Results of the International Metropolia Survey: International Students Are Satisfied with Teaching and Support Services
In January, Metropolia conducted a large-scale survey to find out what kinds of experiences students, staff, and partners have regarding the current state of internationalisation at Metropolia.
A total of 954 students responded to the survey. At the beginning of the survey, students selected their response language, field of study, and whether they had lived in Finland for more or less than 10 years. This categorisation was used to find out how international students experience Metropolia’s services and how they have integrated into Finland.
More than 7,500 ideas and comments were collected and processed anonymously in cooperation with the survey conductor Fountain Park, as part of the Kansainväliset osaajat TyöElämään (International talents to working life) project funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. This article summarises the key results for Metropolia students.
Support measures at the beginning of studies received compliments and internationalisation was seen important
Students rated the state of internationalisation at Metropolia at an average of 3.92 out of 5. Most students, both those who had lived in Finland for a long time and those who had arrived more recently, felt that joining the Metropolia community had gone fairly or very well.
Respondents reported particularly positive experiences with Metropolia’s helpful teachers, staff members, support services, tutors, and various information channels. Students who had lived in Finland for a shorter period told that their challenges were mainly related to settling in Finland and managing life outside their studies, for example, when dealing with authorities. Their responses also highlighted uncertainty related to the Finnish language and culture.
Students who had lived in Finland all their lives or for a long time viewed internationality as a positive factor that enhances cultural understanding and sense of community. They also felt that an international study environment provides important competences for diverse working life. When students were asked what would lead to a better state of internationalisation at Metropolia by 2030, the most important factors were related to zero tolerance for racist attitudes and ensuring that students have the necessary conditions for living and employment in Finland.
Students wished for more encounters during studies and extended support for job seeking
Students studying in English and Finnish expressed a desire to have more opportunities to interact with each other as it would support integration, add to one’s international experiences, and improve language skills. These encounters were particularly hoped to be offered during studies as opportunities to participate in free-time activities may be limited. This is an important message. Although interaction between Finnish and international students are already supported through joint projects and internships, more group working opportunities should be provided in the future.
The survey responses reinforce results of national studies such as Youth Barometer (2025): students’ number one concern is employment. Based on Metropolia’s survey, most students who have lived in Finland for a shorter time would like to pursue – or could imagine pursuing – a career on their field in Finland. However, they are concerned about the labour market situation and the sufficiency of their language skills. Many of these students reported difficulties in finding both part-time jobs and internships and expressed a need for even more direct guidance in finding employment opportunities.
Results support service development
The survey provides an important insight into how our community experiences internationalisation, and the results will be used to develop education, services, and other measures. Metropolia’s services and actions related to international students have been organised within the Kansainväliset osaajat TyöElämään (International talents to working life) project for the aim of having even better internal coordination and new solutions.
Further information
Eeva Viitanen
Director, Strategic Development
Johanna Liukkonen
Project Director
Sofia Lähdeniemi
Head of International Affairs