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

Hey, my name is Nora Evans, and I am a second-year bachelor’s degree student of Tourism at Lapland UAS. I am from Nigeria, West Africa. Initially, I was hesitant about coming to Lapland as I couldn't find enough information about the region. The limited information online mainly focused on the cold weather, darkness, and being the official home of Santa Claus. As someone who dislikes very cold temperatures, especially coming from West Africa, where we have warm temperatures all year round, I was discouraged.

Despite the discouragement, I chose to study in Lapland, and today I can confidently say that it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The education system here is very different compared to what I was used to back home in Nigeria. The teachings here are very practical, involving a lot of group work and individual learning. This enhances learning as we have the opportunity to learn from one another. As someone who loves teamwork, this is one of the best things I appreciate about studying at Lapland UAS.

I have had the opportunity to work in different tourism companies, which has significantly improved my learning. It provides first-hand experience in the tourism sector and contributes to my personal career growth.

The teachers here are warm, supportive, and welcoming. There is no discrimination of any kind, and everyone is encouraged to speak freely, ask questions, fostering a friendly and respectful learning environment.

If you want to experience nature in its purest form, study in an internationally friendly environment, come study in Lapland. It is beautiful. While the culture, language, and people might be different initially, with time, you will learn to appreciate the beauty in every aspect of Lapland.


-Nora, DPT 2022/2023-

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

Hi! My name is Carla, and I am an International Business student here at Lapland UAS. I am originally from the UK but have been living here in Lapland for almost 5 years now, where I have spent this time working as a Snowmobile Guide in Salla – in the middle of nowhere. I spent my childhood watching and being inspired by countless Arctic documentaries, so as an adult I took the opportunity to pursue an adventure of a lifetime!

During my time as a Guide, living in a small Lappish village, I have become more interested in tourism and sustainable regional development. During Covid, when my working hours were limited, I seized the opportunity to learn more about tourism and develop my career by taking a Diploma in Tourism and Business Management at the Open University. I learned so much during this diploma, it helped me to understand how tourism operates within the business environment. It also laid the foundation for my degree and showed me a clear pathway for my potential career development!

With a desire to continue with my education, clear career goals and a wish to stay in Lapland, the International Business degree at Lapland UAS, with their focus on the Arctic operating environment and sustainability made it the perfect degree for me.

I believe that Rovaniemi is a versatile town that can fit the needs of every student, for example as a tourist town, there is plenty to do, adventure and nightlife wise. However, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the vast quiet Lappish wilderness that surrounds Rovaniemi is easily accessible. This is a unique aspect of Rovaniemi that sets it apart from other European student towns – there are not many towns where you can watch a reindeer race competition or go northern light hunting as a fun weekend activity.

My studies so far have been brilliant! I cannot thank the teaching staff enough for their support throughout my first year of studies, they have provided guidance and helped me to develop my confidence. The studies have been a great mix of lectures and practical projects. I really like how the course not only teaches you the theory but also provides ample opportunities to put it into practice, both independently and as a team.

The best thing from the course so far has been the Arctic Valley Business Simulation Game. This was a semester long simulation where we, as a team created a business, learning everything needed to run a business in Finland with the support from our fantastic course leaders. We had the opportunity to develop skills in accounting, marketing, sales, teamwork, and many other skills in an environment where we could experiment and learn through problem solving. During this course, we also had the opportunity of visiting real life successful businesses within Lapland, helping to understand what it takes to succeed in the Arctic operating environment. This was such a fun and enriching experience for me, really helping me to learn how to apply my newly learned skills in the real world.

Regarding the future and after graduation, I am excited to see what the future brings for me. I hope to be able to take the skills and knowledge from this degree and apply it with my work experience to develop my career in Lapland, hopefully contributing to sustainable development within the Arctic. It is hard to say exactly what I want to do after my degree, a part of me feels that my story isn’t over yet, education wise. Nevertheless, whatever the future holds for me I know the skills, knowledge and support I have received from this degree will put me in the best possible position to grab any exciting opportunity that heads my way!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, I hope that Lapland UAS will provide you with the same opportunities and sense of inspiration that it has done for me.

- International Business student Carla -

Hello, my name is Anastasiia and I have just successfully completed my first year of studies in Lapland UAS. This study year has been exciting and I will gladly share my experience with you!

I am from Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia city. I moved to Finland in 2022 due to the war, like many other Ukrainians, seeking a temporary protection. I have found strength to move forward; growth and development became my main goals for the future. I wanted to gain knowledge and skills in a field that was new, yet incredibly interesting to me – programming. And so, I researched the opportunities offered by Lapland UAS and found a perfect one for myself: MLDE – Machine Learning and Data Engineering. The degree programme is in English, which is a great chance for international people like me who have just started their journey in learning Finnish. I realized that obtaining another professional qualification (I already have a Master Degree in Philology) would take 4 years. But I dared to try, and I never regretted that decision.

The studies include courses essential for the field. And, what surprised me in a positive way was that we had a lot of workshops during our courses and a big project at the end of the academic year. Thus, the studies balance theory with practice very well, and students are learning by doing. Lapland UAS provides comfortable areas for studying and a high-quality technical support for training. I am proud of how much I have already mastered and incredibly grateful to all the teachers who support us in our endeavors.

Of course, besides studies, there is a student life. I have found a lot of new friends among both Finnish and international members of our study group, made new connections.
After my graduation, I would like to build a career as a machine learning engineer and work with an artificial intelligence. I believe this to be an exciting industry, and who knows what future technologies are in store for us?

I encourage people interested in the field apply to this study programme. And, especially, I would like to address Ukrainian students whose studies have been interrupted due to the war and those who would like to obtain new qualifications: do not be afraid to take the chance to get a higher education at Lapland UAS, it is a wonderful place that can change your life. You will discover many new things and maybe fall in love with Lapland like I did!

Anastasiia, MLDE student

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

My name is Riikka and I’m a 25-year-old, third-year tourism student at Lapland University of Applied Sciences. I decided to apply for Lapland UAS because I knew that tourism expertise in Lapland is highly valued all around the world. Lapland is known as a sustainable and innovative tourism developer and the degree is very practical operating in a close connection with the local tourism industry. I was born in Rovaniemi and lived here for almost all my life, despite four years that I spent in Oulu and one year of living in Texas.

Even though Rovaniemi is my hometown, studying in higher education here has helped me to see my hometown from a totally different perspective. Hearing international students admire the town and the nature around has really made me see the beauty and uniqueness of the town in a different way.

Rovaniemi is a great town for a student. There are many student events happening here and the student community is very united between different fields of studies. Studying at Lapland UAS gives many opportunities to get involved in different projects which help network with people all around the world already during the studies. To get mental balance, the nature around the town is incredible with its four seasons and a great variety of different types of restaurants.

Studying tourism in a multicultural group prepares you very well for the working life and focuses on the international tourism industry. The tourism degree is highly valued especially here if you’d like to stay in Lapland after graduating. However, sometimes you don’t need a clear plan for the future – which is actually my case. I’m not quite sure where I’ll be in a couple of years but I would like to go abroad to work at some point which the degree programme in tourism also prepares me for.

I recommend visiting and coming to study here to the land of northern lights and the midnight sun. I’ll be more than happy to help with anything regarding studying in Lapland!

Hope to see you around,
Riikka, the student in the Degree Programme in Tourism

Hi everyone,

And nice that you ended up reading this! My name is Viivi, almost born and raised in Rovaniemi (I was born in Turku), and I’m 27 years old. I’m studying international business in Lapland UAS and I’m also a tutor. Like I wrote in the title of this, this is my second chance – I already have a bachelor’s degree in tourism. During my tourism studies, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and because of its symptoms, I couldn’t work anymore in that industry. Last year (2020) I was informed that I could re-educate myself and get another degree. That happened a bit too late, so I missed the joint application period in January, but then later I got accepted to study via direct application period.

For me, international business felt like a “natural path” after tourism studies, and to be honest, I didn’t feel like moving away from my hometown to study something new. That was the number one reason why I stayed here but also, I was really into our curriculum, in which almost all of our studies are somehow related to sustainability. Right now, for example, we are studying Sustainable Investing and Finance and Diversity Management.

First year of our studies was kind of a disappointment at first because we were the “corona freshmen”. We started our studies when the Covid-19 situation was at its worst (or at least I hope that it won’t get any worse from that), so all studies were organized remotely. All of us would have wanted to go to campus and meet face to face all our classmates, of course. But for me, studying remotely wasn’t that bad – I studied half of my tourism degree online. Eventually studying remotely started feeling like the “new normal” for all of us, because what would be better than waking up 15 minutes before the class starts and participating in class in your sweatpants. Now when it’s our second year, we are studying with a hybrid model. Studying with a hybrid model means that we have some classes remotely and some of them on campus. For me, this arrangement is perfect because it gives a bit more content to my everyday life.

Therefore, I can tell, that being at the campus feels awesome! Seeing friends and meeting new people reminds me of the “old normal”, the time before the Covid-19. In my opinion, the best thing about studying at Lapland UAS is the people, both the students and the teachers. I have a situation where I may need some special arrangements and all the people in Lapland UAS have been really supportive. I have been open about my diagnosis and I want to share the awareness, that also disabled people, like me, can do whatever they desire.

Hence, I would like to make a change. I’m not yet sure how but still I would like to. Studying Lapland UAS gives me both tools and the starting point to do that since I can encourage people to get help or support to their problems with their studies. These problems may be related to some previously diagnosed disease or then problems with cognitive functions such as reading comprehension, concentration, or difficulty with writing. If you are currently studying in Lapland UAS and you are suffering from difficulties with studying, do not hesitate to contact your student counselor!

I am not quite sure yet, what I want to do when I grow up (hah), or when I graduate, but I think that I have found the right direction.

- Viivi Vesala, R31D20S