Alumni stories

Hello. I am Lucia. I am 21 years old and originally from Hong Kong, China. After graduating from high school, I decided to study in Finland because Finland is a place that I have always wanted to visit. The cold weather, snow, nature, and northern lights attracted me to Rovaniemi. I have been interested in accounting, economics, and marketing since high school. I also wanted to live in an international environment and meet new people from different countries, so I decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in International Business.

The three years I have spent studying at Lapland UAS have been a wonderful experience. When I first arrived in Rovaniemi, I was nervous and excited at the same time because it was my first time living abroad alone in an environment with a completely different culture, language, and weather. Luckily, the teachers at Lapland UAS helped and supported me a lot, and they always ensured that we did not have problems in our studies and lives. Students are welcome to meet teachers to chat and ask questions after class.

The courses in International Business include economics, marketing, project management, sustainable logistics, accounting, finance and sustainability. They also include practical projects such as operating a virtual company, conducting a marketing campaign, and planning and executing projects with Finnish companies. These courses helped me learn more about business and how to apply it in real life.

During my study life at Lapland UAS, I had opportunities to meet new people worldwide. The International Business class includes students from different countries and cultural backgrounds. It was interesting to get to know their cultures and stories. I also got a chance to be an international student ambassador to welcome international guests and exchange students, plan activities for them, and do social media marketing for the study life in Lapland. Through this experience, I met new friends and understood more about Rovaniemi and Lapland. I also had practical experience in marketing, which is a specialisation that I am interested in.

Moreover, Lapland UAS offers various international projects that allow students to cooperate with students from other schools to complete a project. I had the chance to participate in a sustainability project called STRETCH, in which we worked with students from Finland, the Netherlands and Belgium to organise an SDG festival in Belgium. It was an excellent experience for us to improve our project management, communication and creativity skills.

Thanks to all the teachers for supporting and helping me with my studies and thesis. It is an unforgettable memory of studying at Lapland UAS. It has helped me pursue and prepare for my career path in the business field. I highly recommend students be proactive and participate in various opportunities offered by the school to gain practical and valuable experiences. I am grateful to have met all the teachers and classmates during my study journey.

Tsz Mei Lai (Lucia)
Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business
Alumni 2024

Hello, my name is Dasha, and I am 37 years old.

Fifteen years ago, I embarked on my first career path. Later, I took courses in a different field of specialization but eventually returned to my original profession. Overall, I have struggled to find a career where I feel comfortable and see potential for development and career growth. After I had a son, my role as a mother became my primary focus, and I didn't consider pursuing a career. However, when the pandemic caused the world to come to a halt, I found myself on an indefinite break. During this time, I had the opportunity to reflect on what I truly wanted from life. I came to the realization that the one thing I lacked in my life was achieving professional fulfillment. After noticing this gap in my life, I was determined to work towards achieving it.

At the last minute, I applied to Lapland University of Applied Sciences and, fortunately, got a place in the International Business group. As an adult student, my student life was different from the traditional life of a student because, in addition to studies, I also had other important responsibilities, such as raising my son, home loan, and work. Therefore, I highly appreciated the fact that Rovaniemi is such a compact city, and commuting from home to the university and work was time-efficient. The course schedule was well-planned, and I had ample time on weekdays to complete independent and group assignments. In addition to the main required courses, it was possible to take courses of interest (correlated with the main courses) and complete them online; this also helped me achieve a better balance between my studies, work, and personal life.

As a part of our curriculum, I along with other students organized a project. During this project, I came across a fantastic place for my practical training. This opportunity not only gave me a great start for my professional development but also helped me establish a few important connections. During my years of study, I developed important skills such as time management, organization, prioritization, and socializing.

I highly recommend Lapland University of Applied Sciences for those seeking to broaden their horizons and improve their lives. All individuals, regardless of age, religion, culture, gender, or social characteristics, are welcome there and will receive educational guidance and support.

Dasha
Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business
Alumni 2023

Lapland UAS - Where Nature and Diversity Inspire Dreams

Surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, Lapland University of Applied Sciences stands as a center of both academic greatness and cultural diversity. The Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, marketing, self-development, the intricacies of non-profit and non-governmental organizations, and modern sustainability in business. I will share my journey as an international business student, uncovering the reasons behind my choice, the invaluable lessons I gained, and the remarkable outcomes I achieved.

Why Lapland UAS and the International Business Degree

Following my high school years, I embarked on a period of self-discovery, recognizing the need to find my true calling. Fueled by a passion for singing and a fascination with economic inequalities, I sought a way to bridge these seemingly disparate interests. The program emerged as the perfect channel to explore my dreams. Choosing to study in Rovaniemi, my hometown, was driven by the charm of the serene pace of life, the enchanting natural surroundings, and the dynamic mix of students and tourists that breathe life into the heart of Lapland. With a focus on non-profit organizations and global business knowledge, Lapland UAS offered me the ideal platform to nurture my aspirations.

What I Gained from My Degree

The three years spent at Lapland UAS were transformative beyond my expectations. The curriculum not only provided me with an in-depth understanding of international business dynamics but also equipped me with the confidence to chase my deepest dreams. As I dived into the world of international business, I embarked on my own entrepreneurial journey through light-entrepreneurship, an endeavor supported by dedicated and resourceful educators. The blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience enabled me to approach my lifelong dream of becoming a singer with newfound enthusiasm and strategic clarity. The supportive atmosphere and active student associations further enriched my academic and personal growth.

From Graduation to Actualization - Where Am I Now?

As a proud graduate, I stand today as a living testament to the program's efficacy. Equipped with the entrepreneurial skills cultivated during my studies, I now perform as a recording artist and singer-songwriter. The flexible degree structure and the guidance of exceptional lecturers enabled me to graduate six months ahead of schedule, providing me with the head start I needed to pursue my dreams with enthusiasm and confidence. With my own business now growing, I'm not only creating music but also managing the business aspects seamlessly – this was made possible by the comprehensive education I received.

Final Thoughts

To prospective applicants, I offer a warm recommendation for Lapland UAS, a place where dreams are nurtured and realized. The program goes beyond theoretical knowledge; it equips you with practical skills that resonate with your aspirations. Lapland's captivating environment combined with Rovaniemi's unique charm, creates an ideal atmosphere for learning and personal growth. For those yet to discover their dreams, I encourage you to embark on this journey at Lapland UAS, a place that may hold the key to unlocking your true passions. To my fellow students, I urge you to engage fully, explore every opportunity, and leverage the resources available. By doing so, you'll maximize the benefits of your education and pave the way for a future fulfilled by your passions and dreams.

To conclude, my time at Lapland UAS has been a wonderful voyage of self-discovery and empowerment. As I continue my musical journey, I carry with me the invaluable lessons and experiences that this institution has granted me, grateful for the role it played in shaping the person I've become.

Rosa Coste
Bachelor of Business Administration, International Business
Alumni 2023

Picture: Jesse Kulpakko / EJK Collective

Dear reader,
This note is coming from a person that wanted to give up her studies, but at the end succeeded to end them, and to complete. This is a sign that you should never give up and continue to reach great heights in every field you strive in.

My story starts when I dreamed to become a businesswoman, that will build a solid company through entrepreneurship. I had always been fascinated by business, marketing, and leadership.
I remember graduating from high school in Rovaniemi. I knew what I wanted to do at that point, I wanted to learn business in a country ranked high on its education system. So I chose to not leave Finland and study in the country for my university studies. I heard about Lapland UAS, I heard they were teaching Business Administration in English, I thought this university is near where I live and I should apply to become part of the student body of that institution.

I applied and I had so much fun learning and making new friends. I was so happy to have made a good choice for my future. Plus, I found the learning approach to be simplified and easy to understand kind of thing. I was very astonished at how the teachers could explain difficult concepts into easy words that anybody would understand.

So in my studying journey, we learned accounting, economics, marketing, innovative concepts, finance, entrepreneurship, sustainable business concepts, leadership, administration: IT tools etc. We also learned how to financially manage a company by playing simulations.

I have noticed that since I entered this university, I learned how to be proactive, how to be active, how to be optimistic, how to think in a business way, and how to lead a group of people. My before and after attitudes have great differences, thanks to this university. As you will become a completely different person since you start studying in there.

With all of these skill set and strengths, I am leaning towards having my own company and becoming an actual entrepreneur if not I would just be working in the human resources department and work my way up to become an HR manager whose role I admire a lot.

At last, we have come far in this studying journey, and it is time to say goodbye to this beautiful institution that really helped me grow as a student, as a business-interested person, as a person.

Au revoir et merci beaucoup Lapland UAS 
Nassira Kante, International Business student ( now alumni )

I am a 26-year-old Finnish American returnee, originally from Turku, Finland. I grew up in New Jersey and California, and after completing High School in the States, I knew it was time to return to Finland to pursue a higher education.

After already completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management in Porvoo, I came to the realization that I wanted to pursue a Degree in Business Administration because of my interest and passion for marketing. Through Lapland UAS, they have been able to cater toward my interest in marketing through the courses given along with courses on Campus Online, and ultimately during my exchange studies in Portugal.

The challenge, I faced during my studies had to do with the pandemic, and being able to properly focus remotely proved a challenge and took some transitioning into this way of learning. On the other hand, gaining the experience of studying remotely, has led me to become more and more interested in remote work, and this in due course led me to becoming fascinated with the idea of working completely remotely in the future.

I am content with the teachers support throughout my studies, and their availability, and overall super positive attitude toward all students. Our head teacher encourages students to visit her for any questions during her lunch break, and always made time for me and other students which created a friendly atmosphere. I can confidently Lapland UAS makes students feel welcome, and excited and motivated to attend the lectures.

About the courses offered in the IB Program, you have the opportunity to discover your interest because of the variety of courses offered. Through the IB Program, you will have the opportunity to take courses in Marketing, Finance, Logistics, Law, Management, Economics, Sustainability, and Linguistics. Through these courses, you can uncover your interests, and start to plan your future career.

Back to the topic of exchange studies, during your studies in the IB Program, you are given the opportunity to take part in an exchange equivalent to one year abroad. I heavily recommend every IB student to take full advantage of this opportunity and to take this leap of faith by going abroad. This will allow you to discover a new culture, make new friends abroad, grow as a person, discover a new learning system, and even learn a foreign language. I was able to capitalize on the exchange opportunity in Portugal, and through hard work and preparation before the exchange, I am now able to converse in Portuguese. After Portugal, I decided to continue my studies abroad once again, and it took me to Lithuania to complete my Practical Training, which was once again a giving experience.

Thank you, Lapland UAS, for setting up my foundation in International Business, and aiding me to continue my journey as an International Business Professional.

Julius Halme

Hello, everyone! I am Shi Shengjin (Allen) and I am very happy to share with you some of my study experiences in Lapland UAS regarding:

• Why I chose Finland as a study destination and why Lapland UAS?
• How does actual learning environment & experiences look like?
• Precious international internship experience & financial supports from Erasmus?
• Feelings & Challenges during the graduation process?

So, I chose Finland because of three important aspects:

1. It is the happiest, safest and stable country in the world.

2. Finland has world’s most well-known and cost-efficient education system. Importantly, Lapland UAS offers high-scholarships (almost free!!!) through every year for international students, which can largely reduce financial burden for their family. Furthermore, teaching style are quite flexible and humanized, individual study plan will be made based on the learning ability of the student which means he or she does not have to worry about getting lost in study progress as important lectures will be recorded on the study platform.

3. Lapland UAS is located in Kemi, Tornio and in Rovaniemi city which is a perfect masterpiece of nature and modernity as well as the hometown of Santa Claus, also just on Arctic Circle. Thus, many are able to see great Northern Lights as well as the opportunity to visit real Santa Claus. Excited?

As for learning experiences and environment as a whole, academic atmosphere in Lapland UAS is excellent and teachers are highly qualified as well. In addition, teachers will often give the feedback & improving advice after classes. More importantly, teaching methods in Lapland UAS are diverse, rich and professional (indoor and outdoor). For example, during the studies, the school will arrange many valuable activities for students regarding personal professional learning and growth such as company field visits, CEO entrepreneurial experience sharing & communication, different workshops and business projects, labs for testing business ideas, etc. This is something that business student needs.

Lapland UAS also provides compensated international internship opportunities for students. I achieved my first professional practical training in 2017 from May to November with a good financial support from Erasmus. I worked as a general manager assistant in a local hotel business in Spain. After half year in that position, I slowly realized what a real professional working life should be (strict work schedule & 100% execution, highly disciplined & emotional controlled, effective team cooperation and communication skills, excellent working competence, etc.). Thus, as a qualified entrepreneur, one not only requires number of professional theories from school but also the practices from actual work. Consequently, Lapland UAS can be an ideal study place which offers international students excellent business theories, the opportunity to do business projects with internationals and an internal platform for testing business ideas under the assistance from business tutors.

Most excited part but also challenges

Facing graduation, most students including me, are thrilled and sad in a way because a lot of things are coming to you at once such as thesis writing, feedback & improvement, graduation application process....and diploma certificate eventually received. However, I acquired both professional theories and practical work experiences during my degree studies in Lapland UAS from past 4 years. Thanks to all teachers who taught and helped me during my business studies and I felt indeed a powerful education system as well as enthusiastic teaching atmosphere, I am truly grateful for such efforts and patience from all of you teachers and I am very proud of my school! LOVE YOU️!!!

Shi Shengjin (Allen)

Born and raised in Veszprem, Hungary – sister town of Rovaniemi, my elementary school had organised a student exchange programme, during which we stayed with local Lappish families and went on school & leisure activities with them. I will never forget the first time I saw the reflection of the pine forest on the river and how I suddenly found myself feeling home at such an extraordinary place I have never been to. All in all, I knew I wanted to experience this modern system and their peaceful nordic lifestyle, so I decided to start planning my higher education studies back then already. My feelings were right back then: Lapland is the place to study and grow into the best self of who you are.

Planning my studies & moving to Rovaniemi

So around my last year of high-school, I realised that this dream of studying in Finland is not necessarily a dream and I can easily turn it into a plan that can be then executed, right? I didn’t really know what to study exactly back then & didn’t get much guidance on which direction to go for. As I did not know anyone who went to Finland to do their Bachelors, I started digging and doing a research, after which I knew plenty about their system, school types and even got interested in one of Lapland University of Applied Science’s programme. Their courses were built upon Problem and Project based learning, where teachers were sort of guiding how to apply your knowledge into certain areas of the field. They also offered student talent mentoring by their individual study plan programme, which perfectly suited their practice-oriented approach. The programme sounded just exactly what I needed after being raised up by a heavily academic education.

Application & moving to Lapland

After applying in January and taking the entrance exam, which is a test and an interview in April in Budapest. Having prepared well & being really enthusiastic about my studies in Lapland, I know I will get accepted. As the Finnish entrance exam was the sole basis of student selection, I felt relieved and I was able to ignore the insane amount of stress, that our Hungarian baccalaureate brought upon us (which by the way, I have passed all with the best grade) Plus the numbers were on my side too, Helsinki and rather southern places are more popular within Finland, as people think that it’s less cold and dark there – well, they are wrong!

So I got the email of acceptance in June: this girl is moving to Lapland! What an exciting summer it was, with all the planning, packing and organising. It was quite easy to find the local student housingcompany and just like that, I had my new home waiting for me. I will never forget the feeling of packing your life into two luggages and flying alone the first time to a new country 3000km away, just to follow my dreams. This feeling of freedom felt intoxicating & scary at the same time I admit, but when I arrived to Lapland, I found myself surrounded by the kindest and most welcoming people I ever met.

Studying in Rovaniemi, Lapland UAS

Rovaniemi the capital of Lapland, a town of 60 000 people & 200 000 reindeers. Ideal place to focus on studies, develop yourself and have enough time for everything you have not had before. You can definitely finish that book, network, find friends for life, connect with nature, learn winter sports andpick up that guitar or start that business – no reason for procrastinating! Not to mention that there are around 10 000 students, from two universities – which definitely bring the town to life during Wednesdays (little Saturdays) and weekends. Several student events, social happenings and leisure opportunities are offered by the student unions & ESN. The student life was truly amazing, I had an international class of students from like 10 different countries like U.S., Vietnam, Nepal, Russia,Cyprus, Finland and we were welcomed by student mentors, senior students who guided us in the first months. We were also joined by exchange students in our second year, after which we had representatives of almost all the European countries, as Lapland really is the place to study!

Individual study plan and Learning experience

The student-teacher relationship was something very different, that I have experienced before. Teachers became our friends and the teaching style was very much direct, we were learning together with them, sharing knowledge, information and having their guidance when needed. We could easily trust with asking for professional consultancy regarding our professional development building our career. Each class had their tutor teacher, who helped us planning our individual study plan (ISP) during the semesters. This meant that we could always change and tweak the direction a bit according to our interests, which meant an amazing level of flexibility & tailored learning. This is the main reason I could get my degree within 2 years: I have become the best self of myself, more motivated knowing that I can study what I am the most keen on & what will get me to where I want to be. Plus they offered online courses as well, which I could take during the summer and the one semester of practical training could be done while still studying as well. I personally like to keep busy, however this is an option too: as many decides to take it easy and slow while others rather take it quick and more challenging.

The studies started smooth, our courses were project based, making them feel more exciting and we had only a small amount of lectures. There was also a possibility to get previous knowledge accepted, if you have acquired the needed skills before, which is another proof of how flexible and development oriented the teaching is. Team work, group tasks & individual learning were core parts of our studies, teachers were more of tutors & mentors, who stepped in when needed. In my opinion, this is why we got ready for the ‘real life’ & work: we developed real products and services instead of only learning about the theoretical steps of implementing. Entrepreneurs and representatives of businesses were brought to the classroom, who gave us projects to be done via creating a tailored marketing, accounting or business model for them. Innovation and sustainable
business thinking were core parts of our classes, nurturing the minds of young business students – the next generation of decision makers.

Getting the job I wanted, even before I have officially graduated

We were advised to get a practical training at the field we felt the most interested about, as our skills will be developed in that area & valuable field-related experiences are acquired that are awesome for your CV. Having the opportunity to organise a student-business network event at the university, I got really interested in project & event management - I was offered a practical training in this area at my university by my lecturer during the spring semester of 2019. Later around April, when I was thinking to start writing my thesis during the summer, I was put in contact with a former Lapland UAS student, who now is a co-founder of a London-based company related to R&I project collaboration. I asked if they would like to take me & give me a case, based on which I can write my thesis. The answer was yes & yes – they even offered me to work with them as a trainee in their London office.

From Lapland to London, what a change! Realising that I only have 20 credits left apart from my thesis, I took online courses during the summer, such as Circular Economy & International Project Management & Funding Instruments. It was a busy summer: working, writing my thesis & doing online courses. Although, It was all worth it: by October I got into an amazing startup in London & I am living the life I have always wanted. Although I have to say: I miss Rovaniemi, surprisingly jealous of their early snow and miss my friends a lot too. My path may lead me back some day, but definitely going to visit as often as I can. I think choosing Lapland UAS was the best decision I could have, given
all the nurturing, opportunities & the welcoming people I met there. I am utterly grateful for my teachers, friends and colleagues from Rovaniemi & Lapland UAS  :)

Orsi Tuba, International Business graduate

My name is Heli Huhanantti and I was born and raised in Rovaniemi. I enjoy living in the North and at the moment, I work as a Sales Manager for Arktikum Service Co. I take care of the sales and marketing in Arktikum Museum & Science Centre and in Korundi House of Culture.

Before applying for the business degree at Lapland University of Applied Sciences, I had been studying and working for many years. I was looking for something new and was especially interested in studying in English. The Innovative Business Services study program sounded interesting for me, and, therefore, I decided to apply to Lapland UAS.

Project management, cross-border culture/business as well as the law courses interested me the most! I also liked marketing and entrepreneurship-related lessons, because they were useful for my career.

Among the lectures and basic group works I attended, mainly I enjoyed tackling real-life cases and projects, in which I had a chance to participate. I gained valuable experience and contacts while studying.

I appreciate the knowledge I got in the degree. I recommend the business degree in Lapland UAS for those who want to gain practical know-how and who want to study in an international environment. The programme gives you as much as you are willing to invest in it. Motivation and working hard pays off!

Even though I cannot predict the future and my career path may change, I am happy with what I am doing right now. The study programme and the contacts I gained during the studies helped me in my career progression for sure.

Picture is taken by Hayden Lloyd Photography

- Heli Huhanantti, IBS -