan,
Waterloo, Lakehead
Sanna Heikkinen: north2north-, FIRST, Nordlys
Anja Mäläskä: other bilateral agreements, ISEP
and UNC-EP programmes
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APPLICATION SCHEDULE 2012-2013
Please not that the list presented below is subject to change.
24 September-15 October 2012:
Mainly English-speaking destinations
Australia
- Griffith University
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
- University of Canberra
- University of Melbourne
- University of Newcastle
Canada
- Lakehead University
- University of Waterloo
- Université de Montréal
United States
- East Carolina University
- Michigan Technological University
- Montana State University
- Pittsburg State University
- Washington College
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- University of NC at Greensboro
- University of NC at Wilmington
- University of North Dakota
- State University of NY at Buffalo
ALSO:
South Korea (iKEMM)
- Pukyong National University
- Pusan National University
16 January-6 February 2013:
Asia, Latin America, Russia, Nordlys and
n2n
Argentina
- Universidad del Salvador
Brazil
- Universidade de São Paulo
- PUC Parana, Pontificia Universidade Catolica do
Parana
Chile
_ University Viña del Mar
Mexico
- Tec de Monterrey
China
- Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics
- Shanghai Jia Tong University
Hong Kong
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
Japan
- Hokkaido University
- Tohoku University
- Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Osaka
University, Kyoto University
- Osaka Sangyo University
Singapore
-The National University of Singapore
United States
- Michigan Technological University
- Pittsburg State University
- University of North Dakota
- Washington College
- University of Missouri - St. Louis
- University of NC at Greensboro
Germany
- Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen
FIRST, n2n ja Nordlys Programmes
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6. ISEP
6.1. International Student Exchange
Programme
ISEP stands for International Student
Exchange Programme. ISEP is available for
both undergraduate and graduate students in
all academic fields except for clinical medicine.
The exchange period is either one or two terms.
For more information please visit www.isep.org.
International students need to consult with the
International Services staff about their eligibility for
this programme.
There are three ISEP programmes to choose
from: US ISEP, International-to-International
and Direct. The US ISEP and Internationalto-International
programmes are based on
reciprocity. This means that an outgoing exchange
student pays for housing, meals and student union
fee to his/her home university prior to departure
and hence will receive the same benefits free of
charge in the host university. An outgoing ISEPstudent
from Finland would pay the student union
fee and 2825 EUR / one term or 5650 EUR / two
terms (in year 2009-2010). In addition to these
payments, students are responsible for their own
personal expenses, insurances etc.
TOEFL language test (or equivalent) is
required for most English speaking destinations,
and a sufficient level of Spanish/Japanese is
usually required in Latin American and Japanese
universities accordingly. The application period
for all ISEP programmes is in September-October.
Study programme in the host university is planned
according to the students’ own interests, previous
studies and curriculum possibilities offered by each
of the host universities.
In US ISEP programme the destination
universities are located in USA and Canada.
Detailed list of ISEP host universities can be
found at http://www.isep.org/Students/Directory/
members_in_usa.asp
If selected to the programme students are
entitled to a grant of EUR 1100.
6.2 International-to-International ISEP
In International-to-International ISEP exchange
the host universities are located outside North
America. Available Internationa-to-Internationa
ISEP pratners may vary from year to year.
If selected for Internationa-to-International ISEP
students will get a grant of EUR 1300
6.3 ISEP Direct
ISEP-Direct is different from the other ISEP
programmes in a sense that it is not based on
reciprocity. Instead, students pay for the tuition,
accommodation and food themselves at the host
university according to their fees. If you choose
to go on exchange through ISEP-Direct you
are entitled to a similar grant as in other ISEP
programmes.
For more information about ISEP please contact
Anja Mäläskä, anja.malaska@oulu.fi.
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7. UNC-EP
UNC-EP is a student exchange programme
between a consortium of American and Finnish
universities: sixteen universities in North Carolina
(US) and five universities in Finland (Kuopio,
Jyväskylä, Oulu, Tampere and Vaasa).
UNC-EP is available for both undergraduate and
graduate students (US citizens excluded) in all
academic fields. Exchange period is either 1 or 2
terms.
Students pay for food and accommodation at
the host universities but no tuition fees. The
application period is in September-October. If
selected students will get a grant of EUR 1100 (in
year 2012-2013).
TOEFL/IELTS language test is required for all
outgoing UNC-EP exchange students. For more
information on the US partners please see: www.
uncep.org
For more information about UN-CEP please
contct Anja Mäläskä, anja.malaska@oulu.fi.
17

8. FIRST
FIRST stands for Finnish-Russian Student
Exchange. The programme is open for applications
from undergraduate and graduate students in
all academic fields. In order to participate in this
exchange programme, the student needs to
have Russian or Finnish citizenship or permanent
residense permit (A-type or P)
Exchange period is 3-12 months, and all studies
in the host university must be accepted as a part
of your degree at the Univeristy of Oulu. The
universities are located in the Russian Federation,
and the application period is in January-February.
1.Arkangelsk State Technical University (www.
agtu.ru/) Fields: Engineering, Humanities
2. Karelian State Pedagogical Academy (kspu.
karelia.ru/) Fields: Education, Humanities
3. Murmansk State Technical University (www.
mstu.edu.ru/) Fields: Business Studies, Engineering,
Geography, Geology, Humanities, Mathematics,
Informatics, Natural Sciences
8. Herzen State Pedagogical University of
Russia, St. Petersburg (www.herzen.spb.ru/en/)
Fields: Geography, Geology, Humanities
9. St. Petersburg National Research University
of information Teachnologies, Mechanics
and Optics, Institute of Refrigeration and
Biotechnologies (www.sarft.spb.ru/) Fields:
Business Studies
If selected, students are entitled to a grant, the
amount depending on the destination city:
- EUR 500 for Petrozavodsk State University
and Karelian State Pedagogical University
- EUR 700 for Arkhangelsk Technical State
University, Murmansk State Technical University,
Northern State Medical University and Pomor
State University
- EUR 1200 for Herzen State Pedagogical
University and St. Petersburg National Research
University of information Teachnologies,
Mechanics and Optics, Institute of Refrigeration
and Biotechnologies.
4. Murmansk Humanities Institute (www.
mginet.ru/) Fields: Business Studies, Langauges
and Philology, Communication and Information
Sciences
5. Northern State Medical University (www.
nsmu.ru/) Fields: Humanities, Medical Sciences
The application for round for FIRST
programme will be in January-February 2013.
For further information contact Sanna Heikkinen
at the International Services or the Center for
International Mobility. CIMO’s web site: www.
cimo.fi
6. Petrozavodsk State University (petrsu.ru)
Fields: Architecture, Urban and Regional
Planning, Geography, Geology, Humanities,
Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences
7. Pomor State University (www.pomorsu.ru/)
Fields: Business Studies, Humanities
18

9. north2north
University of Oulu is a member in the
University of the Arctic and hence eligible to send
students on exchange through its north2north
programme. The possible host universities are
located in Canada, Russian Federation, and the
United States. Sweden, Norway and Iceland
are also icluded in the programme but it is
recommended that exchanges to these countries
are made through Erasmus or Nordplus.
The programme is open for students, whose
studies have a northern emphasis, and/or who
are dedicated to contributing to the northern
community. The application period is in January-
February. If selected, students are entitled to a
study and a travel grant from CIMO.
The amount of study grant depends on the
duration of exchange (3-4 months EUR 1000,
5-12 months EUR 1500). Travel grant is EUR 500
for Sweden and Norway and EUR 1000 for other
destinations.
When considering the eligibilty of international
degree students, decisions are made on case-bycase
basis depending on the studies performed
by a student. For more information on the
programme and on the universities please visit
www.uarctic.org/north2north or contact Sanna
Heikkinen (sanna.heikkinen@oulu. fi, tel. 0294 48
4047).
20

10. NORTH-SOUTH-
SOUTH
NORTH-SOUTH-SOUTH Higher Education
Institution Network is a programme coordinated
by the Foreign Ministry of Finland. The objective
is to build sustainable collaboration between
Finnish universities and universities in developing
countries.
In the University of Oulu the programme
is open for undergraduate and graduate
students from the fields of geography,
education, information studies and process and
environmental engineering. International degree
students can not apply to go for exchange to their
home country.
If selected, students are entitled to a monthly
grant of EUR 400 as well as to a travel grant of
EUR 1200. The application period varies according
to project and faculty. For more information please
contact the appropriate coordinator: (firstname.
surname@oulu.fi)
• Information Science: Maija-Leena Huotari
• Teacher Education: Jani Haapakosk
• Geoprahy: Jarkko Saarinen
• Medicine: Tuula Kaisto
21

11. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Standardised language tests are an important part
of student selection in most international universities,
especially in the United States. Requiring language
tests from exchange applicants as well is becoming
more and more widespread especially in universities
in North America and Australia.
11.1.TOEFL and IELTS
TOEFL and IELTS are probably the most well
known and recognized language tests. TOEFL and
IELTS can be taken in Helsinki several times per
year.
TOEFL test is available in Helsinki and it is
organised by Premeria in their Prometric Test
Centre.
For more information about the test and the
available dates can be found from www.premeria.fi
Sign up for TOEFL can be done either online at
www.ets.org/toefl or by phone +31 320 239 540.
certificate from the Language Services if their
destination does not specifically require TOEFL or
IELTS results.
11.2. University of Oulu Language
services and tests
Language Services organize tests on specific
dates only, so students should reserve a time for a
test as soon as they are informed that they need
to take the test. Language Services offers two
different types of certificate: 1) one that is written
based on the courses the student has studies at
the Language Services and 2) one that is written
after a short exam. Only the latter certificate
is accepted for the exchange destinations
coordinated by the International Services.
A test time can be reserved either by e-mail to
kielipalvelut@oulu.fi or by phone 029 448 3021.
TOEFL costs USD 240 (approx. EUR 191) and it
can be paid either by credit card or by check.
TOEFL practice material for the test can be
ordered online form www.toefl.org.
IELTS test in Finland is organised byt Finnbrit
which is also located in Helsinki. Test costs EUR
210 and the results are available 13 days after
taking the test. Sign up for the test can be done
online at www.finnbrit.fi/ieltsexams. Practice
material for the test is available from the same
address. For more information, call Finnbrit +358
(0)9 687 70420.
13.2. Language Certificates from the Language
Services
When applying to destinations outside Europe,
students are required to acquire a language
For more information please see the Language
Services webpage under the title “Language
Services and Tests”.
22

12. TRANSFERRING THE CREDITS
In June 1994 the board of the University of
Oulu accepted the instructions on how to include
studies from other higher educational institutions
into a degree in the University of Oulu. The
instructions define the principles of compensation.
The basis is that studies at a foreign university are
accepted into the degree as fully as possible. In
order to guarantee this it is of utmost importance
that students get the approval of their home
deparmtent for their study plan aborad. Studentds
may need to modify the plan due to changes in the
host university’s courses. These changes should
also be approved by the home university.
It is the students’ responsibilty to assure that
they bring with them all the possible material
concerning the courses they have finished during
their exchange: course outlines, essays, learning
journals, examinations, etc, and a transcript of
records that show the credit and grade awarded
from each course.This way the transferring the
credits is as simple as possible.
23

13. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER!
13.1. Check your residence permit
In case you are not a permanent resident of
Finland or a Finnish citizen, make sure that you
contact the receiving institution and immigration
authorities early enough before you exchange. The
country (including other EU countries) in which
you plan to do your exchange may require you
to apply for additional permits in addition to the
ones you have received when arriving in Finland.
In some cases you are not able to acquire the
required permits from Finland and may need to
return to your home country to apply for a visa for
the destination country. Although departmental
coordinators and International Relations will do
their best to help you with these matters, you
need to be proactive and take responsibility for
fulfilling all application as well as immigration
requirements.
13.2. Study support
This information is for international students,
who are eligible for study support while studying
in Finland. Exchange grant from the University of
Oulu, e.g. NORDPLUS or ERASMUS grants, do
not influence study support,. which is maximum
298 EUR/month and foreign housing support 210
EUR/month (housing support is smaller in lowrent
countries) and all together 508 EUR/month.
International Services provides an up-to-date list
of outgoing exchange students to the Student
Services which checks the relevant information on
the outgoing students.
13.3. University and Student Union
registration
Exchange students, leaving from the University
of Oulu MUST REGISTER IN THE UNIVERSITY
as present or absent if they receive study support
during their exchange. KELA requires this from
all the students leaving for exchange. Register as
present, for example, if you intend also to carry
out some studies in Oulu during the exchange
semester/academic year. Outgoing exchange
students can register as present in the university
without paying the student union fee.
Students going on exchange trough the ISEPexchange
programme, to the University of North
Carolina at Greensboro or Washington College
have to register as present and pay pay the
student union fee. For other exchange destinations
the student union fee is optional. If students
need student union services and membership
benefits during the exchange period, (for example
transport discount, student price meals or health
service) they pay the fee and regisrtate to the
University of Oulu student union as usual.
13.4. Costs during exchange
When taking part in different exchange
programmes (Erasmus, UNC-EP, Nordplus,
north2north, ISEP, etc.) and university’s bilateral
programmes, student does not need to pay tuition
fees to the host university. However, be prepared
to the other costs, such as membership fee to the
local student union, library, laboratory and other
educational related fees, textbooks, photocopies
etc.
24

Students going to exchange through official
programmes, receive assistance in housing matters
from the host university. Rents may vary greatly
from place to place (big cities are usually more
expensive). Rent can also depend if it is a student
or rental housing. Start checking available housing
possibilities well in advance.
Student should take an insurance, for example
long-term travelling insurance, accident insurance
abroad etc. during the exchange period. Insurance
is an advantage even if leaving for exchange on
Erasmus or Nordplus programmes. If leaving to
USA, Australia or Canada, insurance is mandatory.
When going to ETA/EU countries, exchange
students are entitled to the same social security
benefits as country’s nationals.
Information about residence permit
requirements can be obtained from the embassy
of the destination country.
13.5. Health care
Before going for exchange, make sure that
your basic vaccinations, tetanus-d, ie tetanus
and diphtheria (valid for 10 years) and, where
appropriate, MPR, and polio, are valid. Basic
vaccinations are free of charge and you can get
them from YTHS (by appointment). If you need
information about the necessary vaccinations,
please contact YTHS, tel. 5637 409, Mon-Fri 9 -11.
When you go to your YTHS appointment
please remember to BRING WITH YOU YOUR
VACCINATION CARD OR INFORMATION ON
THE VACCINATIONS YOU HAVE RECEIVED
EARLIER. Vaccinations which were given during
parental care or at school can be asked from
your local health center (terveyskeskus) . Military
vaccinations are available form the reservists
archive/ Oulu tel 08-1813141
If you need a medical certificate before leaving
for exchange please contact YTHS well in advance
(approx. 2-3 month before exchange). If you are
on medication it is advisable to take with you
a doctor’s certificate (in English) concering the
medication(s) you are taking. It is also advisable to
take a necessary amount of medication with you
from Finland so that you do not need to worry
about prescriptions abroad. For more information
please contact YTHS or visit YTHS’s website
”Travel and Health”.
After you have returned from your exchange, please
contact YTHS if you have following symptoms:
• general symptoms (fever, diarrhea, etc. )
• suspicion of sexually transmitted diseases
• if you are a medical student, receiving university
requires a valid MRSA-test results.
Before your appointment with a nurse/doctor
you need to fill out a preliminary data form
concerning you health. You can either print this
form from the YTHS website (www.yths.fi) or get
it from the the YTHS health care center.
25

14. CHECKLIST BEFORE GOING ON
EXCHANGE
14.1. Before the exchange
A) STUDY PLAN
Get to know the courses offered by to
universities you are applying to
Show your study plan (Learning Agreement) to
your Departmental Coordinator at the University
of Oulu and have it signed- 1 study point
(opintopiste) in the University of Oulu is equal 1
ECTS point (for students going to Europe)
University of Oulu does not have requirements
concerning the amount of study points students
need to gain during the exchange period.
However, in order to receive study support, the
minimum amount is 4,8 study points per month.
The host university may have requirements
concerning the courses and/or the amount of
credits per semester. For more information, you
can contact the International Services or your
Departmental Coordinator.
Check the course information in case of changes
Be flexible and aware of information during the
first semester
B) PAPERWORK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF
OULU
Apply for exchange grant in the SoleGRANT
system. The information goes straight to the study
support officials once yuo submit it.
It is compulsory to register to the university,
registering to the student union is optional (except
for students who are going through ISEP or to
UNCG or Washington College)
Apply for a residence permit, from Finland or
from your home country well in advance
Get the European Health Insurance Card form
KELA if you are eligible for it.
If you are on regular medication, take some
medicine with you, as well as check its agailability
in the host country. Check if you have a need for
vaccinations.
C) INSURANCE
Take an insurance that covers the whole
duration of your exchange
Insurance of the University of Oulu is not valid
during the exchange period!
Some people think that taking an insurance is
overreacting and even waste of money. However,
every year it proves that for some students
insurance is worth more than gold.
D) HOUSING
Remember to apply for housing in time!
Finding an apartment varies depending on the
destination and exchange programme. Helpful
information can be found in feedback forms given
by previous exchange students.www.oulu.fi/
yliopisto/opiskelu/vaihtaripalautteet (in Finnish)
14.2. During the exchange
A) PAPERWORK AT THE HOST UNIVERSITY
Tuition fees are not applicable for students
participating in an exchange programme
Students might need to pay, for example,
for teaching materials, membersip fees and
corresponding costs
Take with you extra passport photos
B) IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Take with you the European Health Insurance
card as well as your own insurance. Host
university may also provide some kind of insurance
for the students. Find out more as soon as you
arrive.
26

If needed, contact International Servicesat the
University of Oulu: international.office@oulu.fi, tel
+358 (0)294 484045
C) ADVERTISE OULU
The materials can be found, for example on the
university web site: www.oulu.fi/yliopisto/opiskelu/
vaihto-opiskelu/esittelymateriaali
If you keep a blog during your exchange, please
send us the link.
14.3. Returning from exchange
Take with you a Transcript of Records from your
host univeristy as well as detailed descriptions of
courses, e.g. courses’ literature lists
Transferring the credits is done at the
departments in Oulu
SCAN AND UPLOAD TO SoleMOVE:
Erasmus students:
• Letter of Confirmation
• Learning Agreement possible Changes to
Learning Agreement
• Transcript of Records
• Feedback at International Services website
27

15. CONTACT INFORMATION
University of Oulu /Admissions, Recruitment and
International Services, Linnanmaa, Student Center:
Open Mon-Thurs 9-12
Main building:
Admissions, Recruitment and International
Services
Sanna Heikkinen, tel. 029 448 4047
Riitta Kataja, tel. 029 448 4050
Anja Mäläskä, tel. 029 448 4043
Tytti Haapalehto, tel. 029 448 4042
Anne Talvio, tel. 029 448 4048
Director Kimmo Kuortti, tel. 029 448 4022
Information on international work training and
Erasmus palcements:
Titta Koski, titta.koski@oulu.fi, tel. 0294 483596
General email for all employees: international.
office@oulu.fi
28

NOTES:
29