Other internationalisation possibilities
Intercultural communication and learning foreign languages are skills that help you understand different cultural perspectives and ways of operating. By exploring these themes, you'll have the chance to reflect on your own cultural background as well as how people from other countries and communities think, communicate, and act—for example, in working life. In today’s world, this kind of intercultural competence is essential and valued.
Visiting lecturers
Each year the Degree Programme in Information Technology organise Summer Schools with international lecturers. Metropolia's students are all welcome to participate in these courses. Additionally, many lecturers from our partner institutions abroad visit Metropolia. Their lectures and courses offer new insights and expertise in specific fields. The visiting lecturers usually come to Metropolia through Erasmus teacher exchange or other international agreements.
Language studies
Extensive and fluent language skills are an asset in the working life. English is a world language, but by studying good skills in other languages gives an advantage in the labour market. The students of Metropolia are offered a wide selection of languages to study. Language studies at Metropolia focus on the language and communication skills that are the most useful in regard of the profession and the working life. The curriculum includes language studies as part of the degree and as elective studies. If you start advancing your language skills already during your first year of study, there are more options for student exchange and work placement abroad.
Virtual exchanges are good opportunities to gain additional professional and intercultural knowledge, even if you are not able to participate the long-term or short-term student exchanges abroad. Virtual exchange possibilities are posted in field-specific workspaces.
Additionally, your degree programme may as part of individual courses organise virtual exchange settings with the partner universities. They are good ways to learn from another culture and diverse approaches. Keep in mind that degree programmes also organise Blended Intensive Programmes, which combine both physical and online components.
Working life needs international talent. Many higher education students gain international competences during their studies, however often these competences remain hidden. Global Talent Open Badge is a digital open badge making these competences visible and is developed by Finnish higher education institutions. With Global Talent Open Badge it is easier for employers to find talents with international competence recognised by higher education institutions.
As a global talent you have:
- gained exceptional global competence during studies
- persistent, curious and courageous
- adaptable to new environments
- problem-solving skills
- multicultural team-working skills
- interest in global issues
- involved in international networks
- a can-do attitude
As a Global Talent Open Badge holder you have:
- Completed a part of your studies in a foreign language
- Studied new languages
- Learned about intercultural competence
- Chosen professional courses with a global angle
- Spent a semester or completed work placement abroad
You can find more information about the Global Talent Open Badge in the GTOB website.
Open Badge is a digital tool of credentials to recognise and acknowledge existing competences gained through different means. Additionally Open Badge describes criteria on basis of which the Open Badge has been issued to its holder. Holder of an Open Badge can display and share it in different on-line platforms (e.g. LinkedIn, online CV, etc.), and it is always issued based on verified credentials. Open Badges help students to be found by employers and employers to find students!
What and how?
Three areas of competence within Global Talent Open Badge:
- Language and communication
- Intercultural competence
- International experience abroad
More detailed information about the criteria can be found in the GTOB website.
Global Talent Open Badge can be awarded to a student who has fullfilled all criteria (language and communication, intercultural competence and international experience abroad). Studies can be completed at Metropolia and/or in another higher education institution in Finland or abroad. You can also use study offer by Campusonline.
Apply for Global Talen Open Badge by contacting International Relations Adviser Tiina Piipponen. You need to attach to the form all relevant certificates, that could be e.g. study transcript from Metropolia and/or higher education institution abroad, work placement certificate, language certificate or short video.
Any questions?
For further information, contact International Relations Adviser Tiina Piipponen
At Metropolia each year exchange students from all over the world arrive to study for a semester or an academic year, in addition to the group of international degree students. Metropolia's students can help our international students by acting as international tutors. The help of the tutors is essential, since it is important for the international students to get to know Metropolia students and learn about the studies and the student life in Metropolia as well as about local culture and customs.
However, being an international tutor benefits the tutor as well. As a tutor you will meet new people and learn about new cultures and have a chance to make friends from all around the world. The tutors can also participate in various social events as, in addition to helping with practical matters, the tutors organise events for the international students.
Metropolia's student union METKA organises a training session for all new tutors. In the training session tutors will learn what being a tutor means as well as get to know the other tutors and plan the upcoming events together. You can also become a tutor in your field of expertise. The student union of Metropolia, METKA, is responsible for recruiting and training tutors and organising tutor activities.