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University of Joensuu
Joensuu, Finland
(pop. 58,000)
Student Enrollment: 8,700
Language of instruction: Finnish, English
university.joensuu.fi/
ISEP Finland Web site
PROGRAM TYPE
Academic year or semester exchanges
ISEP-Exchange for International students.
ISEP-Exchange for US students.
Chance of Placement
ISEP-Exchange chance of placement for US and International students is Excellent.
Courses
Main Campus: Faculties of Biosciences (Biology); Humanities (Finnish & cultural research, foreign languages [English, French, German, linguistics, Swedish, Russian, and Translation Studies]); Education (applied education, class teacher education, special education, subject teacher & counselor education); Forest Sciences; Law, Economics and Business Administration; Science (chemistry, computer science, statistics, mathematics, physics); Social Sciences & Regional Studies (history, geography, human geography, psychology, social policy, sociology); Theology (Orthodox, Western).
Savonlinna Campus: Education (teacher education).
Courses taught in English
For both international and Finnish students, the university offers the following international non-degree study programs taught in English: Environmental Science and Forestry, Law, Social Sciences, Educational Sciences (courses in Finnish art, crafts, and music, in addition to a variety of courses in education), and a multidisciplinary area studies program on Karelia, Russia and the Baltic Area, which includes courses in history, geography, cultural studies, economics and other social sciences
Please note that students enrolled full-time in one of the above study programs may also take courses offered by the other international study programs, provided that space is available. For further information on the international study programs taught in English, please visit http://www.joensuu.fi/international.
Courses for Graduate (Masters) Level
The university offers the following international Master's degree programs: Cultural Diversity, which focuses on western and Islamic cultures, Human Geography, which focuses on environmental, cultural, political, and economic issues faced by northern and eastern European societies, and Information Technology, IMPIT. These programs are also open to ISEP participants on a non-degree basis.
Special ISEP Application Instructions
ISEP participants with at least junior-level standing are preferred.
Language Notes
The main language of instruction is Finnish, but a variety of international study programs are taught in English. Introductory and intermediate Finnish courses are available (included in ISEP benefits). Other languages at the elementary level (eg. German and French) may be taken at the Language Center provided that space is available (included in ISEP benefits).
Program Dates
Academic year: late August to late May; Semester 1: late August to mid-December; Semester 2: early January to late May.
Housing and Meals
Students are housed in single-occupancy rooms at student hostels and provided with a scholarship to cover the cost of meals. Married student housing can be arranged; any additional costs must be covered by the student.
Profile
Founded in 1969, The University of Joensuu is a renowned center for research and teaching relating to education and human development, forests and the environment, optics, new materials and information technology, and on border studies and Russia. Facilities include the Ecological Research Institute, Karelian Institute, focusing on the humanities and social sciences; the Mekrijärvi Research Station at Ilomantsi for advanced study in hydrobiology and forestry; the Botanical Garden; and the Muikku Research Vessel, which specializes in environmental studies in inland waters. The university library features the Kalevala Collection, comprising about 600 works on the Finnish national epic. Total enrolment: 8,700 (600 international students in 2007).
Location
Joensuu, located on Lake Pyhaselka, is a North Karelian city in the heart of the eastern Finnish lake country and is the economic and cultural center of the region. In addition to the main campus in Joensuu, there is a second campus in the city of Savonlinna, which is known for its medieval castle and world famous Opera Festival. Savonlinna hosts the Department of Teacher Education, and the Center for Tourism Studies. Joensuu offers a variety of winter sports, including skiing, skating, and ice-swimming.
What Past Students have to Say
Finland is not the typical study abroad destination, and that is what makes it even more of a treasure to those who go! Take full advantage of all the new sports and winter activities!! A trip to the Laplands is a must! Traveling to the Baltic countries is doeable and very reasonable travel destinations away from Finland. Just about the time you think you will see snow the rest of your life...spring will come and knock you off your feet! Beautiful place that will leave you with a soft spot in your heart for the land of ice...snow...and reindeer.
Andrea Harris, Spring 2006 student from Berry College
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