Inside Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences

"Snow in April is unusual, even in Finland. Normally we have better weather here at this time of year." This apology was frequently uttered by the hosts on the first day of the Erasmus+ International Staff Week at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki. Heavy snowfall right at the beginning of the four-day event took participants by surprise, but by the same token was an ideal starting point to discuss the country's usual climatic conditions and learn more about the country and its people. The International Relations Office of the Finnish university of applied sciences invited representatives of its European partner universities for a week of networking, exchanging experiences, and discussing best practices. In sum, it allowed everyone to generate novel ideas and develop new angles for their own work.

Varied program for international guests

The theme of International Week 2024 was the concept of Service Design, but participants were also able to register for modules in the fields of marketing and librarianship. A total of 46 delegates from various universities across Europe – including Malta, France, Slovenia and, of course, Austria – accepted the invitation and immersed themselves not only in cold water while ice bathing after a few minutes in a Finnish sauna, but also in the working methods of their international colleagues. This was not only a unique opportunity to get to know Haaga-Helia and its various campuses and to gain an insight into the Finnish education system: Professional discussions were just as much on the agenda as networking with each other.  

Vera Dietl, MA, Head of Study Management, on her stay: "I found this experience not only professionally enriching, but also very inspiring on a personal level. The combination of professional exchange, cultural insights, and the hospitality of our Finnish hosts made this staff week an unforgettable experience. I look forward to applying what I have learned back at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol and hope to continue working with Haaga-Helia and other international partners."

As expected, the staff mobility week started with a presentation of the host university and a tour of its cutting-edge campus. Already this first item on the agenda allowed participants to gain inspiration for their own work. The in-house marketing agency, which is run by students under the guidance of experienced faculty, was particularly impressive. This setup enables students to gain relevant practical work experience during their studies in addition to their theoretical knowledge and underlines their commitment to their subject area. The topics of innovation and entrepreneurship also play a major role at the Finnish educational institution. Dedicated labs and special courses for prototyping make it easier for students to put their own ideas into practice with the support of their professors. Workshops were on the agenda for days two and three. Here, participants once again had the opportunity to engage in intensive discussions with international colleagues and learn from each other.

"Through this staff exchange, I had a chance to network with around 50 international colleagues who work in the fields of academic affairs, international relations, alumni affairs, and marketing. It was interesting to exchange insights on the cultural and legal differences in the educational sector, even within Europe. For me, personally, the most relevant aspect in all of this was the area of marketing to prospective students. Many of us seem to face similar challenges, such as reaching a young target group with a short attention span and competing with the ever-increasing (digital) flood of available content," said Yvonne Kestermann, BSc, Corporate Design & Campaigns Expert. "In order to find solutions to these problems, it is vital to continuously reflect on these questions and to exchange ideas with others in the sector. This exchange was a terrific opportunity to broaden my horizons and to practice thinking outside of the box."

Finland, the country of coffee drinkers

In addition to professional development and academic input, networking and honing international skills were central elements of the staff week. A fun fact that was emphasized time and again, be it during our city tour through Helsinki or the hosts’ introduction to Finnish culture: Finnish people, somewhat unexpectedly, have the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world. Another highlight was the International Dinner at Pasila, the second Helsinki campus of the host university. The table arrangement resembled that of a wedding party and the participants easily got into conversation with each other without forming the otherwise common country-specific groups. The joint excursion to the Vierumäki sports campus, an hour and a half’s drive away from Helsinki, strengthened the camaraderie among the visitors and at the same time presented a different side of the university, which offers programs in the fields of business, technology, and hospitality. In the final wrap-up discussion, all participants agreed that the organization and program designed by the host institution was exemplary and that everyone would be more than ready to return for another International Staff Week at Haaga.

"The staff week in Helsinki offered a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from all over Europe and learn from best practice examples. I very much appreciate having been able to take advantage of this offer and would wholeheartedly recommend that everyone seizes the opportunity offered by Erasmus+ staff weeks to broaden their professional and cultural horizons," said Lisa Krekel, Head of Communications.

About Erasmus+ Staff Mobility

As part of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Program, staff members of Austrian universities can complete short, funded stays at partner universities in one of the European program countries as well as in partner countries worldwide. Erasmus+ staff mobility for training purposes allows administrative staff to gain new insights for their work and promotes the expansion of networks in the field of academic administration.