Training

Practical training placements in Finland are possible through

• EU programmes - Erasmus (higher education) and Comenius (future school teachers)
• IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience)
• Student organisations

Application criteria and application procedures in the above-mentioned options vary, but below you will find some general guidelines:

• Training placements are directly related to your particular field of study.
• Relevant work experience is desirable but not always necessary
• You should have completed at least one year of university, polytechnic or a vocational college.
• In some programmes, you may also apply if you have recently graduated.

How can you participate?

You need to apply through the appropriate contact organisation in your home country (your home institution, your regional IAESTE branch, or the local/regional representatives of the student organisation in question.

Erasmus traineeship placements

If you are a enrolled as a degree student at some European university, you may participate in the Erasmus traineeship mobility programme. Your home institution may be able assist you in finding a traineeship placement in Finland, or alternatively, you may search for the traineeship independently (see further below)

Host organisations for student placements may be enterprises, training centres, research centres and other organisations. Excluded are European Union institutions and other EU bodies including specialised agencies, organisations managing EU programmes, and national diplomatic representations (embassy and consulate) of the home country of the student.

Once you have found a suitable placement, you can apply for an Erasmus placement grant from your home university.

Information on the Erasmus Student Mobility for Placements (European Commission pages)

Comenius assistantships for future teachers

If you are studying at some European university to become a teacher, you may apply for a Comenius teacher assistantship period in another European country. These assistantships can last from 3 to 10 months. Future teachers who wish to participate in this assistantship programme must apply though the Comenius National Agency in their home country - please contact them to find out more!

Information on the Comenius Assistantships for student teachers (European Commission pages)

Student organisations

Several student organisations also arrange internship and training placements in their specific fields of study. Therefore the most practical way for you to find a suitable placement is to contact a student organisation in your own field. You can find some of these organisations listed in the 'Elsewhere on the web' section (see right-hand margin).

Finnish in Finland -traineeships for advanced-level students of Finnish

Suomea Suomessa (Finnish in Finland) is a training programme for students of Finnish language and culture. The traineeships give them an opportunity to get work experience, to learn about Finnish working culture and to use Finnish in authentic situations. Family placements are an option for students who are in the beginning of their Finnish studies.

Further information on the Finnish in Finland programme can be found on our www.cimo.fi website.

Other sources of information

You may also ask for information about possible traineeship placements abroad at the international office or career services of your home institution.

Searching for a traineeship placement independently

CIMO does not unfortunately have any listings of Finnish companies or organisations that might be interested in hiring foreign trainees. However, you may find some general information and hints on the following pages.

Employment and Economic office (general information on working life in Finland)

Aarresaari (Academic career services)

Jobstep.net (employment and information service of the Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences)

FinnFacts - Finnish companies