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Networking and experiences – TAMK’s international week for engineering became a brand

Published on 29.1.2019
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Sunny winter day on a frozen lake
Every year TAMK organises several international weeks for our partner institutions’ teachers and other staff members. The international week for engineering now opens our international weeks for the ninth time. On 28-31 January approximately 20 experts of the field of technology will visit TAMK.

Majority of the international participants come from Europe, especially Germany is well represented. The international week for engineering with its own network is an excellent way to meet colleagues.

"I could say that our international week for engineering is already a brand. More than half of the participants come here year after year. One of the participants told that he organises his calendar in such a way that he can definitely participate in the week in Tampere", tells Senior Lecturer Riku-Matti Kinnunen, who is coordinating the international week for engineering for the ninth time.

According to Kinnunen, the last week of January is a convenient time for engineering education as all students have started their studies then.

"More than 1,000 engineering students will participate in the lectures. International weeks are a good way for students’ home internationalisation", Kinnunen tells.

Word of mouth works in marketing of international weeks

The good reputation of the international weeks is a result of determined work to ensure that participants enjoy their stay.

"In addition to the official programme, Hangaslahti sauna and winter swimming are highlights that participants wait for and look back on for a long time. A dinner prepared by TAMK’s hospitality management students has also been a memorable experience. It is important for us that the atmosphere is relaxed and participants are well cared for. There is also time for leisure activities and meeting of colleagues", Kinnunen tells.

Contacts established during the international weeks have led to for example visits by student groups and curricula development projects. The international weeks increase staff mobility between the partner institutions.

TAMK will organise the international week for engineering on 28-31 January 2019. The participants come from 13 higher education institutions in seven countries. Half of them are first-timers and the other half have been here several times. There are also some who have participated in TAMK’s every international week since 2011.

TAMK’s international weeks in spring 2019

International Week for Engineering, 28-31 January 2019

International Week – The Secret of Innovative Partnerships, 11-15 March 2019

International Week for Business and Services & TAMK Global Education Department, 18-22 March 2019

International Week for Language Teaching Tomorrow 2019, 13-17 May 2019

International Week for Art, Music and Media, 6-10 May 2019

Further information: Riku-Matti Kinnunen, riku.matti.kinnunen [at] tuni.fi
Photo: Laura Vanzo, Visit Tampere Oy