# Sustainable Growth for International SMEs - Savonia AMK

> An Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme with international students from Savonia University of Applied Sciences Finland, DHBW Heidenheim Germany, and NHL Stenden the Netherlands.

## Programme Overview
This Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme brings together students from Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), DHBW Heidenheim (Germany), and NHL Stenden (the Netherlands) to collaborate on the challenge “Sustainable Growth for International SMEs.” Students will work in mixed teams, supported by workshops and lectures from international lecturers and local entrepreneurs to gain insights into the international business environment.

*   **Virtual meeting:** 27.2.2025
*   **Physical intensive week:** 10-14 March 2025
*   **Location:** Savonia UAS campus, Kuopio

## Curriculum and Activities
The programme covers topics including collaboration, intercultural awareness, customer value management, sales concepts, sustainable trade (ESG), digitalization, sales pitches, and international business skills. 

*   **Format:** Virtual sessions, workshops, lectures, group work, and student presentations.
*   **Deliverables:** Students will present their digital deliverables and findings to industry experts and teachers at the end of the week.
*   **Social Programme:** The week includes social activities, such as a dinner and sauna experience.

## Accommodation
Students are responsible for their own accommodation. Options in Kuopio include:

*   Hostel Matkustajakoti
*   Hostel Hermanni
*   Hotel Savonia
*   Forenom Aparthotel Kuopio
*   Aseman portti
*   Hotels in Kuopio-Tahko area

Alternative booking platforms:
*   [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/)
*   [Airbnb](https://www.airbnb.com/)

## Travel and Logistics
The intensive week is held at the Savonia UAS Microkatu campus (Microkatu 1) in Kuopio. 

*   **Campus Access:** Information on reaching the Microkatu campus via local bus can be found at the [Savonia Visit Us page](https://www.savonia.fi/en/savonia-uas/campuses/visit-us/).
*   **Travel from Helsinki:**
    *   **Bus:** Approx. 15-30 € (one way). Check [Matkahuolto](http://www.matkahuolto.fi/en).
    *   **Train:** Approx. 25-45 € (one way). Check [VR](http://www.vr.fi/en/).
    *   **Flight:** Finnair operates daily flights from Helsinki to Kuopio. Prices vary from 100 to 200 € (one way). Check [Finnair](http://www.finnair.fi).
*   **Airport Transfers:** From Kuopio airport, students can use a taxi (e.g., [Taksi1](https://taksi1.fi/)) or a local bus (weekdays only).

## Costs and Funding
*   **Course Fees:** Joining the intensive course is free for elected students of Savonia’s partner universities.
*   **Living Expenses:** Students must cover their own living expenses. A basic student lunch at the campus restaurant costs 2,95€ (includes salads, hot meal, bread, and a drink).
*   **Grants:** Students are encouraged to contact their home university regarding the possibility of an Erasmus+ grant to cover travel and housing.

## Contact
**Miss Zainab Elgundi**
International Relations Planner
Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Microkatu 1, Kuopio, Finland
zainab.elgundi@savonia.fi