International students appreciate distance learning but need a close community
The survey for international degree students was conducted in February 2021, and the results were used to compare 34 universities internationally. Of the universities compared, eight were European.
“International students at Tampere University seem to be very satisfied with their experience. Even though some have just started and are studying remotely from their home country and others have had more experience at the University, they appreciate the quality of teaching and research, the strengths of the staff and the pleasant living environment,” says Joanna Kumpula, Senior Specialist at Tampere University’s Education and Learning Services Unit.
The themes covered by the International Student Barometer include, for example, arrival and integration into studies, teaching and available courses, and study and learning environments. It also surveys students’ satisfaction with support services. Students are also asked about their experiences of life outside the university, such as everyday life, housing, and social life.
Tampere University’s students are very satisfied with the quality of distance and online learning, the content of their studies and the level of teaching technology and materials. The English language skills of research and teaching staff are highly valued. Support services are thought to have performed well during the pandemic.
“It is good to receive excellent feedback on the distance learning arrangements. In the challenging situation, faculties have done well in the planning of curricula and teaching,” Kumpula says.
As regards student life, the quality of accommodation and the relatively low costs were commended.
“In the students’ opinion, the overall costs of studying are clearly more attractive than in many other countries,” Kumpula notes. Satisfaction with housing is higher than the global average.
Tampere University fared worse than the average for its peer countries in terms of reception on arrival. International students also need to experience the wider society: studying together with people from other cultures, opportunities for work experience, and networking for the future.
“At the University level, there is room for improvement in the way new students are delivered necessary services. The initial phase of studies often affects the overall completion of the degree,” says Kumpula.
Students were the least satisfied with themes related to integration and social life. Students are hungry for more information on clubs and communities. Making friends with people from their own country is easier, but finding local friends is perceived as problematic. According to Kumpula, conducting the survey during the pandemic may highlight the lack of social contacts, but these problems were already evident to some extent in previous years throughout Finland.
“We can improve our cooperation with the city of Tampere to support networks and integration,” Kumpula says.
The main implementer of the survey is I Graduate. The international survey expands the data from national surveys, allowing better access to students’ experiences. At Tampere University, students’ feedback is used to develop activities.
In May, the results of the ISB survey were discussed by the University community. The feedback is now available to faculties and service units.
Enquiries:
Senior Specialist Joanna Kumpula, Education and Learning joanna.kumpula [at] tuni.fi
