Savonia International Week, Iisalmi Campus: Embracing Internationality and the Global Market

Savonia UAS recently hosted its annual International Week, transforming the Iisalmi campus into a hub of cultural exchange, learning, and collaboration. Over two exciting days, we welcomed around 20 international guests each day from across Europe, including Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Kosovo, Lithuania, and Austria. This cherished tradition offered students, staff, and guests a unique opportunity to connect, share ideas, and engage in enriching discussions and activities.

Global Market

On Wednesday, first-year agriculture students, together with Multipro students, organized a fascinating Global Market event. They proudly showcased their cultures through music, dance, games, food, and presentations, creating a lively and enriching atmosphere.

Our Austrian Multipro students introduced us to their traditional games and activities, including a fun competition to see who could hold a full glass of beer (water in this case) with a straight arm the longest. Meanwhile, students from France and Kosovo delighted attendees with a diverse selection of their traditional cuisine, filling the entire sports hall with rich and inviting aromas.

The Kosovo students further highlighted their heritage by wearing traditional clothing from three different regions. Additionally, a Slovenian student gave an energetic and engaging presentation, offering a warm and insightful glimpse into her culture.

Our own Finnish students proudly introduced guests to Finnish scouting traditions, native cattle breeds, Finnish-made agricultural machinery, and the beloved Midsummer celebration. Visitors also learned about the annual Wife Carrying Competition, which attracts participants from around the world. The event provided a delicious opportunity to sample Finnish specialties such as blueberry pie, silver toffee, bread cheese, and lingonberry juice. Meanwhile, at the international table, a fun guessing game challenged participants to identify Finnish and French music.

Wednesday Workshops: Exploring Global Challenges

After exploring the Global Market and enjoying a delicious lunch, guests could choose from a selection of insightful workshops based on their interests. The sessions covered topics such as Food Security, Work and Health Safety on Farms, and Social Resilience Towards Dramatic Shifts. Closely aligned with the week’s theme—Comprehensive Security—these discussions sparked meaningful conversations and valuable insights.

The day was filled with familiar faces, new acquaintances, and a wealth of knowledge. After a productive schedule, guests had time to relax before gathering for a joint dinner at the Iisalmi campus canteen. Students from Ylä-Savon Ammattiopisto prepared a selection of traditional Finnish dishes, followed by a delightful dessert.

Thursday: Innovation and AI Technology

Thursday morning continued with engaging workshop sessions, allowing participants to dive even deeper into the topics through presentations and discussions. Between sessions, guests and students explored cutting-edge technology, including VR games, robotic dogs, and other AI innovations, brought in by the Kuopio Campus Digi Center.

For agriculture students, AI technology has become increasingly important. Drones enable them to easily monitor field conditions, allocate resources efficiently, check on livestock in pastures, and quickly locate lost animals. Additionally, AI-powered systems in modern tractors help farmers cultivate fields with maximum precision and efficiency.

Robotic dogs provide valuable assistance in challenging or hazardous environments where human access is difficult or impossible. They can be used to collect samples, pick up litter, and locate lost items, proving to be a useful tool in various situations.

This year, Multipro students from the social services faculty also participated, prompting reflection on how AI technology could revolutionize social services. The potential for AI to enhance care, accessibility, and support for those in need is vast and worth exploring further.

Looking Ahead

The entire International Week was a tremendous success, enjoyed not only by staff and international guests but also by students who gained valuable experiences and fresh perspectives.

As we eagerly anticipate next year’s event, we look forward to strengthening connections and offering students even more opportunities to engage in the richness of international collaboration.

Seela Piippo

Trainee at MultiPro team, 3rd year Agrology Student

Agnieszka Laherto

Iisalmi Campus International Coordinator