At the end of the year 2010 i-graduate conducted an annual study of international students in the world called International Student Barometer (ISB). ISB was conducted in 23 higher education institutions in Finland during November – December 2010. More than 6 000 international students in Finland gave their feedback. ISB asked students to evaluate their experience of the Arrival and Application process, Learning, Living and Support and importantly, whether they would recommend their experience so far to other students who are deciding where to study.
The ISB study highlighted various strong points of studying in Oulu. The clearly most appreciated and valued strength is learning support and learning environment which are both strongly developed for students. As an example, University of Oulu got 90 per cent satisfaction rate for its student orientation and International Office got even better – 95 per cent satisfaction rate for its services.
The arrival process of the international students is another strong point of University of Oulu. In students’ opinion the arrival process was well organized and they were very satisfied with services such as accommodation office, registration and orientation – the second satisfied in Finland and third in the whole ISB!
The few weaknesses of University of Oulu are related to job possibilities. Some of the students wish that there would be more advice and guidance on work possibilities and employment, and finding work placement is considered to be rather difficult. Fortunately, the University has taken this on as a challenge to improve and develop.
The ISB study shows that the students’ experiences of Learning – that includes academic content of the studies, expertise of the lecturers, academic guidance and personal support from the faculty, learning technology and facilities and physical and online libraries – are very positive and encouraging, altogether receiving 91 per cent satisfaction rate.
Although the cost of living in Finland, as in all Scandinavian countries, is relatively high, living in Oulu is deemed very satisfying, 98 per cent of the students feel very safe and secure, as does this student from Thailand: “I think University of Oulu is one of the best Universities in the world. The educational system is great, the people are friendly and the important thing Finland is very safe place.” Students are very happy with the cost and quality of accommodation, sports and social elements and with the possibilities to experience the local culture as well.
Overall, 85 per cent of the international students would recommend University of Oulu to others thinking of applying here. What drives students to recommend our institution is employability, quality lectures, course content and good teachers.
