From August 6 to August 15, 2024, two students from Shenzhen Technology University (SZTU) arrived in Finland, the Nordic country renowned for its happiness, to participate in the 2024 Summer School organized by our international partner, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. They embarked on a journey to explore the secrets behind Finland’s happiness.
The introduction class at Humak University of Applied Sciences. [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
This summer school also attracted students from Guangzhou and Zhejiang province. During the program, SZTUers visited Häme University of Applied Sciences, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Humak University of Applied Sciences, and Laurea University of Applied Sciences, gaining insight into the distinctive features of the Finnish education system, particularly its forward-thinking approach to career planning and personal development.
In the course on Introduction to Sustainability Strategies for Business, the students gained a profound understanding of the Finnish people’s deep comprehension and firm commitment to the concept of sustainability. They expressed genuine admiration for the Finnish expertise and respect in this area, recognizing that this principle is deeply embedded in all aspects of Finnish society, becoming a core value in both daily life and business practices.
The course on Introduction to Sustainability Strategies for Business at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
In a class at Humak University of Applied Sciences, students experienced an interactive Finnish teaching environment. Kim Lindblad, the Manager of the International Office, skillfully used simple and engaging images to guide students in connecting the content of the images with their own life experiences, using self-sharing as a warm-up activity for the class.
A warm-up activity at Humak University of Applied Sciences [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
Kim divided the students into three groups and assigned them a challenging task: to answer four questions within half an hour. Although the tasks for each group were the same, the order in which they began differed. To solve the questions, the students had to search for clues around the campus. Eager to complete the task faster than the other groups, they began to run around. Some students even joked that attending a class in Finland felt like participating in a reality TV show, with the entire campus turning into their competition arena.
The task-solving process at Humak University of Applied Sciences [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
The task-solving process at Humak University of Applied Sciences [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
The students not only experienced Finland’s cutting-edge educational practices but also actively participated in traditional Finnish sports and nature activities, fully immersing themselves in the Finnish passion for life and balance. At the Vierumäki campus of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, they engaged in a variety of activities, including yoga classes, forest hiking, blueberry picking, and lessons in floorball and pickleball.
Floorball class [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
Pickleball class [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
Forest hiking [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
Blueberry picking [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
While immersing themselves in Finnish education and culture, the students also visited local companies to gain deeper insights into Finland’s achievements in the food industry and sustainable development. They not only learned about the production process of Fazer chocolate, but also tasted various unique and delicious chocolates, experiencing the Finnish love for sweets. At Metsä, the students were introduced to Finland’s leading forestry technologies and sustainable practices, gaining a better understanding of how Finland balances economic development with environmental protection.
A company visit to Fazer [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
A company visit to Metsä [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
Student interview [Photo/International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office]
To uncover the secrets of Finnish happiness, SZTUers took on the role of reporters and randomly interviewed a student from Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. They discussed the study and life of Finnish students, compared these aspects with those of students back home, and delved into how Finnish students achieve a balanced work-life dynamic. This interview not only gave them a deeper understanding of the happiness in Finnish life but also helped them better comprehend how to find balance in their future careers and personal lives.
Introduction to Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences
In 1991, Haaga Polytechnic and Helsinki Business Polytechnic were established, and in 2007, they merged to form what is now Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. As one of the largest higher education institutions in Finland, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences focuses on practical and applied education, offering undergraduate and master’s programs in fields such as international trade, tourism and hospitality management, information technology, sports, and health. The university is dedicated to cultivating professionals with innovative abilities and a global perspective, combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience through close industry collaboration and internship opportunities.
The Haaga campus [Photo/https://www.haaga-helia.fi/en/contact/haaga-campus]
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences has more than 11,000 students and 650 faculty members. The university enjoys an excellent reputation for its research and education in applied sciences, making it one of the leading institutions for high-level talent development in Northern Europe. The university is highly international, with high levels of student satisfaction among international students and a strong presence of alumni in management positions at renowned global companies, ranking it among the top in Finland.
Drafted by Emily（文佩玲）/ International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office
Revised by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office
Edited by International Cooperation & Student Affairs Office
