# International Students in Finland: Exploring Study Ability and Well-being - Savonia AMK

> How the study ability of foreign students in Finland influences their workability and what is the role of well-being in this context?

## Introduction
Finland is renowned for its high-quality education system, attracting students from all over the world. Many foreign students come to Finland with the goal of pursuing higher education in its world-class universities and research institutions. The number of international students in Finland exceeded 20 000 in the last years. Higher education institutions offer a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits.

While the aim of academic excellence is undoubtedly essential, the study ability and overall well-being of foreign students play a crucial role in shaping their workability in the future.

## The Intersection of Study Ability and Employability
The university student’s ability to study effectively during their academic journey is directly linked to their employability, both while they are still studying and in their future career. 

Study ability encompasses a wide range of factors, including the student’s own resources, their proficiency in university-level study skills, the quality of teaching and guidance they receive, and the support available within the learning environment. Even if challenges arise in one area, strengths in others can help maintain study ability (YTHS, 2022). By strengthening study ability, fostering well-being in learning, and enhancing general employability skills during university studies, we can have a positive impact on the transition to the workforce and the ongoing maintenance of employability and self-care for well-being after completing studies, particularly in the early stages of one’s career.

## Challenges for International Students
A significant portion of Finnish students engage in work and study simultaneously, but foreign students face unique challenges. A survey by the research institute E2 Tutkimus indicates that, despite positive experiences, 47 percent of international students in Finland plan to leave after completing their studies. Approximately 32 percent perceive their career advancement prospects in Finland as “limited,” and many express a need for greater assistance in job search training, networking, and language acquisition.

## Promoting Well-being in Higher Education
The effectiveness of any educational system is intrinsically tied to the well-being of students, educators, and the academic community (Kaukinen, 2022). UNESCO’s report, “Making every school a health-promoting school,” emphasizes the need for university communities to foster study skills, well-being, and resilience. The core of these initiatives revolves around instruction, support, and the cultivation of a multidisciplinary environment (Penttinen, 2022).

Foreign students often encounter the challenge of adapting to a new educational system, cultural frame, and language. By placing greater emphasis on adaptability, networking, and collaboration, universities promote well-being, which directly enhances academic performance and career motivation.

## Language and Integration
Proficiency in the Finnish language can confer a significant advantage. While many programs are available in English, learning Finnish makes students more competitive in the job market and enhances social integration. Feeling a sense of belonging in a foreign country profoundly affects a student’s overall well-being, making them more likely to excel academically and establish themselves in the Finnish workforce. Expanding the availability of internships and project work is also vital for leveling the playing field and helping students master work-life balance.

## Future Work Ability Project
Savonia University of Applied Sciences is actively participating in the *Future work ability* project, which seeks to advance the well-being of students through innovative pedagogical solutions. The project evaluates the role of universities in enhancing students’ study well-being and employability, with a special focus on the unique perspectives and needs of international students.

This is a collaborative effort in partnership with:
* Karelia University of Applied Sciences
* The Joensuu Region Different Learners Association (JOSE)
* The Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela)
* The Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS)

Savonia is leading a work package dedicated to the development of well-being-promoting pedagogical approaches and improved accessibility. This project is funded by the European Social Fund.

## Author
Agnieszka Laherto, Executive Coach and Behavioural Change Practitioner, specialist in the Future work ability project, agnieszka.laherto@savonia.fi

## Sources
* Clarke, T. 2020. Children´s wellbeing and their academic achievement: The dangerous discourse of ´trade-offs` in education. Theory and research in education, 18 (3), 263-294.
* Kaukinen. R. 2022 Hyvinvointi opetuksessa ja oppimisessa ‒ trendi vai tavoitteellista pedagogiikkaa? Haaga-Helia ammattikorkeakoulun eSignals. Published on 13th of September 2022
* Penttinen. L. 2022. Korkeakoulujen opiskeluhyvinvointityöhön tarvitaan koko korkeakouluyhteisö. Koho-hankkeen työpaja.
* Työterveyslaitos. 2023. Nuorten voimavarojen vahvistaminen työuran alussa. Onnistuneesti työuralle -tutkimushanke.
* YTHS. Opiskelukykymalli. 2022. https://www.yths.fi/palvelut/opiskeluyhteisotyo/opiskelukyky/ Accessed on 30th of October 2023
* Study in Finland. 2023. https://www.studyinfinland.fi/ Accessed on 2nd of November 2023
* E2 Tutkimus.2023. The International Talent: Finland Research Project.
* Venhovaara, P. 2023. Opiskelu kyky- tulevaisuuden työkyky. Published on 26th of October 2023