Why Kuopio?

Are you looking for opportunities for studying abroad? Look no longer - choose Kuopio just like 200 other international students every year! Still hesitating? Read the comments from our former and current international students. Here are at least eight good reasons for choosing us:

1) Academic excellence and quality

The University of Kuopio has an international reputation in the fields of health, environment and well-being, with particular strengths in biotechnology, biosciences and molecular medicine.

University of Kuopio is the first university in Finland that has been awarded a quality assurance audit certificate by the Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council (FINHEEC). 

"It is one of the universities known to produce good students. I wanted to be among the good students."

"I chose the University of Kuopio because of the good reputation of the Finnish educational system."

"I'd recommend this university because it is really well organised, efficient and you live here in a beautiful environment."

2) Interesting study programmes and excellent study facilities

The University offers a wide range of degree and non-degree programmes in English. Internship and research opportunities are also available for international students. Students are also offered free Finnish language courses at various levels. 

We offer students a modern learning environment and flexible support services. The university is well equipped; there are lots of computers, libraries and laboratories for the students to use.

"The University provides an excellent, conclusive learning atmosphere. The teaching methods are excellent in the sense that it promotes learning and understanding of concepts not only for passing exams but using in the field of study "

"The University is well equipped with Learning and information material for everybody."

"Lecturers and professors really care a lot about the students."

3) We take good care of our students!

We pride ourselves for taking good care of our international students. International students receive comprehensive pre-arrival information and we make every effort to help students' integration to their new learning environment.

Each international student will have a peer-tutor who will meet them upon arrival and help them with both practical and social matters.

In the beginning of autumn and spring semesters we arrange an Orientation Week for the International Students. This week is designed to introduce new international students to the academic, social and cultural life at the University of Kuopio and in the city of Kuopio.

"One reason for my survival here during one year has  been my tutor. She was like a mother for me here. She helped me and was my friend. We are really close friends and have a friendship, I hope forever."

"I´ve never been to Finland before. I´ve heard that exchange students are treated extremely well. And that´s true."

"The care of the International Office in Kuopio was great.  I think most of the tutors do a very good job. They really make an effort to help students feel at home in Kuopio. The help of a student tutor is very important in the beginning of the stay!"

4) Learn and explore! 

 KISA (Kuopio International Students' Association) arranges several interesting trips to for example Lapland, Russia and Sweden. KISA also organises a great variety of free time activities such as country presentations, theme parties and sauna evenings etc.

"For me it was one of the best experiences of my life. It was so great to get to know so many different people, to travel around in Finland and to get to know new aspects in my field of studies."  

"KISA is a great organisation and they have really made the time in Kuopio very enjoyable."

5) Unique destination

Finland is a Nordic country with specialities that you can't find anywhere else. In Kuopio you can familiarise yourself with all the Finnish traditions such as sauna and ice fishing in an intercultural atmosphere. The nature is everywhere in Kuopio. You are surrounded by lakes, forests, nature trails, skiing tracks, you name it! You can do all kinds of free time activities in the pure nature. Even the university campus is located by a lake.

"I was curious about getting to know new cultures and the way of life in a country which was not a usual destination. Everyone can go to France, UK and Germany, but Finland is different!

" Finland: snow, skiing, sleigh-riding, Santa Claus, very interesting culture and something completely different. What more can I say?"

6) Safety and purity

It's very safe to live in Kuopio; you can walk on the streets and forests without any fear. The crime rate in Kuopio is very low. However, this doesn't mean that Kuopio is a boring place. You can enjoy lively student night life, culture and sports as well as experience the nature at its best.  Why don't you try picking berries and mushrooms in the pure nature?

 "I chose Kuopio because it is not such a big city. It is easy to find your way around in the city and get to know people"

"Kuopio is a very comfortable city to live in. You can walk or cycle almost everywhere. Everything you need is within easy reach. It great to have all your friends living close to you. You don't have to spend hours on travelling."

7) Friendly and compact place to study and live

Kuopio is a great city to live in. It is small enough to really get to know people but big enough to offer a variety of activities. Generally the Finns speak very good English and they are always happy to help you. The people in Kuopio are especially known to be very easy-going and friendly.

"One of the most positive aspects of my experience in Kuopio was to live in a foreign country, and in a such beautiful and peaceful place as Finland."

"Against all rumours people in Finland are not shy but they are always happy to help."

8) Guaranteed accommodation

Students are guaranteed a room if they apply for accommodation by the deadlines. Student housing is offered by the Kuopio Student Housing Company. Most of the international students' apartments are located within comfortable walking distance from the University campus. All apartments have a free broadband internet connection, launderette, sauna and common room. Apartments are self-catered but they have good cooking facilities. 

"The student accommodation was good. It was nice to live together with other international students as well as with the locals"

"Big room with reasonable rent. Really good overall services"

"Having the broadband Internet connection in my room was great. It was so easy to keep in touch with everyone, especially with my family and friends at home."

picture source: www.kuopas.fi

Updated on 28.1.2008/AK