Study at the University of Eastern Finland- Kuopio!
Recently, the University of Kuopio merged with the University of Joensuu to form the University of Eastern Finland. With 14,000 students dispersed among its three campuses, it is one of the top research institutions in Finland, and the Kuopio campus in particular is a leader in the fields of health, environment and well being, biotechnology, biosciences, and molecular medicine.
"Being granted this opportunity by ISEP taught me that it is not only the city or country that dazzles you and helps you view the world a different way but also the people you meet on the way. I got to meet people from all around the globe and some of them became friends for a lifetime."
Zandra Cecilia Félix Garza, an ISEP student from Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) - Monterrey
Read more about UEF-Kuopio in Zandra's Photo Essay.
About University of Eastern Finland - Kuopio
University of Eastern Finland – Kuopio enrolls over 6,000 students with nearly 1,000 new students being introduced every year. Kuopio prides itself on its high academic standards and the exceptional care it takes of its international students through a wide array of helpful services for cultural integration and a welcoming environment.
Academic Information
International students who study at Kuopio can choose courses from the following faculties:
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences
- School of Pharmacy
- Department of Nursing Science
- School of Medicine
- Faculty of Science and Forestry
- School of Computing
- Department of Physics and Mathematics
- Department of Biosciences
- Department of Environmental Science
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Business
- Department of Business
- Department of Social Sciences
- Department of Social and Health Management
Graduate-level programs taught in English include:
- Computer Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Health Policy and Management
- Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology
- Neurobiology
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Public Health Nutrition
- Social Work
- Sociology of Deviance
- Soil Ecology
"Visiting Kuopio in general was a great learning experience culturally. It was full of fun memories spent in sauna, playing volleyball and badminton, walking everywhere, learning all about a new culture, and nights spent in the pub. It was a great university as far as scheduling and class times. Overall a really unique and exciting adventure. The University was easy to navigate and cantina food was great for the price."
Audrey Adams, an ISEP student from New Mexico State University
Student Services
International Student Services offers ISEP students the chance to familiarize themselves with everyday Finnish life through the Finnish Friend Program. A ‘Finnish Friend’ may be a family, couple, single person, or group of friends who wish to help incoming international students adapt to Finnish culture. Past ISEP students have raved about this program, stating their Finnish Friends helped them feel right at home.
Kuopio’s Peer Tutor program is another great way for international students to integrate into their new environment. International Students who sign up for this program will be met upon arrival by a peer tutor who offers support socially and academically throughout the semester.
All international students participate in Kuopio’s orientation week. The orientation program is typically three to four days and introduces students to the campus culture.
"I thought the international program was very welcoming. I enjoyed the trip to Russia, and the different events we did in Kuopio, like bowling, clubbing, mushroom picking, hockey games, and movie nights. The University of Kuopio is a safe and friendly place, and has a good public health program. I met a lot of people who I still keep in touch with and even went to visit one in Norway for her wedding. :)"
Jocelyn Adams, an ISEP Student from New Mexico State University
Housing and Meals
Students are housed in single-occupancy rooms in student apartments. Student apartments are situated close to the university and include laundry facilities, sauna, and Internet access. Students are provided with a stipend to cover the rent and the cost of meals. Married student housing can be arranged.
Life On Campus
University of Eastern Finland – Kuopio provides an exciting and memorable experience for all students through an active campus life. Kuopio’s distinguished sports program allows students to participate in summer and winter sports including basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
KISA (Kuopio International Students' Association) is a great resource for international students to network with each other while also getting the chance to travel to other countries. In the past, KISA has arranged trips for its members to places throughout Scandinavia and other countries including Russia, Sweden, and Lapland. KISA also organizes on-campus activities such as sauna nights, cultural presentations, and themed parties.
Hyvät Kuvat is a movie club for all students sponsored by the student union. All the films are in their original language with subtitles in Finnish. Films from the most recent series include 500 Days of Summer, The Wrestler, Waltz with Bashir, District 9, and Milk.
"I was able to travel to the arctic circle in Rovaniemi, Finland, where we went to Santa Claus Village and saw (and ate!) real reindeer! I have still been in touch with many of my friends from Finland and have plans to meet again someday. If I could give advice to anyone trying to decide whether to study abroad, I would say DO NOT PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITY! It was the greatest three months of my life, and I'm so glad I chose Kuopio. It was definitely an experience very few people are able to have and I will live with those memories to share for the rest of my life! ISEP was absolutely integral to my opportunity to go abroad and afford it! Heather Hawkins, an ISEP Student from Hendrix College
About Kuopio, Finland!
Both industry and natural beauty thrive in Kuopio, with modern businesses set up against a backdrop of beautiful lakes and forests, which cover nearly a third of the city. The 8th largest city in Finland, Kuopio is also known as a cultural center of Eastern Finland. Its many fascinating cultural attractions and events include the following:
- The Puijo Tower: Similar to Seattle’s Space Needle, this tower stands 150 metres high and offers spectacular views of the landscapes of Kuopio.
- The Kuopio Art Museum: A collection of over 5,000 artists dating all the way back to the 19th century showcase Finland’s rich art history.
- The Alahovi Berry Farm: Get a taste of one of Finland’s natural treasures. A tour of the farm includes a lesson on how berry wines are made, a hosted lunch on the beautiful grounds, and a visit to the farm’s art exhibitions.
- World Cup Skiing Jump Competition: Known as World Cup Kuopio, in this amazing sport competitors ski down one of Kuopio’s tallest hills and fly off a ramp to get the longest distance possible. The world record is 20 metres.
- Lumberjack and Sauna Evenings: Practically a pastime for the Finnish, these weekly events hosted around the city is a great chance for students to relax and warm up on cold winter nights.
- The Kuopio Dance Festival: A celebration of all types of dance, this is one of Kuopio’s most acclaimed annual events. Past festivals have featured Chinese ballet, Argentinean tango, and traditional Finnish dance.
"Being in Finland and at the University of Kuopio has given me a new prospective of the world. Going from Texas to Finland was a big step for me. I had no clue what I was getting into. However, 5 months later I am so glad that i had this opportunity. I was able to see another culture and another way of life. This is one experience I will always hold close to my heart."
Romanda Miller, an ISEP Student from Stephen F. Austin State University
Links
University of Eastern Finland- Consortium
School Website
University of Eastern Finland- Kuopio
Official Website
UEF Wiki
Wiki Article
Kuopio, Finland
City Website
Travel Information
Wiki Travel