As an international student, it can sometimes feel difficult to influence things in a new country or education system. You might think that your opinions won’t be heard or that you don’t know enough yet to speak up. However, students are one of the most important voices in higher education – including international students.
Influencing doesn’t require perfect Finnish or previous experience. It often starts with a small action: giving feedback, joining activities, or having a conversation.
Why Is Giving Feedback on Your Studies Important?
In Finnish higher education, student feedback plays a key role in improving education. Feedback is not just an empty formality at the end of a course – it is actively used by teachers and staff to develop courses, teaching methods, and workload.
When you give honest and constructive feedback, you help improve the quality of education for yourself and for other students. Your perspective as an international student is especially valuable, as it can highlight things that others may not notice.
We understand that in some cultures, criticizing teachers or organizations may feel uncomfortable or even risky. In Finland, constructive feedback is considered normal and valuable, and students are encouraged to share their experiences openly and respectfully.
The Student Union = Influencing Together
The student union exists to represent all students, including international degree students and exchange students. By being part of the student union, you join a community that works to protect students’ rights and make student life better – both on campus and beyond. Influencing together is often much more effective than acting alone. When students speak with a unified voice, decision-makers listen more carefully.
The student union works regularly with the HAMK’s management, teachers, student associations and other partners. The student perspective is not automatically included in these discussions. It must be brought forward.
Share Your Feedback, We’ll Take It Forward
Do you have an idea, a concern, or positive feedback about student life, the student union, associations, or your studies? Please share it! Giving feedback is easy, and you don’t need to know who is responsible for the issue.
You don’t have to solve everything by yourself. Just tell us what’s on your mind – we will make sure your message reaches the right people.
As a Tutor you Support Others and Make an Impact
Tutoring is a great way to influence the student community and help others feel welcome. As a tutor, you support new students at the beginning of their studies and help them navigate student life in Finland.
You can share your own experiences, help new international students settle in, and influence how inclusive and welcoming the community is.
At the same time, tutoring helps you develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership – skills that are valuable both during your studies and in your future career.
Get Involved in the Student Union
If you want to influence matters more directly, you can apply to become a student union representative. HAMKO’s International Team, the Representative Council, the Board and other groups make decisions that affect students’ everyday lives.
Previous experience or perfect language skills is not needed in all operations, for example International Team operates in English. What matters most is motivation, openness, and a willingness to learn. As a student union actor, you’ll gain valuable experience, build networks, and see how student advocacy works in practice in Finland.
Influencing at the National Level
The student union doesn’t only work locally. It is a member of National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences – SAMOK, which represents students’ interests at the national level.
SAMOK influences issues such as student financial aid, education policy, and student well-being across Finland. Its board consists of students from universities of applied sciences – students like you.
When you are involved in the student union, your voice can travel from your campus all the way to national decision-making.