Practical Information for International Students
ADMISSIONS OFFICE P.O. Box 505, FI-94101 Kemi, Finland Tel. +358 (0)10 383 5279 | Fax +358 (0)16 251 139 email: [email protected] www.tokem.fi
FINLAND • EUROPE
PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences is part of the Lapland University Consortium.
The Finnish Higher Education Evaluation Council (FINHEEC) has audited succesfully the quality assurance system of KTUAS as a part of national higher education quality assurance.
Publisher Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences P.O. Box 505, FI-94101 Kemi, Finland Tel. +358 (0)10 383 50
Photographs Sanna Nurila, Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences, Town of Kemi, Town of Tornio, Rodeo
Printing works Erweko, Oulu 2013 CONTENT
WELCOME! 4 Money and Banking ...... 31 Working in Finland 31 INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION: Ways of Communication 32 KEMI-TORNIO UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES . . 8 Transportation ...... 35 Academic Authorities 10 Freetime Activities 35 Academic Calendar 2013–2014 10 Help and Support 11 ABOUT FINLAND ...... 37 Kemi-Tornion Region 41 BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY 15 Winter White, Summer Light ...... 42 Visa and Residence Permit 15 Finnish Culture 44 Health Insurance ...... 18 Document Check List 18 CONTACT INFORMATION ...... 46 Transport Connections ...... 19 Customs 20 LINKS WORTH CHECKING 48
AFTER ARRIVAL CHECK LIST 21 APPENDIX ...... 49 Application for Accommodation ...... 51 LIVING IN FINLAND AND Student Application for Form for Exchanges ...... 53 THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION 22 ECTS – European Credit Transfer and Accommodation 22 Accumulation System ~ Learning Agreement 57 Civil Registration ...... 25 MAP OF KEMI ...... 60 Health Care Services 25 Social security for the students 30 MAP OF TORNIO ...... 61 Living expenses 30 WELCOME!
ear student, to help you to properly prepare for your stay in Kemi or Tornio we have collected some important information about living and Dstudying in our University of Applied Sciences (UAS). This guide provides you with useful information to help you plan your stay here with us.
There are several people to guide you during your study period in Finland such as accommodation officer, international office, your department’s student affairs office, school social worker, tutor teacher and student tutors. Please do not hesitate to ask for their help and advice. Their contact information is available in the practical information guide book or on website www.tokem.fi.
Studying in Kemi-Tornio UAS does not require tuition fee but students are responsible for their own living costs and personal insurance which is applicable in Finland and compatible with the Finnish standard.
Please note that local government, municipality and the UAS do not provide financial support during the study period. Students are responsible to acquire necessary services from the local service providers. For example the healthcare services are organized by the cities. The school nurses’ services are free but other fees related to healthcare services have to be taken care of by yourself or your own insurance company.
The school nurse has recommended that all students would have the following vaccinations before arriving to Finland: polio, tetanus-diphteria and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. You are not able to have the vaccinations in Finland except tetanus and influenza vaccinations. Also the school nurse recommends you to contact her as soon as possible after your arrival if you have any chronic deceases or medical allergies. Take with you your recipe and English descriptions if you have any regular medication. This helps you to continue your care in Finland.
Read carefully the information about Civil registration (page 25). Additional information will be provided during the orientation period. It is very important that you attend the orientation period.
Please note that the university has not a dormitory of its own but our Accommodation Officer Mr Jukka Ikäläinen will assist you renting a flat. Enclosed you will find an
4 • WELCOME! application form for accommodation. Return the application to the accommodation officer toreserve a flat. You are responsible for paying the rent.
Please inform the accommodation officer Mr Jukka Ikäläinen by e-mail the date and the time of your arrival at Kemi 2 weeks before your arrival. Mr Ikäläinen will arrange somebody to guide you. Please note that accommodation officer does not work on weekends.
Contact information to Mr Jukka Ikäläinen: e-mail [email protected] tel. +358 (0) 50 461 2335
International students are allowed to have part time jobs with the student residence permit. As job requirements, many employers ask for certain job certificates or licenses which are mandated by law. For most jobs Finnish language could be a requirement. Pleas note that we are not able to organize working possibilities because our main purpose is to provide education.
Kemi and Tornio are quite small cities in the northern Finland. We have four seasons and we believe winter is an amazing experience for most of our international students. Winter period lasts about 5-6 months. Winter is quite cold and there ins’t much sunlight during the kaamos-period. It will be necessary for you to obtain lots of winter clothes which you can also buy after your arrival here. We will give instructions how to cope with the northern climate. Our summer is very beautiful because of the mild temperature and day light. The sun never goes down during the summer.
There are different possibilities for you to spend your free time after school and during weekends. You also have good opportunity to enjoy the Finnish nature. If you have some hobbies then there is information about different activities on our website www.edu.tokem.fi .
On behalf of the Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences I warmly welcome you to study with us!
Ms Hannele Keränen Acting Vice Rector
WELCOME! • 5 ello my dear friends, here are some words from a second year student in Business Management program. I have the pleasure to share some of my experiences Hwith you. First of all I have to say, if you have chosen Finland for your study and your future, “Congratulations”! You have made the right decision. Why? I will tell you.
Finns might seem very shy and unwilling to be involved in a conversation; however they are always willing to help if you are in need. I will never forget the experience I had at the first day of my arrival. I asked a young man about the bus number from airport to the train station. He noticed that I am a foreigner and not familiar with the routes in Finland. Not only he helped me to find the right bus, but also he paid for my bus ticket. When we arrived at the train station, he helped my again with my heavy luggage. I don’t know how I could manage without his help! Amazing! I was wondering at that time if all the people in this country are the same as this person? Are all of them that much kind and willing to help? The question didn’t last so long in my mind. Soon I noticed all Finns are very supportive and compassionate. It doesn’t matter in which position they stand, as a teacher, as a social worker, as a doctor, as a shop-keeper, as a policeman, or as a priest they all are so gentle and humble. Once I had to visit a doctor in Helsinki. (No worries, you will not be at the risk of any disease in Finland. I was safe and sound, I just needed some medical documents and that is why I visited the doctor.) I remembered that I spent one hour in the doctor’s room and I was laughing for the whole hour. The doctor had a nice sense of humor and he was telling me the funny stories of his medical experience. People are very friendly here.
Also in the university environment all the people are easy to approach. As a student, you can easily go to your educational manager, program manager, dean or even the rector of the university and express your difficulties, problems, or challenges. Just knock on the door and tell them what is on your mind. You might be surprised if I say that even in some social events you can sit around in the same table and have your dinner with them.
If you are in need of noise and energy-generating activities there are plenty of cultural events, social activities, bars and student parties going on here. If you are on the opposite site and want to find a peaceful corner just to focus on your studies, again here is the best choice; you can peacefully sit on the benches on the banks of Bothnian Gulf and enjoy the wonderful scenes.
Want to find new friends? Come here. You have an opportunity to be in a multi-national and multi-cultural environment. Not only you learn from them, but also you will enjoy the company. Amazing experience! Sit in a class consists of different nationalities not only makes you know
6 • WELCOME! about different countries and cultures, but also helps you to expand your social network. Finally you will find yourself in the middle of global community having friends from all over the world.
Throw snowballs late at night, watching the northern lights and visiting the snow castle are also among the wonderful experiences I have had here in Finland.
Winters are long and so cold here. Sometimes you have to put on so many cloths; many socks, many trousers and many gloves one over another and still you might shiver out of cold! However the warmth of the people around you does not left you feel cold and lonely. Besides, there are plenty of joyful winter activities that are going on during winter. Among these activities are riding a snowmobile, driving on ice and ice fishing. Sounds interesting? I bet these activities worth experiencing and you will like them.
On the other hand there are lots of projects and other academic activities which help you develop your personal and professional skills and competences. I have noticed that my competences have developed greatly since I moved to Finland and during my studying in this university.
And last but not least, you’d better know that sauna and coffee are the two inevitable aspects of Finnish culture; two good starts for a friendly and nice chat. Join us and experience a nice cup of coffee in Finnish sauna! Tervetuloa!
Parisa Ghiyaei 2nd year student in Business Management program
WELCOME! • 7 INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION: KEMI-TORNIO UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences (abbreviated KTUAS and Rovaniemi UAS merge in as of the 1st to KTUAS or Kemi-Tornion ammattikorkeakoulu in January 2014. The new organisation will be named Finnish, abbreviated to KTAMK ) is a multidisciplinary as Lapland University of Applied Sciences. institution providing higher professional education and research services in Northern Finland and Lapland. We are situated at the rim of Finnish Lapland close to the border with Sweden. Our educational units At Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences (KTUAS) we are located in two towns, Kemi and Tornio. train students to become highly skilled professionals and cooperative experts who can thrive in international working environments. The study environment is quite international as 300 exchange and degree students from Europe, Asia and “Learning is a treasure, which Africa studying in the international degree programs. no-one can steal.” (Chinese saying)
In addition to providing the skills needed for working life, the basis for planning and implementing teaching at KTUAS comprises the individual and common learning needs and processes of the students, integration of teaching and research and development activities, as well as continual contact with working life, changes in the operational environment, and anticipation of these changes.
The quality assurance system maintains and supports the activities and operations at KTUAS by producing evaluation and monitoring data and clarifying quality standards. Quality assurance enables achieving common goals and maintaining and developing quality. Quality assurance is also systematic development The Finnish Higher Education Evaluation council (FINHEEc) audits the quality assurance systems of all Finnish universities as a part of the national higher education quality assurance.
8 • INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT KEMI-TORNIO UAS
• Established 1992 • Students 2 949 • International degree students 291 • International exchange students 70 • Staff members 264 • Bachelor’s Degree Programmes 13, four of which is conducted in English • Master’s Degree Programmes 3, one of which is conducted in English
INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… • 9 Academic Authorities Academic Calendar 2013–2014
Rector, Mr Reijo Tolppi The academic year is divided into two semesters: Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences the autumn semester and the spring semester ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Instruction is given from August to December in e-mail: [email protected] autumn and from January to June in spring. Public and national holidays are included in the following calendar. On public holidays there is no instruction and shops and banks are usually closed. Vice-Rector, Ms Hannele Keränen Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AUTUMN SEMESTER 2013 e-mail: [email protected] Instruction begins, 16 August Autumn holiday, week 42 Finnish Independence holiday (Itsenäisyyspäivä), holiday, 6 December Dean, Ms Leena Alalääkkölä Christmas holiday, weeks 52 and 1 Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences BUSINESS & CULTURE e-mail: [email protected] SPRING SEMESTER 2014 Winter holiday (talviloma), week 10 Easter Holiday, 18–21 April May Day (vappu), holiday, 1 May Dean, Ms Leena Leväsvirta Ascension Day (Helatorstai), holiday, 29 May Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES e-mail: [email protected]
Dean, Mr Matti uusimäki Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING e-mail: [email protected]
10 • INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… Help and Support ACCOMMODATION AND FREE TIME SERVICES
The accommodation officer assists new students in arrival ACADEMIC GUIDANCE arrangements and accommodation services. Arriving students need Academic guidance (by tutor teachers) is an ongoing process to be in contact with him to book an accommodation before arrival which aims to improve a students’ adjustment to the academic to Kemi or Tornio. He sends the request to the housing providers. system and to enhance her/his independent learning and Students are responsible for paying the rents to the housing to increase their expertise in their fields of study. providers. More information page 22.
The content of the guidance consists of a personal study plan, When you need information about recognition of prior learning, practical training, study techniques, free time activities, Mr Ikäläinen physical, mental and social welfare and free time activities. Every can supply also that information. study group is assigned a tutor teacher, who is responsible for following the study results and progress of the studies. Student Accommodation Officer counselors assist students in preparing their individual study Mr Jukka Ikäläinen plans and in the preparation for international exchange periods. Student Affairs Office Lumikontie 2, Kemi Students are responsible for participating in education mobile +358 (0)50 461 2335 guidance and counseling. They are asked to give feedback e-mail: [email protected] of the studies and services through the Opaali-system.
PEER GUIDANCE The international student tutor (kv-tuutori) is usually the first person you meet when you arrive in Kemi-Tornio. He/she will help you to settle down and find your way around campus and around town. International student tutors are degree students of Kemi-Tornio UAS who are interested in the culture, customs, traditions and ways of life of people in other countries.
INTERNATIONALIZATION Internationalization affects all of our operations e.g. student and staff mobility, internationalization at home, project work and in international degree programs and the development of joint/double degrees with European and international partners. The International Office of Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences is responsible for international relations and bilateral
INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… • 11 agreements between Kemi-Tornio UAS and partners around the Ms Kati Kehusmaa world. We have cooperation with universities in Europe, Asia, International Relations Secretary Russia, Canada and the USA Both Finnish and international mobile +358 (0)40 573 2026 students are encouraged to do their exchange periods in Europe. fax +358 (0)16 251 120 The length of these exchanges can vary from 3 months to the e-mail: [email protected] whole school year. The list of exchange places can be found on edu.tokem.fi. Outgoing students are supported by Erasmus and travel grants. International contact persons of the study fields and International office assist students in applying for exchanges.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE INTERNATIONAL CONTACT PERSONS IN STUDY FIELDS Lumikko BUSINESS AND CULTURE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Ms Sari Hohtari Lumikontie 2, FI-94100 Kemi mobile +358 (0)50 461 2325 Finland fax +358 (0)16 431 053 e-mail: [email protected]
Ms Jaana Koivuranta Study Councellor mobile +358 (0)40 536 4432 fax +358 (0)16 431 054 e-mail: [email protected]
Mr Eija Rajalin mobile +358 (0)40 084 0057 fax +358 (0)16 431 054 e-mail: [email protected]
Ms Heli Hulkko Study Secretary mobile +358 (0)40 747 9240 fax +358 (0)16 431 053 e-mail: [email protected]
12 • INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES SCHOOL NURSE Ms Eliisa Kursula mobile +358 (0)40 564 5607 In Kemi-Tornio UAS there is a school nurse in every unit. The fax +358 (0)16 251 149 nurse counsels students on health issues and gives advice e-mail: [email protected] in case of illness. The school nurse can write certificates of illness for a short time. Also she will give the first NURSING aid in sudden emergencies. More information page 25. Ms Tuula Ehrukainen-Sykkö mobile +358 (0)50 310 9335 fax +358 (0)16 251 130 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER e-mail: [email protected] The school social worker (kuraattori) encourages students in their studies and helps them cope with big and small problems in life ELDERLY CARE (stress, frustration, loneliness, homesickness or related hardships) Ms Tuula Ahokumpu private discussions with the social worker are strictly confidential. mobile +358 (0)40 841 7981 There are also group meetings where students can meet their peers fax +358 (0)16 251 130 and exchange experiences. If you find yourself in any distressing e-mail: [email protected] situation, do not hesitate to contact the school social worker for assistance and support. You may arrange an appointment with the TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING school social worker by e-mail or phone. Ms Martta Ruottu mobile +358 (0)40 522 6343 School Social Worker fax +358 (0)16 251 123 Ms Maria Sipilä e-mail: [email protected] Student Affairs Office, Lumikontie 2, Kemi Ms Soili Mäkimurto-Koivumaa mobile +358 (0)40 847 4219 mobile +358 (0)40 734 0405 e-mail: [email protected] fax +358 (0)16 251 123 e-mail: [email protected]
INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… • 13 STUDENT ASSOCIATION “The one who is afraid to ask
KETOAKKU is a student union that represents all the students is ashamed to learn.” in KTUAS. The student union’s main mission is to look after (Danish saying) the students’ interests, bring out the voice of students in Kemi- Tornio University of Applied Sciences’ activities and decision- making, improve students’ welfare, and organize tutoring.
All students of KTUAS can be a member in the student union. You will become a member of KETOAKKU when you pay the membership fee and get the SAMOK student card with the valid sticker on the card. Most of the time, the secretary general can be found at KETOAKKU’s office, which is located at Tietokatu 1 in Kemi
More information Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ketoakku TECHNOLOGY Blog: http://ketoakku.wordpress.com/author/ketoakku Tietokatu 1, Kemi
14 • INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTION… BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY
Receiving the study place It is very important to inform us beforehand about your travel plans so that we can make sure that there is Instructions included in the acceptance letter from the school someone to meet you when you arrive in Kemi-Tornio.
Apply the residence permit Visa and Residence Permit
Check page 15–17 As a citizen of one of the Nordic countries you do not need a visa or a residence permit to study in Finland. If you stay in Finland for longer than six (6) months, you are Arrange your accommodation in Kemi or in Tornio required to register personally at the local Register Office Fill in the application for accommodation > send it to accommodation officer (maistraatti) in Kemi. See contact Information on pages 46. Jukka Ikäläinen, P.O. Box 505, FI-94100 Kemi, Finland > more information about accommodation page 22. You can find the application for accomodation in your acceptance letter or from this guide page 51. As a citizen of one of the EU/EEA countries you do not need a visa entering Finland. You are allowed to study at Finnish educational institutions for three (3) months without visa or residence permit. If your studies/ Plan your coming early enough practical training lasts longer than three (3) months you must register your right to reside in Finland. The registration Check the travel information letter takes place at the local police station and it costs 50 Euros. To do the registration you need to have with you:
Check recommended vaccinations • Passport (recommended) or internationally Polio, tetanus-diphteria and MMR page 26 recognized official identity card • European Health Insurance card • Letter of Acceptance or study certificate • You must be able to show that your upkeep is If you have any regular medication secured during your stay in Finland. Check page 26 and webpages: www.tulli.fi and www.nam.fi As a citizen of non- EU/EEA countries you need an entry visa, which you need to apply for at the embassy that represents Finland in your home country. Inform your arrival time 2 weeks before However, a visa is not required if your home country has Confirm your date of arrival at least two weeks in advance signed a visa exemption treaty with Finland. Please note to ensure that we are prepared to receive you. Send the that tourist visas cannot be extended in Finland! information (exact date, time and place of your arrival) by e-mail to our accommodation officer: [email protected].
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY • 15 For further information visit the website of the Ministry for foreign Affairs in Finland formin.finland.fi (> Services > » CHECK LIST FOR STUDENT’S RESIDENCE PERMIT APPLICANTS foreign nationals arriving in Finland > Visa requirement and travel documents accepted by Finland). • Submit your application to a Finnish mission abroad once you You are allowed to study at Finnish educational institutions for have received confirmation of a student place with the invitation three (3) months without applying for a residence permit. You letter. Make sure before submitting your application that you have can then complete your studies within the period of validity of assembled all the necessary appendices with your application. your visa or while an agreement on the abolition of the visa is in force. If your studies last longer than three (3) months, you • Fill in application form OLE_OPI. You may also apply for a residence need to apply for a residence permit from the Finnish embassy permit online at https://e-asiointi.migri.fi. Sign the form and include or mission that represents Finland in your home country before your contact details. Include all the necessary appendices listed in your departure. You have to prove that you have sufficient funds Section E of the form. Please note that any missing item will delay to cover your living expenses in Finland, that is, a minimum of the processing of your application. Do not add any unnecessary 560 €/month or 6 720 €/year. After the first year you must apply appendices to your application. The Finnish Immigration Service for the continuation of your residence permit for each academic will ask you to provide further clarification, if needed. Mention the year at the local police station. The residence permit costs 116 €. planned date of your arrival in Finland on your application form. When applying for a residence permit you must attach to your • Give your fingerprints at a Finnish embassy. An application application details of your comprehensive health insurance cover submitted via e-service cannot be processed until you have with a reliable company or institution and when extending your given your fingerprints for the biometric residence permit card. residence permit, also certifications of your success in studies. You also need to verify your identity and present the original copies of any supplements needed for the application. For local police stations see Contact information on page 46. For further information visit the website of the Finnish • Your health insurance and passport must be valid during immigration Service www.migri.fi (>english >Studying) your entire stay in Finland. If your studies take one year or and the website of the Finnish Police www.poliisi.fi (> longer, your health insurance and passport must be valid for Licenses > Permits and licenses for foreigners). at least one year from your date of arrival in Finland. If your studies take less than one year, the validity of your insurance and passport must cover your entire stay in Finland.
• Your livelihood must be secured. For a one-year residence permit you will need to have 6,720 euros available. For studies taking less than a year you will need 560 euros for each month. You must have the required sum deposited in an account under your name or a certificate of a scholarship or bursary granted by an
16 • BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY FAMILY MEMBERS
A person who wishes to come to Finland and live in the same household with a family member residing here must have a official body. Sponsorship guarantees given by private persons, residence permit. The permit can be granted on the basis of such as relatives, friends or employers, will not be accepted. family ties. If you want your family members to move to Finland to live with you they will need their own residence permit. The • You cannot expedite the processing of your application, for demands for the residence permit will be the same as any other example because you have already purchased a flight ticket. applicant. For example the applicant needs to prove that he/ Applications are processed in the order in which they are she has the needed financial support to live in Finland. The received. You cannot expedite the processing of your case family member who already is in Finland is so called sponsor. by contacting us by email or telephone. Please note that if Who are the family members is quit narrow compare to other you have not applied for a permit via e-service, it takes an countries. By the Finnish law the family members are: average of one month for applications submitted at diplomatic missions to reach the Finnish Immigration Service. • registered partner • cohabiting partner • Follow the progress of student application processing at • guardian of a child under 18 years of age the Finnish Immigration Service at http://www.migri.fi/ • child processingtimes. If you applied via e-service, you can check the status of your application online by logging in to e-services. Our Note! website is also where we provide information and instructions If you give birth to a child in Finland the child will not automatically if there are exceptional changes in average processing times get Finnish citizenship. The citizenship will be determined and if the decisions cannot be made before the studies begin. by the citizenship of the parents. Your child will also need a • Wait for the decision abroad. You may not come to Finland residence permit to Finland. Residence permit will be given while your application is being processed and receive a to the child for the same period as parents’ residence permit residence permit card here. A favorable decision on a is. Check the demands for the residence permit for the child. residence permit cannot be delivered immediately after For example you need to be able to prove that the financial it is made, because the manufacturing and posting of a support of the child is secured (500 e / month / child). residence permit card takes approximately three weeks. More information: http://www.migri.fi/moving_ • If you have questions, check the frequently asked questions to_finland_to_be_with_a_family_member on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service for possible answers. If you cannot find an answer to your question, you may contact the service numbers of the Finnish Immigration Service.
Source: www.migri.fi
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY • 17 Health Insurance Document Check List
Exchange students need: CITIZENS OF THE EU/EEA • Passport (recommended) or internationally recognized official The Finnish National Health Insurance plan administrated by the identity card; note that a passport is necessary if you Social Insurance Institution (KELA) covers citizens of the EU/EEA. a) come from outside of the Schengen area, You need to get an European health insurance Card from your local b) wish to travel outside the EU/EEA from social security office in your home country before departure. Find Finland, for example to Russia out about the validity period of the card. You will be offered the • Letter of acceptance sent to you from Kemi- same services as Finnish citizens and your health expenses will Tornio University of Applied Sciences be covered on the same conditions. It is still good to have a valid • European Health Insurance card travel insurance which covers the possible healthcare costs. • Insurance certificate, see page18 if you come outside EU • Several passport sized photographs • Credit card(s) or travelers’ checks (it is not NON EU/EEA CITIZENS advisable to carry a lot of cash) You must have a valid comprehensive insurance cover issued by a • Certificate concerning your Erasmus grant reliable and solvent company or institution. If your studies in Finland last less than two years, you must have private insurance which Free movers need all the documents above except the primarily covers the costs of medical treatment up to about 100 000 Erasmus student status certification and grant allowance. €. If your studies in Finland last two years or more, you will usually have a home municipality in Finland (Kemi or Tornio) and be entitled Degree students need: to municipal healthcare services. Therefore your private insurance • Passport (recommended) or internationally recognized official should primarily cover the cost of medicines up to about 30 000 € identity card; note that a passport is necessary if you a) come from outside of the Schengen area, For further information go to the website of the Finnish b) wish to travel outside the EU/EEA from immigration Service www.migri.fi (> english > Studying) Finland, for example to Russia • Letter of acceptance sent to you from Kemi- Tornio University of Applied Sciences • European Health Insurance card or Insurance certificate, see page18 • Several passport sized photographs • Credit card(s) or travelers’ checks (it is not advisable to carry a lot of cash)
18 • BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY Transport Connections BY SEA
BY AIR You can reach Finland by sea from Sweden, Estonia and Germany If you are travelling to Finland by air you most likely land throughout the year. The main ports of arrival are Helsinki and at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport. If you want to look Turku; from these two cities you can take a train to Kemi. around in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, before travelling to Kemi-Tornio region, you can take a Finnair airport bus, A list of routes and operating companies that sail to Finland: a public service bus or a taxi from the airport to the center www.visitfinland.com (> About Finland > Getting here > By Sea) of the city. The quickest and easiest way to reach your final destination is to take a domestic flight from Helsinki-Vantaa to Kemi-Tornio Airport. The flight will take about an hour. BY RAIL From Helsinki Railway Station you can take a day or a night train All scheduled flights to/from Helsinki are available from up north to Lapland. Travelling by train from Helsinki to Kemi Helsinki-Vantaa Airport: www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/home takes 8 –10 hours. Notice that it is easier to travel if you take a straight connection to Kemi without changing trains on your way. Another alternative is to take the air route through Sweden. You can travel by air via Stockholm to Luleå-Kallax Airport Train connections in Finland www.vr.fi/eng/ and take a bus from the airport to the Haparanda bus station, which is just across the border from Tornio in Finland. BY ROAD There are many ways to come to Finland by bus or by car. If you drive along E4 road through Sweden, you cross the border in Haparanda. There is a bus connection from Stockholm to Haparanda-Tornio: www.tapanis.se
Coming from Norway there is a bus connection from Alta, Nordkapp and Tromso to Rovaniemi, Finland: www.eskelisen-lapinlinjat.com
There is a bus connection from Murmansk, Russia, to Rovaniemi, Finland: www.goldline.fi
From Rovaniemi you can take a bus or a train to Kemi-Tornio region. You can check bus connections in Finland: www.matkahuolto.fi
BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY • 19 Customs » CHOOSE THE RIGHT CHANNEL
MEDICINES Please proceed as follows when declaring Imports of medicinal products are controlled by the customs. When passenger imports if there are channels of necessary, the passenger must prove that the medicinal product is different colors at the place of arrival: intended for personal treatment. If you intend to import medicinal products to Finland you need to have a doctor’s prescription or a Choose the red channel, if you are carrying goods that medical certificate with you. You are allowed to bring outside EEA are subject to customs clearance or declaration or if countries a maximum quantity corresponding to three month’s use. you are not sure which regulations apply. Otherwise You are allowed to bring medicines that are classified as narcotics choose the green channel or, when arriving from outside EEA countries to a maximum corresponding to 14 days’ use. another EU Member State, the blue channel.
For further information go to the website Even a passenger who has chosen the green www.nam.fi(National Agency for Medicines) or blue channel may be checked.
FOODSTUFF For further information go to the website of Finnish Customs www.tulli.fi/en/ (> Publications > Passengers It is prohibited to import meat and meat products, milk and and removals > import Restrictions for Passengers) milk products and pet foods from countries outside the EU.
MONEY A passenger arriving in or departing from the EU territory has to declare their cash funds to the customs authority when carrying cash to the minimum value of 10 000 euros. FROM THERE TO HERE Helsinki 720 km Oulu 110 km ALCOHOL Rovaniemi 115 km In Finland, persons aged 20 or over are allowed to have Luleå, Sweden 125 km strong alcoholic beverages in their possession or transport Murmansk, Russia 710 km them, and persons aged 18 or over alcoholic beverages containing less than 22 per cent alcohol by volume.
20 • BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOME COUNTRY AFTER ARRIVAL CHECK LIST
• Signing the rental agreement for your apartment in the Housing be the same as the local citizens in Kemi-Tornio area. Without the office. (check also the need for washing machine token/card) permanent home municipality the student has to pay the actual • Phone calls & internet connection (if it’s not included to healthcare expenses from the treatments, which will be much the apartment). You can get pre-paid card from kiosks. more expensive then with the permanent home municipality. • Student card (SAMOK, VR & Matkahuolto student In the registration office the students must remember to ASK card). To get discount for example for travelling. them to mark the home municipality as permanent to Kemi or • If you have any chronic deceases or medical allergies Tornio. To do this, the student must have with them passport the school nurse recommends you to contact and study certificate. The registration is free of charge. her as soon as possible after your arrival. • Bank ALSO Opening the Finnish bank account for degree students, ATM card Degree students: (Visa Electron), how to use the ATM, paying the bill (internet bank). • Registration office in Kemi (maistraatti) Degree students must get the Finnish social security number Exchange students: from the registration office. They also need to register their • Police station permanent home municipality in Kemi or Tornio if they want to. Exchange students should register in the police station’s The registration office marks automatically the home municipality office if there are going to stay in Finland more than 3 temporarily in Kemi or Tornio. Students who study in Finland two months. The registration costs 50, 00 euro. You need to years or more, they have the right to get the permanent home prepare to have with you: passport, acceptance letter/ municipality to the study locality. If the student has the permanent study certificate, and proof of adequate financial support home municipality in Kemi or Tornio, his/her healthcare costs will for your stay, European Health Insurance Card
• Bank You must open the Finnish bank account if you get a grant from KTUAS. The grants for students are always paid to a bank account, never in cash.
» REMEMBER!
In these issues you can ask help from the student tutors!
AFTER ARRIVAL CHECK LIST • 21 LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION
Accommodation » CHECK YOUR APARTMENT AFTER ARRIVAL!
Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences does not have dormitories. You can apply for a student apartment from the local companies in Kemi: Student Housing Foundation of Kemi Find out... (Kemin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) or from Tornion Krunni Oy in Tornio. how to use the apartment key (how to lock and unlock the doors). And take care of the key. If you lose the • Fill in the application for accommodation and send it to key or lock yourself outside the apartment, it costs accommodation Officer Jukka Ikäläinen, P.O. Box 505, FI-94100 Kemi, to call the janitor to open the apartment door! Finland. The application form is attached to this guide, page 51. • how the fridge is working. After arriving you need to make a rental agreement with the house • how the oven/stove works. lord as soon as possible. Also rent has to be paid after your arrival. • how to use the washing machine in the laundry room. Some of the companies offering apartments require payments • where are the garbage cans. of rent 5–6 months beforehand and some use deposit rent. And • Notice silence (usually between 10 pm – 7 am) RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TENANTS • The rent is payable by the agreed date of each month. • The tenant is responsible for any damage to the property. This includes damage caused by visitors of the tenant. • Follow the house rules and regulations, which in blocks of flats Our accommodation officer Mr Jukka Ikäläinen will help are usually placed on the wall in the vicinity of the main entrance. all international students in accommodation matters: • Tenancy agreements must be terminated in writing. The property must be vacated within one month of Accommodation Officer the termination of the tenancy agreement. Mr Jukka Ikäläinen Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LAND-LORDS Administrative Services • The landlord is responsible for the maintenance of the e-mail: [email protected] property but not for the damage caused by the tenant. tel. +358 (0)50 461 2335 • The landlord can terminate the tenancy agreement only in writing and an acceptable reason must be given for it. • The landlord can evict the tenant if the tenant has not paid the rent for the property or is continuously acting in a socially irresponsible manner.
22 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION “Brains don’t function without food, exercise or company of friends. Nothing really works without a flat or money or when an illness strikes. That’s what these pages are all about.”
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN KEMI PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
The student housing is located within a 2.5 km radius of the You can also rent an apartment from a private owner. The rent Kemi-Tornio UAS education units. You can choose either a for a single room (studio) apartment is approximately 300–400 €/ single-room or a double-room for your accommodation. You month and for two rooms + kitchen 350–500 €/month. Usually will share a kitchen and a bathroom/shower with one or two you are requested to pay a deposit of 1–3 months’ rent. other students in the double-room choise. Every student has his or her own bedroom. The apartments are furnished. The rent Note! is about 250 €/month/student. You will have to pay a deposit You should submit a notification of moving muuttoilmoitus( ) rent of one months rent, which will be returned to you when every time you change your accommodation in leaving if there are no claims. Internet is not included in the all Finland. See civil registration on page 25. rental apartments. If you want to have an internet connection in your apartment, you should turn to local internet service providers. The rent includes water, heating and electricity. LIVING IN A RENTAL APARTMENT Living together with another student can be an experience. It See Contact information for Student housing foundation of Kemi provides you with many possibilities to learn different cultures. It (Kemin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) Service Providers on page 46. is also a possibility to make lifelong friendships and it can give you lots of good memories from the time you spend here in Finland. When you take care of each other’s wishes and hopes, living STUDENT ACCOMMODATION IN TORNIO together will work out just great! Different manners and different The student housing is located within a 0.5 km radius of the cultures will not create problems if you are willing to be flexible. Kemi-Tornio UAS education units. You will have your own The regulations for living will guide you and your room mate. Here room and share kitchen and a bathroom/shower with two are also a couple of tips for making living more comfortable. other students. The apartments are furnished. Free laundry facilities are available. The rent is about 250 €/ month. Get to know your room mate. Talk and make together some Electricity, heating, water and internet connection are included basic rules for living, for example visitors, listening music etc. in the rent. You will have to pay a deposit of 150 € which will Cleaning the common areas is every tenant’s responsibility be returned to you when leaving if there are no claims. (kitchen, hall, toilet, bathroom). One good way is make cleaning shifts. After using the kitchen and bathroom always clean it after See contact information for Tornion Krunni use. For example, wash the dishes after use. Take care of the Oy Service Providers on page 46. garbage also. Because of health reasons the garbage bag has to be taken to the waste shelter immediately when it gets full. Garbage is not allowed to be kept indoors, not in the flat or in the stairway. This also prevents bad smells and makes the flat more cosy! And please, respect your roommate’s property.
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 23 CHECK OUT! EXAMPLE OF HOUSE RULES: • If the occupant has caused damage to the flat, • Silence between 10 pm. - 6 am. s/he is liable to compensate the damage in full. • Smoking in the rooms and in the stairways is forbidden. If you do not pay your rent in time, the housing office can • Trash and other garbage musts be taken to waste shelter. terminate your rental agreement and you’ll have to move. • The occupant must take care of the cleaning of the NOTICE OF MOVING apartment him/herself. You can air your bed linen in the balcony on weekdays at 7 am. - 10 am. and 5 pm. - 6 pm. If you stay in Finland for longer than a month, you have to Carpets must be taken outside to the carpet rack. submit an official Notice of moving muuttoilmoitus:( www posti fi/changeaddress/) to local register officemaistraatti ( ) • The occupant must move in the stairway noiselessly. within one week after your arrival to Finland. You should • You cannot keep your flat door open to the stairway. make this Notification of moving every time you change your residence in Finland and also when you move out of Finland. • You cannot keep your things in the stairway. • Cars must be parked at the places reserved for them. It is important to notify the Post Office (Posti) of your moving so • Outer doors have to be closed all the time because that your mail will be delivered to the right place. The forms for of the electric locks and safety reasons. Outer notification are available at post offices, register offices and police doors are locked between 9 pm. - 6 am. stations. Posti will forward all mail addressed to the old address of a person who has filed a change of address notification for one • Flat must be cleaned before moving out and they will month free of charge. Posti will send you automatically a letter be checked by the Housing Office. Remember to inform where they offer you a service of redirection of all postal items for the Housing Office one month before you move out. 12 months. This service is subject to a charge and it is voluntary. • Any damages or failures must be notified to the caretaker immediately. The number of the caretaker is +358 40 546 0809. When you move out:
• Give notice to the Housing Officeone month before you move out. » REMEMBER! • Notify the local register officeof your moving by filling in the online form at http://www.posti.fi/changeaddress. You can • The tenant cannot let anybody else live in his/her flat. also get the form in the register office in Kemi or local post • If you want to move out or change your rental office. More information: www.vaestorekisterikeskus.fi. agreement you must yourself inform the Housing • Return the keys to the Housing Office or caretaker. • Your own property is not included in the real estate • Fill in the form registering changes of address in the insurance of the Housing Office. You can ask for post office. Post offices have free post cards which you a home insurance in the insurance companies. can send to your friends and family to inform of your The companies require the Finnish social security new address. More information: www.posti.fi. number when obtaining the insurance. • Remember to change the address to the WinhaWille Student • By the Finnish law there has to be a fire Administration System of the school. Also it is a good idea alarm in every flat. Check that the alarm is in to inform the library and banks of your new address. operation. Tenant’s responsibility is to replace • Clean the flat before you move out. If the Housing the batteries approximately once a year! Office has to clean your flat after you move out, • The tenant has to change the light bulbs his/herself. it will bill you for the cleaning costs.
24 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION Civil Registration Health Care Services
Registration to get an identity number » PUBLIC HEALTH CARE SERVICES
You have to register at the local Register Office( Maistraatti) in Kemi In Finland the public health care services are organized • if you intend to stay in Finland for at least a year (a Finnish by the municipalities. As a student you are able to use “municipality of residence” will be registered for you) or the public health care services in Finland if you have a municipality of residence in Finland. Public health care • if you intend to work and receive a salary (even services are financed through tax revenue and are quit though your stay will last less than a year) cheap for customers. EU-citizens MUST have their European Health Insurance cards with them when using On the basis of registration, you will be assigned the same kind of health care services. Remember to show the card every personal identity number as a Finnish citizen has. The personal time you use the health care services, even if the personnel identity number is used for identification purposes, needed in in the hospital/health care centre don’t ask for it. such places as banks, hospitals, libraries, tax office and the Source: infopankki.fi registration offices of different authorities. You obtain your personal identity number from the local Register Office after you register.
The registration is free of charge. You have to have your passport, In Kemi-Tornio UAS there is a school nurse in every unit. The a valid residence permit and study certificate with you when you nurse counsels students on health issues and gives advice register. When you register, we advise that you mention that you in case of illness. The school nurse can write certificates of want to register as a permanent resident in Kemi or Tornio. Then illness for a short time. Also she will give the first aid in sudden you will benefit from emergencies. Contact information for the school nurses: public health care and get the public health IN KEMI care services at the HEALTH CARE SERVICES same price as local School nurse Ms Kati Ypyä residents. We advise Tel. 050 314 6497, e-mail: [email protected] you to take a certificate of the registration. This Kemi-Tornio UAS, Health care Unit Meripuistokatu 26, A-stairs certificate costs 4,5 €. Reception without appointment Mon–Fri at 8.00–9.45. With this certificate At other times only by appointment. you can prove that you are a permanent TECHNOLOGY, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & resident in Kemi or SOCIAL SERVICES: Tornio when you use School nurse Ms Laura Pernu local health care Tel. 050 461 7224, e-mail: [email protected] services, for example. Tietokatu 1, First floor, room 1045
See Contact Reception without appointment even weeks Mon-Wed information for the at 8–10 am and uneven weeks Mon and Wed 8-10. Local Register office At other times appointments only by telephone. in Kemi on page 46.
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 25 IN TORNIO Take with you your recipe and English descriptions if you have any regular medication. This helps you to continue your care in Finland. School Nurse Ms Sini Peteri, Tel. 050 314 6505 If the school nurse is not available, students can contact e-mail: [email protected] the nearest healthcare centre. The school nurse can Kemi-Tornio UAS, Urheilukatu 6 advise you which is your to the nearest centre.
Reception without appointment and calling time Mon–Fri Contact information for the health care centers are: from 8–8.30 am and 10.15-11.15 and Wed 8.00-11.15 am. IN KEMI, open weekdays from 8.00–15.30: The school nurses have recommended that all students should have the following vaccinations before arriving to Finland: • Sauvosaari Healthcare centre (= Sauvosaaren terveysasema) polio, tetanus-diphtheria and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) Kirkkopuistokatu 1, tel. 016 259 705 vaccinations. You are not able to have the vaccinations in Finland • Karihaara Healthcare centre (= Karihaaran terveysasema) except tetanus and influenza vaccinations. Also the school nurse Purolankatu 3, tel. 016 259 795 recommends you to contact her as soon as possible after your • Syväkangas Healthcare centre (= Syväkankaan terveysasema) arrival if you have any chronic deceases or medical allergies. Kivalontie 18, tel. 016 259 800
» HEALTH CARE CENTER » DOCTOR
Health care centers are usually open from Monday to A doctor’s order is usually required if you are in need Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. To make an appointment of tests or treatment in hospitals, except in cases of you should call the health centre in the morning as an emergency. If you need the services of a specialist, soon as it opens. When you call to the appointment you need to book an appointment first with a general desk, the nurse will make an evaluation of medical practitioner. The general practitioner will write you treatment. The nurse will ask you questions concerning an order for a specialist. Hospital patients must pay a your case and make the decision whether you need to share of the costs of the treatment. Note that Health see a doctor, a nurse or the nurse can give you care care centers are closed in the evenings and weekends. instructions by phone and ask you to contact them later if the situation has not improved in couple of days. Source: infopankki.fi
Source: infopankki.fi
26 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION IN TORNIO, reception by appointment from 8 am –4 pm: Emergency duty for both towns on workdays after 4 pm, on midweek holidays and during weekends • Tornio Health care centre (= Tornion terveyskeskus) is in the (Only life threatening situations). Sairaalakatu 1, tel. 016 432 814 • All non-urgent matters such as time reservation and Länsi-Pohja central Hospital, Kauppakatu 25, Kemi lab results Weekdays 8.00-15.00 hrs, tel. 016 432 835. tel. 040 149 1340 If the answering machine goes on, leave your name and telephone number of on answering machine When you call to these numbers, you will first be after the tone. You are called back the same day. connected for the evaluation of medical treatment. The nurse will ask you questions concerning your case and make the decision whether you need to see a doctor. » EMERGENCY DUTY
In urgent cases of sickness and accidents IN CASE OF EMERGENCY you will be treated in the emergency duty. for example life-threatening situation, accident, Contact information to emergency policlinics: fire or urgent police assistance call the emergency number of the emergency response centre:
IN KEMI » Emergency number is 112.
For urgent matters (infections or accidents) the doctor is on call Länsi-pohjan Keskussairaala, Kauppakatu 25, Kemi You do not need an area code when calling the Emergency polyclinic emergency number, not even from a mobile Weekdays 8.00–16.00 hrs phone. Emergency calls are free of charge from tel. 040 149 1340 all phones. Do not call the emergency number in the case of common illnesses. When calling IN TORNIO 112, be sure to mention the following things: 1. Your name. For urgent matters (infections or accidents) the doctor is on 2. What has happened? call Tornio health care center, Emergency polyclinic 3. Where has it happened? Weekdays 8.00–16.00 hrs 4. Are there people in danger? tel. 016 432 814 Answer all questions calmly and hang up only after the emergency centre has given you a permission to do so.
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 27 Medicines are sold in pharmacies. Please note that a PHARMACIES IN KEMI doctor’s prescription is required for certain medicines. • Yliopiston Apteekki, Pohjoisrantakatu 7, Kemi Some medicines are sold without a prescription. • Kemin ykkösapteekki, Asemakatu 1, Kemi
PHARMACIES IN TORNIO • Alatornion Apteekki, Kemintie 6, Tornio • Tornion Apteekki, Satamakatu 3 A, Tornio
» SEXUALITY
FAMILY PLANNING they become pregnant or at least before the end of the 4th Help with family planning and contraception can be month of pregnancy. The clinic monitors the health of the obtained at the health care centre. Contraceptives mother and the child. They also organize classes for mothers are sold in pharmacies, shops and newsagents. and fathers where you can prepare yourself for the coming Ask more advice from the school nurse. of the baby and learn how to take care of the new arrival. The services are free of charge for the customers of the clinic.
GYNECOLOGY SERVICES Children’s Clinic Gynecological check-ups you can ask from your Once the child has born, the doctors and local health care centre or contact a private medical nurses of the children´s clinic take care of centre. Women can request to have a female doctor. the health and vaccinations of the child. Pregnancy tests can be taken at health care centers or from pharmacy you can buy a home test. Local health care centre will provide you with more information on maternity and infant healthcare clinics. IF YOU ARE PREGNANT Maternity Clinic SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES The task of the maternity clinic is to foster the health and If you suspect you have contracted a sexually well-being of the pregnant woman, unborn and new-born transmitted disease, contact local health child, as well as other family members awaiting the new care centre or to the school nurse. arrival. Women should visit a maternity clinic as soon as
28 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION DENTAL CARE • Kiviranta dental clinic, Kiviranta comprehensive School, Tapiontie 8 Dental care is available in the health care centres and in private tel. 016 432 889 dentist Jarmo Lahti dental care clinics. Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences tel. 016 432 890 dentist Mikko Mäkimaa students belong to the municipal student health care system. EU-citizens must have their European Health Insurance cards • Pudas dental clinic, Pohjolankatu 7 with them when coming to dental clinics. Dental clinics charge tel. 016 432 887 dentist Sirkka Vikström a fee for their services and the fee is determined by the Finnish tel. 016 432 886 dentist Jouko Mukka government. Private dental clinics are available for everyone. tel. 016 432 888 dentist Jaana Koskimäki Contact information for the public dental care services: Note! Do not forget to cancel the dentist appointment in case you KEMI can’t go! Otherwise you’ll have to pay a fine of 33euros. Reservations at Kemi municipal dental clinics tel. 016 259 769 Mon–Fri at 8–15.30 hrs at other time tel. 040 149 1340 (joint duty) • Karihaara dental clinic, Purolankatu 3 • Syväkangas dental clinic, Kivalontie 19 • Sauvosaari dental clinic, Kirkkopuistokatu 1 A 2
» MENTAL HEALTH TORNIO Tornio city offers all students an opportunity to visit an oral hygienist once at school nurse premises. The oral hygienist For example difficult life situations can provide counsels students on health issues and in case you need psychological and physical symptoms; friendships are dental care, you will be offered an appointment for either neglected, personal welfare and hygiene are overlooked, inspection or treatment in municipal dental care. Please hobbies are abandoned and a person does not show consult first the school nurse about your district. interest towards the things they have been interested in before. Help for mental health care problems are • Saarenhammas dental clinic, Uusikatu 5 available from the health care services. Ask for more tel. 016 432 884 dentist Sisko Lahti information from school nurse or school social worker. tel. 016 432 882 dentist Tuija Tarvainen tel. 016 432 881 dentist Merja Vallinmäki
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 29 Social security for the students Groceries (February 2012) Apple (omena) 1,99 €/kg The Finnish social security system is built to ensure adequate Banana (banaani) ...... 1,25 €/kg basic security for people in all situations in life. However the Black bread slices (hapanleipä) 1,50 € / 500 g students moving to Finland only for the purpose of studying Candies (karamelli) 1,70 € / 125 g will not be entitled to Finnish social security because your Canned tuna (tonnikalapurkki) 1,29 € / 140 g residence permit requires the adequate financial support. Carrot (porkkana) 0,79 €/kg Also your family members or your children are not entitled Cheese (juusto) 8,99 €/kg to Finnish social security for the same reasons. Chicken legs (kanankoipi) ...... 1,99 €/kg Chocolate cookies (suklaakeksi) 2,36 € / 350g Coca-Cola 2,15 € / 1,5 l Living expenses Cocoa (kaakao) ...... 5,61 €/kg Coffee, good quality (kahvi) ...... 4,19 € / 500 g These are approximate prices in February 2012 just Cucumber (kurkku) 2 ,49 €/kg to give you an idea of the price level in Finland. Curry 0,99 € / 45 g Eggs (kananmunat) ...... 1,59 € / 10 pcs There are school restaurants in every unit where Garlic (valkosipuli) ...... 7,45 €/kg students can buy their lunch at the student price. Grapes (viinirypäle) ...... 2,69 € / 500 g Honey (hunaja) ...... 2,99 € / 450 g Student aprtment in Kemi 250 €/month Jasmine rice (jasmiiniriisi) 2,15 €/kg (includes water and electricity) Juice (mehu) ...... 0,92 €/l Internet, normal broadband connection 15–30 € / month Laundry detergent (pyykinpesuaine) ...... 4,29 € / 1,36 kg (depending on the speed of the connection) Lemon (sitruuna) ...... 1,38 €/kg Internet, mobile broadband connection . . . . .10–30 € / month Macaroni (makaroni) ...... 0,65 € /kg (depending on the speed of the connection) Margarine (margariini) ...... 2,45 € / 400 g Prepaid phone card ...... from 10 € and up Microwave oven pizza (mikropitsa) ...... 2,99 € / 700 g Samok student card, first year ...... 22 € Milk (maito) ...... 1,39 €/l Lunch in student dining room 2–3 € Olive oil (oliiviöljy) 5,32 €/l Freshments 2–3 € Onion (sipuli) ...... 0,89 €/kg Pizza in a pizzeria (lunch time) ...... 6–7 € Orange (appelsiini) ...... 1,99 € / kg Bowling, student price 9,50–12 € Pork chops (porsaanlihasuikale) ...... 5,50 € / 400 g Swimming, student price ...... 3,60 € Potato (peruna) ...... 1,19 €/kg Ticket to see a band ...... 5–25 € Rice crispies (riisimurot) 2,39 € / 500 g Bus ticket from Kemi to Tornio ...... 5,90 € Sausage (makkara) 2,19 € / 400g Airport-Taxi from the airport to the centre of Kemi . 12 €/person Shampoo (shampoo) ...... 1,59 € /l Airport-Taxi from the airport to the centre of Tornio 18 €/person Salt (suola) ...... 0,69 €/kg
30 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION Sugar (sokeri) 1,00 €/kg You will be given an ATM card with which you can withdraw Tea (tee), 100 teabags ...... 3,70 € / 100 tea bags money from cash machines (called OTTO) throughout Toast (paahtoleipä) ...... 1,19 € / 400 g Finland. If you lose your ATM card, call 020 333, 24 h/day. Toilet paper (wc-paperi) ...... 2,99 € /10 rolls Tomato (tomaatti) 4,49 € / kg All banks have special banking terminals (maksuautomaatti) for Toothpaste (hammastahna) ...... 2,99 € / 75 g paying bills. You can also make your payments via the internet with Washing-up liquid (astianpesuaine) ...... 1,29 € / 500 ml specific personal banking codes. Self-service is much cheaper Yogurt (jogurtti) 0,25 € / 200 g than paying bills at a bank desk or on the banking terminals. You Ketchup (ketsuppi) ...... 2 € / kg can get banking assistance from student tutors and bank officials.
Money and Banking Working in Finland
The Finnish monetary unit is the Euro (€). One euro is divided If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can work into 100 cents. There are bank notes of EUR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, in Finland without a work permit. 200 and 500. The coins are 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and EUR 1 and 2. Credit cards like Visa and MasterCard or travelers’ If you come from outside the EU/EEA, you are allowed to work checks are the most convenient to use. With Eurocheque without a work permit for a maximum of 25 hours per week cards and Visa cards you can get money from cash machines. during academic semesters and full-time during school holidays. You can exchange currency in all Finnish banks at the same After graduation you can apply for a residence permit for working rate but there may be differences in commission fees. anywhere in Finland full-time. After graduation you can also apply a residence permit for 6 months to find a job in Finland.
BANK ACCOUNT Banks in Kemi and Tornio are usually open Mon-Fri 10-16.30 PART TIME JOBS DURING YOUR STUDIES hrs but many times the cash services in banks are open It is a very challenging issue to find a part time job in Kemi- Tornio Mon–Fri only 10.00–13.00 hrs. Students are advised to open during your studies. Often employers require that you command a Finnish bank account as soon as they arrive. To do that at least the basics of the Finnish language. They may also you will have to show proof of your identity (e.g. passport). require specific training or certificates from the applicants. To There is no fee for opening an account but other services are get a job you will have to be active: the school does not provide usually subject to a fee. Please ask the bank for a price of a any jobs. You need to be very active in contacting companies and service package and list of other fees (e.g. international money the public sector to try to find a job. We recommend you to take transfers). Fees are usually charged for receiving money to actively part in Finnish courses arranged by your education unit your account from abroad and sending an international money or other actors e.g. Adult evening school or adult training centers order. Fees depend on the bank and the form of transfer. in Kemi and in Tornio. Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences do not offer jobs and is not obligated to find students any jobs. All students has responsibility for themselves to find a job.
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 31 TAXATION It is your responsibility to be active and to keep yourself updated, so as not to miss important info. Though we utilize digital When working in Finland you have to take care of your taxation. communication channels at Kemi-Tornio UAS, there is always the You need to have a tax deduction card every time you work good old alternative to walk up and ask anyone for advice and info. and get a salary. You can get it from the local tax office.
Contact information for tax offices in Kemi and Tornio see page 47. PHONE CALLS There are not public phones available in the Kemi-Tornio region, as almost everybody has a mobile phone. If you are planning Ways of Communication to bring along a mobile phone from your home country, note that there might be some difficulties to use it in Finland due to Every student at Kemi-Tornio UAS will be provided with the incompatibility with Finnish SIM cards (especially prepaid an e-mail account by the school: firstname.familyname@ cards). To avoid these difficulties you might consider buying edu.tokem.fi. The personnel’s e-mail is in form firstname. a second hand mobile phone in Finland. The prices for used [email protected]. E-mail is an important tool for mobile phones start from 5 € and new ones from 40 €. communication among students, lecturers and other staff. So make sure to check your e-mail on a regular basis. The easiest way to get a mobile phone connection is to buy a prepaid subscription. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards at The principal channels for disseminating information are: e.g. R-kioski and shops selling mobile phones. However, the rates for phone calls are a bit more expensive than if you have a • www.tokem.fi/english – The official website of Kemi-Tornio monthly mobile subscription. Alternatively, you can open a mobile University of Applied Sciences (especially for applicants) phone connection (monthly subscription) through several GSM service providers in Finland: e.g. Sonera, Elisa, DNA, Saunalahti, • edu.tokem.fi/english – “Student’s Info Agency”, the Kolumbus. It is always worthwhile to check the services and fees, most important source of updated information on as they may vary a lot between different operators. As a foreigner studies, student life and educational news. Under edu. you are required to have a Finnish Id number and credit information tokem.fi/english you will also find the curricula for or to pay a deposit of 300–600 € to obtain your own SIM card. degree programs as well as course descriptions
• Avack – An electronic bulletin board used in the education If you have an internet connection, it may be cheaper to make units to announce possible changes and the latest international calls via VOIp providers like Skype or VoipDiscount. information on class schedules and upcoming events • Traditional noticeboards in the hallways of the education units CALLING TO FINLAND FROM ABROAD • Virtual learning environments like moodle.tokem.fi. If not otherwise stated, the phone numbers in this guide are • Facebook search for Kemi-Tornion ammattikorkeakoulu given in the form used when calling to Finland from abroad
• The number of KTUAS (switchboard is given as: +358 (0)10 383 50
32 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION If you call from outside Finland you should dial the dropped into orange or blue-colored mailboxes (if available) in international access code (often 00), the Finnish country code the town. If you use the orange-colored mailbox your letter will 358 and then leave out the first zero (in parenthesis). be send as 1st class letter and if you use blue-colored mailbox your letter will be send as 2nd class letter. The 2nd class letter • E.g. calling to KTUAS (switchboard) from abroad: +358 10 383 50 is cheaper to post but it will take two weekdays for the letter to arrive to the recipient. In 1st class, it will take only one weekday for the letter to reach the recipient. You can ask for more details CALLING WITHIN FINLAND at your nearest post office or from the internet. Incoming mail When you call within Finland, leave out the country is delivered to your address Monday through Friday. There are code 358 and add the zero given in parenthesis no deliveries on Saturdays, Sundays or on public holidays.
• E.g. calling to KTUAS (switchboard) from Finland: 010 383 50 For further information go to the website of the Finnish Post: www.itella.fi
CALLING ABROAD FROM FINLAND When you make a telephone call to a destination that is outside MEDIA of the country, first dial the international prefix. There are several International press international prefixes depending on the phone company you choose You can find international newspapers and magazines in the libraries (the town libraries of Kemi and Tornio • Sonera: 990 or 99590 and the KTUAS libraries). Foreign language papers are • Elisa: 999 sold in well-stocked R-kioski´s and local stores. • DNA: 99555 • Globetel: 992 TV and radio • Kolumbus: 99559 As of 1 January 2013, the operations of the Finnish • Saunalahti: 991 Broadcasting Company will be financed by a new public • Pan-European code: 00 service broadcasting tax collected by the Tax Administration. The Finnish Tax Administration’s website provides further information on the public service broadcasting tax. After the international prefix, dial the country code, area code (the first number – 0 – is usually omitted) and the subscriber’s number. For information on broadcasting tax see: www.vero.fi/ en-US > Individuals > Public broadcasting tax
POSTAL SERVICES Listening to a radio is free of charge. The national You can buy stamps at post offices, kiosks and some stores. broadcasting company YLE provides news and information A standard letter or postcard can be mailed at post offices or in several languages at www.yle.fi/international.
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 33 A FEW WORDS OF FINNISH
Phrases Sanontoja What is the weather Millainen sää Hello Hei / Moi / Terve like today? tänään on? Good bye Näkemiin It is… Sää on… Good morning (Hyvää) huomenta fine / sunny / hyvä / aurinkoinen / Good afternoon (Hyvää) päivää chilly / cold / wet kolea / kylmä / märkä. Good evening (Hyvää) iltaa Are you cold? Paleleeko? Good night Hyvää yötä It is warm. On lämmin. Yes Kyllä below freezing pakkasen puolella No Ei snow flurry lumikuuro Thank you Kiitos sleet räntä Welcome! Tervetuloa! winter clothing talvivaatteet See you later! Nähdään! scarf kaulahuivi You’re welcome / stocking cap pipo Here you are Ole hyvä. Living Asuminen Excuse me / apartment/flat asunto I’m sorry Anteeksi address osoite How are you? Mitä kuuluu? street katu I´m fine, thank you. Hyvää, kiitos. road tie Where is...? Missä on...? rental agreement vuokrasopimus My name is... Minun nimeni on... security deposit takuuvuokra What is your name? Mikä sinun nimesi on? rent vuokra Nice to meet you. Hauska tutustua. electricity sähkö Let’s go! Lähdetään! water vesi I love you Rakastan sinua heating lämmitys I come from... Minä olen kotoisin... internet connection internetliittymä I am ... years old. Olen ... vuotta vanha. furniture huonekalut I am a student. Olen opiskelija. Travelling Matkustaminen I do not understand. En ymmärrä. passport passi Could you help me? Voitko auttaa? customs tulli I would like to buy... Haluaisin ostaa... airport lentokenttä Weather Sää plane lentokone train juna bus linja-auto, bussi boat laiva, vene » FROM THE FOLLOWING LINKS YOU CAN LEARN ferry lautta SOME BASICS OF THE FINNISH LANGUAGE car auto taxi taksi travelling ticket matkalippu Studying opiskelu • www.yle.fi/opinportti/supisuomea/01/ Degree Programme koulutusohjelma • www.uuno.tamk.fi credit unit opintopiste lecturer opettaja
34 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION Transportation BY TRAIN
Although in small towns like Kemi and Tornio all the services Travelling by train you are entitled to a special student rate. are in the center, within walking distance, a bicycle is a nice way The discount is 50 %. You need to present your Student to familiarize yourself with the surroundings of the towns. Union membership card (SAMOK student card) or a special Matkahuolto/ VR discount card when purchasing the ticket With some good luck you may find and buy a decent bicycle for a reasonable price from a bicycle repair shop, recycling center Train connections in Finland: www.vr.fi/eng (kierrätyskeskus), flea market (kirpputori) or your fellow student. When you park your bicycle always remember to lock it and preferably fasten it to a bicycle rack or some other solid structure BY TAXI to avoid anyone steeling your bike. You can buy bicycle locks As taking a taxi is quite expensive in Finland it is from well-stocked stores. Finnish law also demands that you recommendable to share it with you friends. Taxi have a light in your bike. The lamp in your bike helps you to drive center in Kemi and Tornio, tel. +358 (0)200 68 000 your bike in the evenings and other traffic users to see you. Freetime Activities BY BUS Travelling by bus from Kemi to Tornio or vice versa costs you There are many kinds of opportunities for exercise. 6,90 €. If you need to take a bus daily, it is worth buying a monthly Check out these websites to begin your search: card. It is valid for 30 days from the date you buy the ticket within the Kemi-Tornio transport area and costs 69 euros + a renewable edu.tokem.fi | student life – spare time- sports card 6,50 euros (deposit). The card can be purchased at bus stations and it can be renewed on buses. Local buses depart from The gymnasium is reserved for floor ball and volleyball turns for the bus stations in Kemi and Tornio. Timetables are available students of UAS. More information is available from your own at the bus stations, the Matkahuolto office and on buses. student society or the Accommodation Officer of Kemi-Tornio UAS. You can also ask Mr. Jukka Ikäläinen for tips on other hobbies. If you take a bus ride to a destination of a distance of 80 km or more, you are entitled to a special student rate. The discount is 50 % for a one-way or return ticket. You need to present your Student Union membership card (SAMOK student card) or a special Matkahuolto/VR discount card when purchasing the ticket.
Bus connections in Finland: www.matkahuolto.fi/en
LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION • 35 » TUTOR`S TIPS
edu.tokem.fi/liikkuvapassfrom this webpage you can find Kiikeli, in ruutinranta information about Liikkuva Culture and Sports Pass for students “Nice and big dogpark. Empty during morning and evenings. Lot’s of people during afternoon” “Hiking path and lean-to.” From pastel painting to hunting courses and Jogging paths: Takajärvi path and Mansikkanokka path every thing in between provided by: Kemin Työväenopisto IN TORNIO Marina Takalon katu 3, Kemi Tornio swimming hall tel. 016 258 240 Viidankatu 22 www.kemi.fi/kto/ tel. 050 597 1256 “good selection of many kind of hobbies” www.tornio.fi “Nice,relaxing. Swimhall also has a gym.” Tornion Kansalaisopisto Opistotalo Seminaarinkatu 14, Tornio Tornion naisvoimistelijat (Female gymnastics) tel. 040 770 5972 Arvontie 10 www.tornio.fi/Kansalaisopisto http://tornionnv.sporttisaitti.com/ “lots of different courses for everybody” “Cheap and it’s easy for newcomers to hop in.”
SPORT ACTIVITIES: Tornio-Haaparanta “Jogging route” “Route has signposts. Goes nicely around the river, nice scenery.” IN KEMI Kemin keila- ja tennishalli (bowling and tennishall) Tornio bowling hall Tervaharjunkatu 16 Teollisuuskatu 8–10, tel. 045 279 3119 tel. 016 445 722 www.keminkeilajatennishalli.com tornio.kemi-torniokeilailu.com. “Room for lots of people. Good opening hours. Little expensive.” “Cheapish if you reserve a lane with a group. Has ”Disco-Fever bowling.” music, cafeteria and disco-fever during evenings.” Bodycenter Ammattiopisto Gym Valtakatu 3, tel. 010 396 8000 and Downstairs of the dormitory at Kauppakatu 35 Asemakatu 9, tel. 010 396 8003 “Gym is in good shape and is free for student.” www.bodycenter.fi Hall hours for students “Good and professional instructors. Nice gymnastic exercises.” Lappiahalli, Etappitie 4 Swimminghall www.lappiahalli.fi Meripuistokatu 28, tel. 016 259 455 “Nice place for soccer.” “Nice swimming hall but small. Has music. Quite expensive prices. Climbing wall at Kiviranta Water gymnastics are effective and has good instructors.” Tapiolantie 8 Naisvoimistelijat Bodycenter (Female gymnastics) Kauppakatu 12 Lukkarilankatu 2, tel.040 026 2400 tel. 010 396 8001 “Affordable. Student friendly.” www.bodycenter.fi “Good and professional instructors. Nice gymnastic exercises.”
36 • LIVING IN FINLAND AND THE KEMI-TORNIO REGION ABOUT FINLAND
WHERE ARE WE? the clocks twice a year: daylight Saving Time (or summer time) is in effect from the last Sunday in March to the last Finland is located in northern Europe between the 60th and 70th Sunday of October. A 24-hour timetable is commonly used. For parallels of latitude. One quarter of Finland’s total area lies north example 8.00–16.00 means the same as from 8 am to 4 pm. of the Arctic Circle (Napapiiri in Finnish). The topography of Finland is flat with the exception of the high rounded fells in Lapland, the northern part of the country. Thousands of lakes, rivers and streams WHO ARE WE? as well as forests and woods dominate the Finnish landscape. The Finns form a distinct linguistic and ethnic population bearing features from both Eastern and Western Europe. The Finnish language, with Estonian and Hungarian, belongs to the Finno- 338 km2, Finland is the seventh Total area largest country in Europe Ugric group of languages. The population of Finland is 5 4 million people. Families with one child are the most common. The average 69 % forest, 10 % water, 8 % Of the total area life-expectancy of Finnish women is 83 years and of men 76. cultivated land and 13% other
Maximum distances 1 157 km north to south, 542 km east to west Population 5.4 million people with Sweden in the west (614 km), with Norway in the Land border Population growth 4.1 ‰ north (736 km) and with Russia in the east (1 340 km) Population density 17 people per sq km Highest point Halti, 1 324 m 90 % Finnish (suomi), 5 % Swedish (ruotsi), Main languages Longest river Kemijoki river, 483 km 0,03 % Lappish (saame)
188 000 lakes, 180 000 islands and 35 national Blue and green Main religions 78 % Lutheran, 1 % Orthodox parks with a total area of 884 600 ha Finns are curiously silent in public places and they The climate is marked by cold winters and warm summers. In rarely enter into conversation with strangers, but will winter, the mean temperature remains below 0 °C. In Lapland the converse after you take the initiative. Most Finns speaks winter usually begins in mid-October. In summer, the mean daily English fluently except most of the elderly people. temperature is consistently above 10 °C. The summer usually begins in June and lasts until August. In spite of the Kemi-Tornio Finns are better at listening than at talking, and interrupting region‘s northern location the climate in the region is still mild another speaker is considered impolite. A Finn does not due to the effects of the Gulf Stream. The average temperature grow nervous if there are breaks in the conversation; in July is from +15 to +18 °c and in February from -10 to -15 °C. silence is regarded as a part of communication. Having Snow covers the area from early November until the end of April. once got to know a stranger better, Finns are quite willing to discuss any topic; generally not even religion or politics are taboo way of life visit: http://virtual.finland.fi WHAT´S THE TIME? Finland is two hours ahead (+2) of Greenwich mean Time (GMT) and one hour ahead of central European Time (CE T). We set
ABOUT FINLAND • 37 Finland’s History at a Glance
The end of the ice age Early settlers (hunters, fishermen and food gatherers) arrived in Finland following the retreat of about 8000 B.C the continental ice-sheet. For a long time they were thought to be the first inhabitants of Finland. However, the latest archaeological findings suggest that there have been settlements in Finland before the ice age, over hundred thousand years ago.
The first crusade to Finland. 1155 Led by King Eric IX of Sweden the missionaries arrived in Finland. Finland became part of the Kingdom of Sweden for 600 years.
The first book in Finnish 1543 Mikael Agricola’s ABC Book, the first book written in the Finnish language, was published.
The oldest institution of higher education 1640 The Royal Academy of Turku was founded. Nowadays it is known as the University of Helsinki.
The Finnish War between Sweden and Russia 1808–1809 Sweden surrendered Finland to Russia. The new border in the North was drawn along the Tornio River.
The Autonomous Grand Duchy 1809 Czar Alexander declared Finland an autonomous Grand Duchy with himself as the constitutional monarch represented by a Governor General.
Kalevala 1835 The Finnish National Epic was published.
1862 The Finnish Markka was introduced replacing the Russian rouble as the currency of Finland
Equal and Universal Suffrage 1906 Finnish women were the first in Europe to gain the right to vote in parliamentary elections
Declaration of Independence 1917 Finland declared its independence of Russia on 6 December and became a republic.
Civil War 1918 between the Reds (leftwing) and the Whites (rightwing) ended with victory for the latter (government troops)
The Winter War 1939–1940 against the Soviet Union. In a peace treaty Finland had to surrender southeastern Finland to the Soviet Union.
The Continuation War 1941–1944 against the Soviet Union. In addition to the areas already lost to Russia, Finland also ceded Petsamo on the Arctic Ocean and was penalized with severe war reparations in the Paris Treaty in 1947.
The Lapland war 1944–1945 against German troops present in North Finland. In the Second World War (comprising the Winter, Continuation and Lapland wars) Finland was never occupied by foreign forces, but the war claimed a heavy toll: over 90 000 Finns got killed.
Treaty of Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance 1948–1992 with the Soviet Union. In 1992 Finland and Russia confirmed that the Treaty was null and void.
1952 The Olympic Games in Helsinki
1955 Member of the United Nations
1995 Member of the European Union
2000–2012 Tarja Halonen was the first female President of Finland
Arrival of the Euro 2002 Finnish Markka was replaced by the Euro
For further information on Finland’s history visit virtual.finland.fi
38 • ABOUT FINLAND HOW DO WE LIVE? decorate Easter eggs and Easter cards. On Palm Sunday, children dress up as Easter witches going around houses There is a high degree of equality between the sexes in Finland, with springs of willows in their hands. As a reward for as can be seen in the relatively high number of women holding reciting a special verse they get chocolate eggs or money. advanced positions in politics and other areas of society chauvinistic or patronizing attitudes towards women are generally considered “Vappu”, May Day 1.5. unacceptable. Women are usually independent financially and may It is the celebration for younger generations. On this day, every Finn offer to pay their share of a restaurant bill, for instance. A man may celebrates the spring even though most years it’s still snowing. politely refuse such an offer but it is equally polite to accept it. During this day, many celebrations combined take place, including: international workers movement, celebration of spring, springtime revelry of students, modern street carnival and the Finnish enthusiasm for drinking alcohol. This day is probably the wildest one all over Finland during the year. Restaurants and dance halls are full and people dance in the streets. Old students dig their graduation hats out of their bags and wear them all day long.
”Juhannus” Midsummer – Friday Between 19.– 25.6. It has remained the second most important celebration in Finland. Midsummer, celebrated at the summer solstice, has been an important ritual since the Pagan times. Most people go to their waterside summer cottages, or if they don’t have one, they rent one from somewhere. Lighting a huge bonfire is the climax of midsummer.
Independence Day 6.12. It is the most important national holiday in Finland’s history. There are parades, patriotic speeches, special Church Although a total of 5.4 million Finns, about 80 % of the population services, cakes with blue and white icing and other festivities. live in urban areas in the southern part of the country, many At 6 p.m. it’s customary to turn the lights off and burn two people have summer cottages in the countryside practically every blue and white candles on the window sill, out of respect Finnish house has a sauna of its own. There are public saunas in for those who fought for Finnish independence under swimming halls with indoor swimming pools, water slides, water the repression of the last few years of Russian rule. massage, Jacuzzi and so on. What do you do in a sauna? To learn more visit the website of the Finnish Sauna Society www.sauna.fi Christmas 24.–26.12. It has remained the main festivity in Finland. Finnish Christmas is all about families and homes. Christmas Eve is the main day for FINNISH FAMOUS HOLIDAYS festivities. At about midday on Christmas Eve, “Christmas Peace” is Easter – Moveable Holidays declared by the president from Turku, the former capital of Finland. It is probably the holiday that has the most kept its religious This ritual has a long tradition deriving back to the Medieval laws meaning. Going to church is one of the most important and it serves as the opening of Christmas season for the Finns. parts of Easter. Children grow grass on plates indoors, they In most families Santa Claus will come and give presents.
ABOUT FINLAND • 39 WHAT DO WE DO FOR A LIVING? HIGHER EDUCATION IN FINLAND
Finland belongs to the 20 wealthiest countries in the world. The basic right to education and culture is guaranteed by the The GDP has increased in real terms by over 50 percent over Finnish constitution. All residents in Finland, irrespective of the past ten years. The ratio of R&D investments to domestic their place of residence, language or financial status, have equal output in Finland is among the highest in the world. opportunities for high-quality education and self-development.
Gross domestic Doc.Lic. Master’s degrees 180 billion euros (2011) 5 product (GDP) (2–3 years) 4 Work 3 Master’s Agriculture, forestry and fishing 3 %, Mining and quarrying degrees 4 Bachelor’s degrees experience 0,5 %, Manufacturing 17,9 %, Electricity, gas, steam and 2 3 (3 ½–4 years) air conditioning supply 2,5 %, Water supply; sewerage, Bachelor’s 1 2 Specialist waste management and remediation activities 0,8 %, degrees Universities of vocational Construction 6,6 %, Wholesale and retail trade; repair of Universities 1 Applied Sciences qualification motor vehicles and motorcycles 10 %, Transportation and storage 5,3 %, Accommodation and food service activities GDP by industry 1,7 %, Information and communication 5 %, Financial Work and insurance activities 2,8 %, Real estate activities experience 11,8 %, Professional, scientific and technical activities 4,4 %, Administrative and support service activities Vocational 3 Matriculation 3 3,4 %, Public administration and defence; compulsory qualifications examination social security 6,2 %, Education 5,3 %, Human health 2 and social work activities 9,7 %, Arts, entertainment 2 Upper secondary General upper Further and recreation 1,3 %, Other service activities 1,8 % vocational education 1secondary education vocational 1 and training qualification Chemical industry products 21,8 %, Forest industry products 19,6 %, Metal and metal products 16,2, Exports
Machinery and equipment 13,9 %, Electric and (10) Compulsory Work
Basic education schooling electronics industry products 13,4 %, Other 15,2 % ages 7–16 experience 9 the Finnish monetary unit is the euro (€) Monetary unit which is divided into 100 cents Pre-primary education 1 age 6
40 • ABOUT FINLAND The Finnish education system is based on nine-year compulsory Universities of applied sciences offer work-related education in basic education (comprehensive school), preceded by one year of response to the labor market needs. They provide Bachelor’s and voluntary pre-primary education. Education beyond the age of 16 is master’s degrees. The completion of a Bachelor’s degree takes voluntary, taking the form of a three-year upper secondary school 3.5–4.5 years of full-time study Master’s degree programs are or a vocational school/training, or a combination of both. Adult available for those who have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, plus education is available at all levels from basic to higher education. a minimum of three years of work experience in the field concerned.
The Finnish higher education system comprises universities and polytechnics/universities of applied sciences, in which the Kemi-Tornion Region admission requirement is a secondary general or vocational diploma. Currently there are 16 universities and 25 universities of The towns of Kemi, Tornio and Haparanda (Sweden) and applied sciences in Finland. Higher education in Finland is by law three municipalities, Keminmaa, Simo and Tervola comprise funded by the State through the ministry of Education, and therefore the Kemi-Tornio region with about 61 000 inhabitants. students enrolled in regular degree programs pay no tuition fees. Kemi and Tornio are located about 25 kilometres apart, but they Universities (comprising multidisciplinary universities, specialized are well connected by regularly running buses due to the location scientific universities and art academies) focus on academic on the northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, into which the research and education based on research. They confer lower region´s three great rivers – the Simo, Kemi and Tornio Rivers and higher academic degrees (Bachelor’s and Master’s) and – flow, the area is sometimes called Sea Lapland Merilappi( ). scientific postgraduate degrees (Licentiate and Doctorate).
» TUTOR'S TIPS
Local Area The following places are worth checking If you go 100 km northeast from Keminmaa, you get to the city out in the Kemi-Tornio area: of Rovaniemi, where Santa Claus has built his own tourist trap. From Rovaniemi you should continue on toward Ranua and In Sweden, Kalix and Luleå are so close that you can make a stop by the Ranua zoo to say hello to Jaska, a talking raven. day trip there. On the Finnish side of the Torniojoki river, as you go northward you find the town of Ylitornio, which is home to Also not too far is Oulu, which is a little over the Aavasaksa hill, from which you can see far into Sweden, 100 km from Kemi. Before you get to Oulu there and the town of Pello, which is located within the arctic circle. is a stone age village in the town of Ii.
ABOUT FINLAND • 41 Winter White, Summer Light -30 °C. Ice covers the rivers and the Gulf of Bothnia and the drifts of snow can be up to one meter deep. These winter In Finland there are four seasons (winter, spring, summer days have a very special atmosphere which you should not and autumn) but in Lapland we say we have eight. miss. This is also a good time to see the beautiful Northern lights – Aurora Borealis. So dress up warmly to enjoy them. The midwinter is a time of stillness and peace. The sun barely rises above the horizon in this part of Finland, and there From the glittering snow you clearly notice that the amount of are only few hours of daylight. The coldest month is usually light increases day by day. At the end of March the day outlasts February. You should be prepared for -10 to -20 degrees the night (spring equinox). People go skiing, snowboarding, Celsius, but sometimes the temperature can fall even below skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Spring is on its way The snow gradually melts away. People gather by the riverside to witness the spectacular show of nature: the ice breaking on the river. We welcome the first migrating birds.
And then suddenly summer is here. It is the time of the Nordic light nights. At midsummer, the sun is visible for a continuous 24 hours in the Kemi-Tornio region. Nature blossoms rapidly to full power. The warmest month is July. The average temperature is 20–23 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature is about 28 °C. Traditionally in July Finland is closed, at least in terms of business. It´s a holiday season and the Finns return to nature, to their summer cottages by the lake.
The harvest time ripens the crop. There is an abundance of wild berries and mushrooms in the forests to come and pick. Later in the autumn we enjoy the natural fireworks at the ground level as nature dresses up in brilliant colors. In Finnish we
» WINTER CLOTHING
First layer • Underwear with long sleeves and legs • Socks Second layer • Trousers • Woolen Jumper/Fleece Third layer • Winter Trousers and Jacket (quilted) • Scarf
42 • ABOUT FINLAND call it ruska (russet time). When winter approaches the streets you are not alone with polar night symptoms, Finns suffer occasionally fill up with slush. It´s a time of darkness and snow from them too. Usually talking with a friend or for example during the Polar Nights there is twilight all around the clock. with the school nurse or school social worker helps. But in November or early December the lasting snow covers up everything reflecting the starry night lights. Just look up! Sources: www.visitfinland.com, www.ouka.fi/ The polar Night is a perfect time to watch Aurora Borealis. kvtoimintakeskus/english/pdf/coldguide.pdf experiencelapland.tv (videos of Kemi-Tornio region and Lapland) » WWW.LUONTOON.FI
WINTER CLOTHING Winter is the coldest and longest season in Finland, but There are some natural sights we with the right clothes, you will not feel cold. The number recommend that you check out: one thing with clothing during the winter time is layering. Air is trapped between the layers of clothing, and the air Between Simo and Keminmaa is the nature preserve keeps you warm. It also helps you to adjust the amount of of Martimoaava – Lumiaava – Penikat. It provides clothes you wear. The buildings in Finland are well heated, so visitors with hiking trails, night lodging in wilderness when you get inside you can easily take off some layers. huts, bird watching, and eating in lean-to shelters.
Avoid washing your face and using moisturisers just before The coastal region is home to the Perämeri National going out. Many moisturisers include water and it may Park, where visitors can become familiar with the freeze your face. For example Vitalis is one moisturiser marine habitat of Bothnian Bay (Perämeri) as well that does not include water. Ask pharmacy for advice. as the fishing outposts and traditional landscapes produced by the traditional fishing industry. The polar night might cause some sleepiness and low spirits. The symptoms usually start to ease in February or March In the bird watching tower of Alkunkari in Puuluoto when the sun starts to shine more again. Remember that of Tornio, visitors can watch the lives of birds and enjoy campfire coffee at the campfire area, which is large enough for twenty visitors at a time.
Another place worth visiting near Tornio is Kukkolankoski rapids, where you can Head watch and admire living traditional fishing • Hat (wool, quilted material or fur cap) culture of the Tornionlaakso Valley. Head without cover will give off 80% of your bodyheat.. On the Swedish side, the island of Seskarö Hands is famous for its great beaches. • Gloves or mittens (wool, guilted material, leather with lining) Footwear People in the Arctic like winter swimming and ice • (Wool)socks and wintershoes (thick bottom and lining) fishing in the winter time. The coastal region of Remember that the shoes should be big enought to Kemi and the Torniojoki river provide excellent move your toes. Always use dry socks and shoes! opportunities for both of these activities.
ABOUT FINLAND • 43 Finnish Culture EVENTS FOR EVERY TASTE
The culture of Finland combines indigenous heritage, as Sea Lapland area has several events throughout the year. represented for example by the country’s Uralic national language Finnish, and the sauna, with common Nordic and Annual events in Kemi European culture. Because of its history and geographic In January Pakkasukko Blues & Jazz location Finland has been influenced by the adjacent areas’ In March Sea Lapland Ski (Lapin meren hiihto) various Finnish, Baltic and Germanic peoples as well as In May Cartoon festival (Sarjakuvapäivät) the former dominant powers Sweden and Russia. In August Satama Open Air, music festival In August Venetsialaiset
FINNISH SAUNA Annual events in Tornio-Haaparanta area The Finnish sauna is a substantial part of Finnish culture. There In March Ice Fishing event (Suurpilkit) are five million inhabitants and over two million saunas in Finland Several times a summer Peräpohjola Fair - an average of one In July Twin City Festivals per household. For In July Tradional Whitefish Festival in Kukkolankoski Finnish people the In November Artbazaar on the Aine Museum sauna is a place to relax in with friends and family, and a place for physical and mental relaxation as well. Finns think of saunas not as a luxury, but as a necessity. www.sauna.fi
44 • ABOUT FINLAND » TUTOR'S TIPS
IN KEMI IN TORNIO
Kemin Kultturikeskus (culture centre) Aine museum of art Marina Takalonkatu 3 Torikatu 2 tel. 016 258 202 tel. 016 432 438 Museum of art “Free entrance on Fridays” www.tornio.fi/aine Library “Lot of magazines and books also in English.” Theatre “Nice and small theatre. Brilliant actors.” Music house Etappitie 6 Kemi museum of history Sauvosaarenkatu 11 meteli.net/musiikkitalo “Student bands. Usually free entrance.” Kinopirtti (movie theatre) Valtakatu 11 Pop & Jazz Konservatorio Lappia arranges tel. 016 220 460 student concerts during the academic year. www.kinocity.fi Follow the event calender on edu.tokem.fi
Gallery Voima Cult Cinema (movie theatre) Sankarikatu 12 Itäranta 6 www.kulttuurivoimala.com tel. 044 020 2902 www.cultcinema.fi Summer theatre Meri-Lapin Estradi “Enjoyable place, has also events during evenings and has a nice movie theatre.” “Nice place to hang around.” “Has bands, games and other possibilities to spend evenings with friends.”
Summer theatre Tornion kesäteatteri
ABOUT FINLAND • 45 CONTACT INFORMATION
Note that for your convenience the telephone numbers MOBILE PHONE AND INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS here are given in Finnish form. When you are in Finland you can just dial the number as given. Sonera, www.sonera fi/en • Sonera Kauppa, Länsiranta 10 (Rajalla shopping center), Tornio tel. 0200 20010 STUDENT ACCOMMODATION Accommodation officer Jukka Ikäläinen Elisa, www.elisa.com/en mobile +358504612335 • Elisa Shopit, Valtakatu 11–13, Kemi E-mail [email protected] tel. 010 262 0200 • Elisa Shopit, länsiranta 10 (Rajalla shopping centre), Tornio Student Housing Foundation of Kemi (Kemin opiskelija-asuntosäätiö) tel. 010 262 0200 Keskuspuistokatu 6-8, FI-94100 Kemi DNA, www.dnaoy fi/en Tornion Krunni Oy • DNA Kauppa, Länsiranta 10 (Rajalla shopping centre), Tornio Lukiokatu 10, FI-95400 Tornio tel. 0800 550044 (sales)
HEALTH SERVICES LOCAL REGISTER OFFICE check pages 25. Keskuspuistokatu 20-22, 3rd floor, Kemi tel. 029 553 9661
POSTAL SERVICES Kemi POLICE DEPARTMENTS Main Post Office, Keskuspuistokatu 1, Kemi Peräpohjolan poliisilaitos (police department) Open Mon-Fri 9.00–18.00 Tornio main police station Tornio • Pitkäkatu 1, Tornio Main Post Office, Länsiranta 10 (Rajalla shopping center), Tornio tel. 071 876 6139 (foreign resident issues) Open Mon-Fri 9.00–18.-00 Kemi police station www.posti.fi • Valtakatu 28, Kemi tel. 071 876 6411 (foreign resident issues)
46 • CONTACT INFORMATION » EMERGENCY NUMBER EVERYWHERE IN FINLAND 112
TAX OFFICES
• Meripuistokatu 16, Kemi tel. 020 612 000 • Suensaarenkatu 2, Tornio tel. 020 612 000 (open Mon-Tue 9-15) • Airport-taxi (call at least two hours before departure) tel. 0200 68000
TRANSPORTATION Railway Station, Rautatienkatu 3, Kemi timetables: www.vr.fi/en/index/aikataulut.html
Kemi Bus Station, Matkahuolto office Asemakatu 13, Kemi
Tornio Bus Station, Matkahuolto office Torikatu 10, 95400 Tornio timetables: www matkahuolto fi/en
CONTACT INFORMATION • 47 LINKS WORTH CHECKING
KEMI-TORNIO UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES WORKING IN FINLAND
• Kemi-Tornio UAS official website: www.tokem.fi • Federation of Finnish Enterprises: www.yrittajat.fi/en-GB • Students’ Info Agency at Kemi-Tornio UAS: edu.tokem.fi • Facebook search for Kemi-Tornion ammattikorkeakoulu FINLAND • Iformation on politics, society, media, history etc.: http://finland.fi EDUCATION IN FINLAND • Gateway to public services: www.suomi.fi • Data on Finnish science and technology: www.research.fi/en • Basic information about the functioning of society and • The portal by the ministry of Education provides information opportunities in Finland: www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/home/ about studies taught in English: www.opintoluotsi.fi/en-GB • Information for tourists: www.visitfinland.com • Information about studies, practical training or youth • Statistics on Finland: www.tilastokeskus.fi/index_en exchange in Finland: www.studyinfinland.fi • Weather in Finland: http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi • Centre for International mobility; scholarship • News in English by YLE, Finland’s national public service and exchange programs EU education, training, broadcasting company: www.yle.fi/international culture and youth programs: www.cimo.fi • National Union of Students in Finnish Universities GOVERNMENT AND ADMINISTRATION of Applies Sciences: http://samok.fi • Parliament of Finland: http://web.eduskunta.fi • Finnish government: http://valtioneuvosto.fi/hallitus/en.jsp KEMI AND TORNIO TOWNS • Ministry for Foreign Affairs: www.formin.finland.fi • www.kemi.fi • www.tornio.fi EMBASSIES IN FINLAND • formin.finland.fi (> diplomatic missions > Representation of foreign states in Finland)
FINNISH NATIONAL AUTHORITIES • Finnish Immigration Service: www.migri.fi/frontpage • National Finnish Employment Office pages: www.mol.fi/mol/en/index.jsp • Finnish police: www.poliisi.fi • Finnish customs: www.tulli.fi/en • Finnish tax system: www.vero.fi/en-US • National register offices: www.maistraatti.fi/en
48 • LINKS WORTH CHECKING APPENDIX
LINKS WORTH CHECKING • 49 50 • ABOUT FINLAND
Practical Information for International Students
ADMISSIONS OFFICE P.O. Box 505, FI-94101 Kemi, Finland Tel. +358 (0)10 383 5279 | Fax +358 (0)16 251 139 email: [email protected] www.tokem.fi
FINLAND • EUROPE