# Global Market Broadens the Horizons of Iisalmi Students with International Co-operation - Savonia AMK

> The Global Market event at Savonia University of Applied Sciences Iisalmi campus gathered the international exchange students and also their Finnish student colleagues to enjoy a morning of learning new things about the cultures they come from.

## Event Overview
The Global Market event at Savonia University of Applied Sciences Iisalmi campus gathered international exchange students and their Finnish colleagues to share and learn about different cultures. Students were tasked with creating presentations on topics such as food culture differences, stereotypes, folklore, and customs like the Finnish sauna.

## Student Perspectives
Adea Vranovci from Kosovo led a team that presented on global food culture differences. She noted the challenges of preparing traditional dishes like burek abroad due to ingredient variations, requiring multiple attempts to perfect the recipe for the event.

Three veterinary students from Kosovo created a display regarding the legends and myths of Kosovo and Albania. Rron Uka, one of the students, expressed that the experience of meeting new people and living in a new country has been exciting.

Finnish students also valued the interaction, noting that it provides an opportunity to practice English. Agrology student Rita Laitinen highlighted the social aspect, mentioning an international dinner party held the previous evening.

## International Growth at Savonia
Savonia is currently hosting 25 exchange students from Kosovo, Albania, the Netherlands, and Austria, marking a record number of international students for the Iisalmi campus. 

Lecturer Agnieszka Laherto praised the Dual AFS and Erasmus+ programmes for facilitating this exchange. She emphasized that the multicultural environment fosters personal growth, skill development in diverse groups, and a deeper understanding of both differences and similarities among students.

## Activities and Integration
Savonia UAS has organized a variety of activities to integrate international students into the local culture. Past and upcoming visits include:
*   Local farms
*   Ponsse
*   Vehviläinen
*   Tyynelä natural welfare center
*   Vuokatti sports activities center
*   Reindeer farm

Study counsellor Anna Hatunen noted that while the university facilitates these activities, the students themselves drive the success of the cooperation. She highlighted the efforts of Finnish students in welcoming their peers and the enthusiastic participation of the exchange students in campus life.