Guide to Exchange Studies
- Introduction
- Where Can I Go for an Exchange?
- How to Choose which Partner University to Attend
- What are Exchange Studies All About?
- Full-time Studies
- Exchange Report
- What is Required for Going Abroad as an Exchange Student ?
- In what Language and on which Level Can I Study?
- Language Tests
- Funding of Exchange Studies
- How are Credits Transferred at Hanken Upon Return?
- What Information Should the Application Contain?
- The Results of the Application Process
- Accommodation
- Visa and Residence Permit
- Insurance
Introduction
Welcome, this is your opportunity to apply for and go abroad on exchange studies! You are about to do something that you won't regret, and experience things that will give you memories for life.
The duration of the exchange periods vary between a minimum of three months to a maximum of twelve months (a full academic year), depending on the semesters at the different partner universities. You can find information on the application deadlines under When can I apply? to the left.
It's easy to apply for going abroad on exchange studies. All the forms needed for the application are found on the web under How do I apply? to the left.
The following requirements need to be fulfilled for exchange studies at Master's degree level at one of Hanken's partner universities:
- a Bachelor's degree
- success in the studies at Hanken
- proof of sufficient language skills (read more about the language requirements and tests further on in this guide)
- motivation for and interest in exchange studies
NB! Previous language courses completed at Hanken are not a prerequisite for exchange studies. The necessary language proficiency can also be demonstrated through taking official language tests (such as TOEFL, DALF, TestDaf). Please note that some partner universities require a language test.
How should I proceed?
- Read this guide carefully and follow the given instructions
- Check with the person responsible for your Masters programme when and how an exchange semester abroad would fit into your particular programme.
- Go through the list of partner universities
- Check which universities offer exchange students the possibility to study and take courses at Master's degree level in the interactive table "Where can I go?" . The table also gives you information on any other possible requirements requested by the universities, as well as the size of the scholarships that Hanken offer for each university.
- Read the catalogues and brochures on the partner universities available in the Learning Lab in Helsinki and in the reading hall in Vaasa.
- Read the reports written by former exchange students from Hanken. The reports give you a realistic picture of studies at the various partner universities. The reports are found in the Learning Lab in Helsinki and in the reading hall in Vaasa. Unfortunately most of these reports are to date only available in Swedish.
- After reading these instructions carefully; you are welcome to come and discuss different options within the framework of Hanken's exchange study programme with the coordinator for international affairs, Johanna Liljequist, at the Centre for Research and International Affairs.
Office hours in Helsinki:
Monday 13-15
Wednesday 10-12
Thursday 13-15
Friday 10-12
Office hours in Vaasa:
A few times per semester. Exact dates are posted on the information board.
More information on office hours is found under
Contact information .
Johanna Liljequist is best reached by
e-mail or by phone (09) 431 33 391.
Good luck with your application! Don't let this great opportunity pass you by. We look forward to receiving your application.
Best regards,
The Centre for Research and International Affairs
Where Can I Go for an Exchange?
Hanken has exchange partnerships with close to 100 universities. You will find a list of the universities under Partner universities . The list shows many different alternatives. Here you will also find the interactive table Info and criteria which we recommend you to use. Read the criteria and language requirements carefully and find out if there are any specific conditions relevant for the different universities before you decide on your alternatives. In the application you must select 15 partner universities in priority order. Please observe that stating only one alternative does not mean higher priority, qualifications are always the first selection criteria.
How to Choose which Partner University to Attend
It is highly recommended that you study closely the different courses and tracks offered by the partner universities before deciding where to go. Pay special attention to which language the courses are offered in and which of the universities that offer courses at the Master's degree level. More information on the level of studies at each university is found in the table under Info and criteria .
NB! It is very important that you discuss your choice of courses with the professor responsible for your programme at Hanken. Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will be able to attend exactly the courses you have initially chosen.
To get an overview of Hanken's partner universities:
- Contact students who have already spent one semester abroad (contact details are provided by the Centre of Research and International Affairs).
- Read the reports written by former exchange students from Hanken (to date these are, however, only available in Swedish). These are found in blue folders next to the partner university brochures in the learning lab in Helsinki and in red folders in the reading hall in Vaasa.
- Become thoroughly acquainted with the information found on the partner universities' websites. Links to their web sites are found under the heading Partner universities.
- Study the brochures and leaflets with information on the partner universities available in the learning lab in Helsinki and in the reading hall in Vaasa.
Most universities have direct links on their web sites to the courses open to exchange students. Unfortunately it is not always easy to find more detailed information on courses and actual course descriptions. In most cases you can get a better idea of what is on offer by going through courses given the current year. Since there rarely are any course descriptions as such available on the web, exchange students are in general faced with making their preliminary choice of courses based solely on course titles.
The final choice of courses is made once you have been granted an exchange student position and the receiving university asks you to choose your courses (during spring/summer/autumn). Sometimes the actual final choice of courses isn't made until you have arrived at your destination. Some universities require that you choose and follow a set track/programme of courses. Hence, you may not be allowed to choose your courses freely.
NB! The beginning and duration of semesters at the partner universities are not always the same as at Hanken. At some of Hanken's partner universities the autumn semester starts in October and ends in February. This means that students need to go back in January-February to take their exams. The spring semester may start in February to April and ends in June-July. Please take this into account when planning your exchange studies.
More information on different educational systems and structures of university studies in different countries is found in CIMO's country guides (only in Finnish) available on their web site.
These guides are also available in the learning lab in Helsinki and in the reading hall in Vaasa.
Where can I study at the Master's Degree level?
Hanken has exchange agreements with approximately 100 universities. Please see the column
Level in the list
In what language and on which level can I study? under the heading
In what langauge and on which level can I study? for more information on the level of studies at each university.
Before deciding which university to choose:
- Read carefully the criteria and language requirements
- Check if the universities you are interested in have any additional requirements
- Discuss your choice of university and courses with the professor responsible for your programme at Hanken
You are allowed to apply to five different universities at once. If you choose to apply to several universities, please specify the order of preference. If you have no preferences please state that too. The more detail and information you provide, the easier it is to take everyone's wishes into account as far as possible.
NB! Only applying to one university does not give you priority. Decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications.
What are Exchange Studies All About?
The duration of exchange studies vary from a minimum of three months (=one semester at Hanken) to a maximum of twelve months (one academic year). We recommend that you go on an exchange only for a semester. The possibility to go on an exchange and the scholarships offered are primarily intended for students who can include them in their degree at Hanken. Approximately 30 ECTS out of the 120 ECTS in your Master's degree can be completed abroad.
Full-time Studies
The exchange program at Hanken requires that your studies abroad correspond to a full course load and full-time studies at the receiving university. In other words, approximately 30 ECTS/semester should be what you aim for. If you fail to meet what can be considered to be a full course load for a semester or if you do not complete your stay, you may be obliged to partly or completely reimburse Hanken for the scholarships you've received.
Exchange Report
Upon your return to Hanken you are required to hand in an exchange report. The report should include an account of your studies and your stay abroad. Please express your honest opinion as the report will also serve as a source of information for other students contemplating where to go to study abroad. A check list of what is to be included in the report is available on the web and at the Centre for Research and International Affairs. The credits for courses completed abroad are only transferred after the exchange report has been handed in and approved.
What is Required for Going Abroad as an Exchange Student ?
The selection of students to be sent abroad within the framework of Hanken's exchange program is based on written applications. The decisions are primarily based on successful studies and language skills, but also on other merits and personal circumstances. Hanken makes the decision as to whom to send and the receiving university makes the final decision on whom they accept. Hanken has, together with its partner universities, agreed on what criteria and language requirements are to be applied.
As a rule your exchange studies shouldn't prolong your studies at Hanken, therefore your studies abroad should be included in your degree. This means that you should preferably be able to include the credits completed abroad in the 120 ECTS of your Master's degree. Thus, when processing the applications we retain the right to give priority to students who are able to include the courses completed abroad in their degree. Should competition arise, priority is given to the student who can include the courses completed abroad in his/her degree.
The partner universities offer courses/tracks either at Bachelor's degree or Master's degree level. Some offer courses at both levels. You can check the level of the courses on offer to exchange students in the interactive table Where can I go? . In this table you can also check whether the university requires a language test (TOEFL or IELTS).
The selection process is administered by the Centre for Research and International Affairs. The coordinator for international affairs presents the applications to the Committee of International Affairs. The Committee consists of one representative from each department, the director of the Centre for Research and International Affairs and two student representatives (one from Helsinki and the other from Vaasa). The Committee's recommendations are presented before the Rector who makes the final decision. The Rector makes her decision based on the criteria presented above, taking into account the special circumstances mentioned below. The Rector's decision is final and no complaints can be made. The justification for the decision is not made public.
Criteria taken into consideration in the selection process for exchange studies at Master's degree level at one of Hanken's partner universities:
A) A Bachelor degree
B) Success in the studies at Hanken
Students studying at one of the Master's Degree Programmes in English should have proof of successful studies at Hanken. Furthermore, the receiving universities' preferences and requirements with regards to grades and number of completed credit points are taken into consideration in the selection process.
If an applicant's pace of study has been slow as a consequence of activity in the student union it is taken into consideration. Other engagements or work do not, however, serve as an explanation for not completing a full course load.
NB! In cases where a student lags behind mainly due to illness, family reasons, military service, international internship or parental leave, these have previously been taken into account. However, the student has to report these reasons in writing in order for them to be considered.
In exceptional cases when the Committee finds it justified, it can make recommandations based on criteria that differ from the above. This is, however, very rare.
C) Language proficiency
Studies abroad are usually carried out in the native language of the host university. Hence, excellent language skills are necessary. An exchange student should be able to follow lectures and complete both written and oral tasks in the receiving country's native language. Moreover, the student has to be able to take exams in the language in question.
Please note that many universities offer courses also in English. For more information, please consult the interactive table Where can I go? . In this table you can also check if the host university requires a language test.
Nordic countries: The courses are offered in English
Requirements: Good knowledge of English, TOEFL or IELTS or CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) or equivalent level i.e. If you have not been required to submit a language test result when applying to Hanken, please note that if a partner university requires a test score result you shall take the langauge test.
Please check the interactive table
Where can I go?
Studies in French
Good knowledge of French or English
Requirements: DALF-test or French V at Hanken or equivalent level
NB! When applying you should either have completed or currently be enrolled in the course French V. You need to have passed the course before leaving.
NB! Most partner universities in France offer programmes in English.
Requirements: Good knowledge of English, TOEFL or IELTS or CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) or equivalent level i.e. If you have not been required to submit a language test result when applying to Hanken, please note that if a partner university requires a test score result you shall take the langauge test.
For informaton on in what language you can study at different universities, please check the interactive table
Where can I go?
Studies in German
Good knowledge of German
Requirements: TestDaf , German V at Hanken or equivalent level
NB! When applying you should either have completed or currently be enrolled in the course German V. You need to have passed the course before leaving.
NB! Many German universities offer programmes in English.
Requirements: Good knowledge of English, TOEFL or IELTS or CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) or equivalent level i.e. If you have not been required to submit a language test result when applying to Hanken, please note that if a partner university requires a test score result you shall take the langauge test.
For informaton on in what language you can study at different universities, please check the interactive table
Where can I go?
Studies in Spanish
Good knowledge of Spanish
Requirements: DELE-test or Spanish I (A and B), Spanish II (A and B) and one optional course at Hanken.
NB! When applying you may be enrolled in the optional course and then pass the course before leaving.
NB! Tec de Monterrey, campus Monterrey, also offers courses in English. A TOEFL or IELTS test is required. Basic knowledge in Spanish is recommended.
Please check the interactive table Where can I go?
Studies in English
Good knowledge of English
Requirements: Good knowledge of English, TOEFL or IELTS or CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English) or equivalent level i.e.
If you have not been required to submit a language test result when applying to Hanken, please note that if a partner university requires a test score result you shall take the langauge test.
Please check the interactive table
Where can I go?
Studies in Italy; All exchange students should be able to complete courses in Italian. (Requirement: A language certificate from your language teacher)
D) Motivation and interest in exchange studies.
The applicant is to submit also a
Letter of motivation explaining the rationale behind the student's application
In what Language and on which Level Can I Study?
By using the interactive table Where can I go? you can get information about:
- the sum of the scholarship you will receive for each university
- in what language you can study
- on which level you can study
- if the university requires a language test
- when the semester starts and ends
For detailed information on the semesters, please check the information given on the universities web pages (you often find this information under
academic calendar). Please note that the autumn semester can continue in January-February (exam period). In the spring semester the exam period can be in July. Please don't book any tickets before you know when your last exam is. You have to complete all the courses (full workload) and exams before you leave your host university. Otherwise you have to pay back your scholarship.
Very many universities offer courses in English, so check the list carefully. If you have to take a language test you have to take this good in advance before the deadline for applications in the Hanken application round. You can read more about the language tests under Language tests below
.
Language Tests
English
There are two main English language tests; TOEFL and IELTS.
TOEFL-test:
More information on the TOEFL-test: www.premeria.fi, www.toefl.org.
Premeria's office is located at
Meritullinkatu 1 C (4th floor).
00170 Helsinki
e-mail:
info|at|premeria.fi
tel: +358 50 551 9644
IELTS-test:
More information on the IELTS-test: www.finnbrit.fi, www.ielts.org
Finnish British Society, FINNBRIT Language Centre
tel: +358 (0)9 687 70230, Fax: +358 (0)9 687 70 210
e-mail: ielts(at)finnbrit.fi
NB! Take the test well in advance of the application deadline.
French
The required French language test is called DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française). The test can be taken at Centre Culturel Francais:
Kaapelitehdas
Tallbergin katu 1 C 135
00180 Helsinki
More information: www.edufrance.fr, tel: +358 9 2510210
NB! Take the test well in advance of the application dead line.
German
The German language test is called TestDaf. The test can be taken at Hanken. Price: 120 euros
More information here.
NB! Take the test well in advance of the application deadline.
Spanish
The Spanish language test is called DELE (Diploma de Español como lengua Extranjera) The test can be taken at University of Helsinki, Kielikeskus and University of Tampere, Kielikeskus. Price: 95 euros
More information visit www.cervantes.es/portada_b.htm and www.helsinki.fi/kksc/language.services/kielikoulutus
NB! Take the test well in advance of the application deadline.
Funding of Exchange Studies
The expenses for going abroad on an exchange vary from country to country. Some expenses that everyone has to cover include: the trip to and from the partner university, accommodation and food, public transport, insurance and possible fees to be paid to the university. Tuition fees are not required of students going abroad on an exchange within Hanken's exchange programme.
Important:
All students going on an exchange within the framework of Hanken's exchange programme are entitled to a scholarship. NB! For the academic year 2010-2011 scholarships are not automatically given to students who have already been abroad once within the Hanken exchange program. The scholarships are intended to function as partial financing of the exchange. A list of the scholarships according to university and semester is found under the heading How to finance my exchange studies.
- You can also apply for financial aid for students for the exchange period. The study grant is 259,01 euros/month (net 233,11 euro/month). The housing supplement is 210 euros/month for most countries. The government guarantee for student loans is 440 euro/month.
NB! There are some restrictions as to who is eligible for financial aid to students. All students who aren't Finnish citizens should read more on www.kela.fi→english or contact the Secretary of Student Financial Aid at the Office for Study Affairs at Hanken. - Other funding possibilities
It may be worthwhile checking daily newspapers and other possible sources for other funding opportunities. Especially students going to the United States or Japan should take this opportunity for additional funding into account. For example, students going to Japan for a full academic year have the possibility of getting a scholarship from a Japanese fund. More information on this opportunity is available at the Centre for Research and International Affairs.
Also visit the following websites:
http://fyrk.luckan.fi (only in Swedish)
http://www.syl.fi/opiskelijapalvelut/apurahat (only in Swedish and Finnish)
Remember that you have nothing to lose by applying for additional scholarships for your exchange studies, but you have everything to gain! You can apply well in advance, even before you know whether you have been accepted or not.
What Information Should the Application Contain?
All forms needed for your application are available at How do I apply? The Student application form is to be filled-in using a computer thereafter it should be printed and signed. Before handing in the application a photo should be attached.
The following enclosures are to be handed in with the application form:
- the form "ECTS learning agreement" (preliminary choice of courses)
- a CV with a photo attached
- a letter of motivation in which you present yourself in the language of the intended host university. At this stage it is, however, sufficient to enclose only a CV and a letter of motivation for your first preference. You will be asked to write/translate these documents into another language if needed.
Please enclose proof of any other merits you refer to in your application. (Carefully consider which merits that are truly relevant). Remember that your application is the first impression you make. Do not underestimate the negative effect a sloppy application has. A complete and carefully filled-in application form facilitates the processing of your application and makes a good first impression.
Transcript of Records:
The Centre for Research and International Affairs prints a transcript of records for you as close to the application deadline as possible. So you needn't ask the Office of Study Affairs to do it for you!
When is the application to be handed in?
Please see When can I apply?
The application can be sent to:
The Centre for Research and International Affairs
P.O.Box 479
00101 Helsinki
Or handed in during office hours (Mondays 1-3 pm, Wednesdays 10-12 am, Thursdays 1-3 pm and Fridays 10-12 am). You can also drop it in the green postbox. In Vaasa you can give it to the Office of Study Affairs.
The Results of the Application Process
The decisions/results from the February application round are available at the beginning of April. The results from the August/September application round are available in October. The results are made public on the information board for exchange studies in Helsinki and on the information board next to the Office of Study Affairs in Vaasa. All applicants are also informed about the results per mail at their home address. The letter contains information on which university the applicant has been admitted to and a confirmation form that is to be handed in to the International Programme Co-ordinator. Those chosen have a few days to decide whether or not to accept the position offered.
Accommodation
All Hanken's partner universities have agreed to help incoming exchange students to find accommodation for their exchange period. This agreement is, however, interpreted in many ways. At best you are handed a key upon arrival. It may, however, also mean that you are simply handed a list of contacts. Usually exchange students stay in the campus dorms, but in some cases you may have to rent an apartment/room on the open market. In these cases you may be handed a list of organizations or people whom you are to contact yourself. You are always responsible for your own accommodation expenses regardless of where you stay. Be prepared to pay a deposit for your accommodation. Please inform the International Programme Co-ordinator at Hanken and the receiving university if you intend to make accommodation arrangements independently. The receiving university must be informed about this before the deadline they have set for the need for accommodation.
Visa and Residence Permit
The embassy or consulate of the receiving country and its web pages are usually a good source of information. There you are usually able to find information on what is needed when applying for a visa. A basic requirement, however, is that you should have a letter of acceptance from the receiving university. You will receive this letter once your position has been confirmed and the receiving university has been informed of your decision to accept the position.
General information is also available at CIMO's web pages, www.cimo.fi.
Each student going to a country where a visa is needed should take care of all the necessary arrangements and paperwork herself/himself. Prepare and hand in your visa application well in advance of your departure date, as it may take up to several weeks to obtain your visa. The fees for visas vary from country to country.
Citizens of one EU member state going to another member state do not need a visa. Please contact the embassy/consulate for more detailed information.
Non-EU citizens can take part in the ERASMUS exchange program (exchange within Europe). However, students who are citizens of a non-EU country should check carefully with the necessary authorities how exchange studies in a third country will affect their residence permit in Finland. Please also note that it can take time (several months) to get a visa to another country.
Financial Plan
A financial plan explaining how you will cover all expenses while studying abroad is required when applying for a visa or a residence permit. At Hanken the Secretary of Student Financial Aid at the Office for Study Affairs issues the necessary certificates in English regarding possible student loans that you have been granted. The Centre for Research and International Affairs provides you with certificates of the scholarships you have been granted. A bank statement of your/your parents' assets is also required.
Insurance
Find out well in advance before leaving how the health care system works in your country of destination and whether citizens from your country are covered by that system through some sort of agreement. More information is available from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA), www.kela.fi →english.
If you are going to a country within Europe you should apply for a European Health Care Card from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA). You have the right to health care during a temporary stay abroad such as exchange studies. The European Health Care Card guarantees that you get the same treatment as the country's own citizens are entitled to under its laws and regulations. The Social Insurance Institution of Finland can give you information on which institutions in your country of destination where you can seek help. Should you, however, choose to seek help from a health care practice or a doctor not covered by the reimbursement system, then you are responsible for the expenses yourself.
NB! The European Health Care Card only covers health care that the countries' own citizens would be entitled to in the same situation. Thus, if you are in need of special transport back to Finland as a consequence of an accident or illness then you're responsible for covering all expenses. Therefore it is important to have private travel insurance that covers this kind of expense during your studies abroad.
If you are going to a country outside Europe it is even more important that you inform yourself on the prevailing health care system. We recommend that you, regardless of destination, take private insurance that covers possible health care, medical transports and loss of luggage. The insurance that the receiving university requires does not always provide you with the necessary coverage in case of illness or accidents. Contact your own insurance company and ask them to help you get full coverage for your stay abroad. Remember that an English version of your insurance policy may come in handy!