Becoming a tutor is a fantastic way to help new students settle in and make their start easier. You may have questions in your mind and below you will find answers below some of the most frequently asked questions about tutoring.
The application period for a tutor for the academic year 2025-2026 ends on Sunday 2 February 2025.
What does a tutor do in HAMK?
Tutors are experienced students who help new students. Tutors will guide, inform and help new students to ensure they have a smooth start for studies. Tutors guide new students during orientation week and take part in planning and executing orientation events and organize other events during the year.
Tutors’ tasks are, for example, to;
- familiarise students with their new group, studies, academic environment and its practices.
- introduce students to their new hometown and its free time activities
- build positive group spirit
Does tutoring take a lot of time?
You can balance tutoring with your studies and free time. Some tutoring happens during study days, while some takes place in free time. Tutors aren’t expected to organize daily activities after school, and you can plan activities with your tutoring team to suit everyone’s schedule.
What kind of people make good tutors?
Tutoring suits a variety of personalities! That’s why we encourage students with different skills and strengths to apply. Some are great at helping students connect with each other, others excel at organizing events, and some are natural group leaders. A mix of personalities strengthens the tutoring team.
There’s no one-size-fits-all personality for tutoring. The most important trait is the willingness to help new students and an openness to learning new things.
How many credits do I to have so I can apply?
There’s no minimum credit requirement to apply as a tutor. You can apply at any stage of your studies as long as you’re committed to tutoring throughout the academic year.
I can’t speak Finnish, can I apply?
Yes! You can choose a training in English. You will tutor students in an English degree programme.
What kind of events do I need to organize?
As a tutor, you don’t need to organize large student parties. Instead, you’ll focus on casual activities where new students can get to know each other. Common activities include picnics, game nights, outdoor gatherings, barbecues, sports games, and yard games.
Tutors typically organize activities for their own group of assigned students, so you’re not expected to create events for all new students across the campus.
Will I have to tutor a large group on my own?
We aim to recruit multiple tutors from each program, so you won’t have to handle a large group alone. Generally, one tutor is assigned for every ten new students, and tutors from the same program often work in pairs or teams.
Encourage your classmates to apply too! It’s always more fun with familiar faces.
Plus, all tutors receive training, so you’ll get plenty of support and advice to succeed.
How do I apply to become a tutor?
Simply fill out the application form and wait for us to contact you. All applicants will be interviewed in February, and interview times will be sent to your student email.
No need to stress about the interview – it’s also a chance for you to ask any questions about tutoring that might be on your mind!
New tutors will be selected after the interviews, and all applicants will be notified via email.
When is the training?
Tutor training days for 2025 are:
- April 3, 2025: Hämeenlinna University Centre
- August 15, 2025: (Location to be announced later)
What is a Responsible tutor?
A responsible tutor is an experienced student who has already been a tutor for a year. Responsible tutors provide guidance and support to new tutors within their program, working closely with academic advisors. If you’re interested in becoming a responsible tutor, please contact your degree programmes guidance councelor.
They will receive additional training, so you’ll be well-prepared for the role.
What is International Tutoring?
You’re probably wondering what international tutoring is, when you’re tutoring an English-speaking group. International tutors specialize in helping degree and exchange students moving to the country. They especially need help when coming to a new country. Everything is new, starting with shopping and how public transport works.
Once you’ve completed basic tutor training, you can choose to further train as an international tutor. This will give you the opportunity to guide international students arriving at HAMK.
Are you interested? Feel free to apply and fill the application, you find the application form from here. Note that the applicating perios ends on February 2nd!
If you have any more questions, feel free to contact by e-mail either hamko@hamko,fi or the adviser in charge of tutoring, Emma Kokkonen, emma.kokkonen@hamko.fi.