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Cultural Diversity in POKA – Analysis of the Current Situation and Development Areas considering Internationalization

Mustavalkoinen kuva, jossa neljä iloista nuorta opiskelijaa.

Student unions strive for equality, internationalization, and bilingualism. In student unions, bilingualism and the diversity of different cultures are seen as assets. The actors are motivated and care about the important work they do. International expertise is particularly evident in the area of tutoring. Student unions play an important role in the integration of international students. The work that student unions do for international students is supported by the unions’ strong networks. Student unions collaborate closely with their university of applied sciences. For example, the UAS’ policies on bilingualism strongly influence the operations of the student union. Membership services, advocacy, and communications function well for both Finnish and international students in student unions, although few unions offer services specifically tailored to international students. Some student unions feel they need more training to support international students in matters related to arrival in Finland, housing, and healthcare. Enabling the use of English in decision-making is seen as requiring both effort and a partial shift in attitude. Student unions also see a need for collaboration between student unions to share expertise. 

In the Cultural Diversity of Study Paths project, we are developing Student Union POKA’s of Karelia UAS: 

  • International expertise 
  • Opportunities for international students to influence 
  • Community spirit and the Karelia for all spirit 
  • Forms of peer support 

In the project’s first year, we compiled an analysis of POKA’s current operations and identified development areas considering internationalization: How is bilingualism and multiculturalism realized in POKA’s activities, and how are international students considered as a target group or active participants? The document incorporates findings from a survey conducted for student unions and a survey by a group of International Business students as well as results from a workshop where POKA’s actors collected operational data. 

POKA’s operations are strongly aligned with those of other student unions nationally. In terms of communication, leisure activities and events, equality work, and member services, POKA serves both Finnish and international students. Communications and activities are bilingual and take into account the preferences of both Finnish and international students. However, the active role of international students as organizers of leisure activities and events is not yet fully realized. While POKA’s advocacy covers all Karelia UAS students, international students do not perceive these services as tailored for them, or the services have not been sufficiently targeted or communicated to international students. The student union’s administration has not yet fully reached non-Finnish-speaking students. There is a recognized need to enhance peer support, such as peer tutoring and the VIP (Atmosphere of Caring) activities, to better address the challenges and integration needs of incoming students. 

What do we aim to develop?

Based on the current situation analysis, POKA has outlined development areas to focus on during and after the project. In choosing the areas for improvement, the following questions were considered: 

  • In what ways can international students’ opportunities to influence at Karelia UAS be increased? 
  • What actions could improve international students’ ability to participate in POKA’s decision-making? 
  • What factors would encourage international students to join POKA as members? 
  • What kind of communication is accessible and reaches international students at Karelia UAS? 
  • In what ways can international students’ sense of belonging to the Karelia UAS community be supported? 
  • What topics should be addressed early in studies to ensure a smooth start and team formation? 
  • How would you improve student tutoring to better meet the support and group integration needs of international students? 
  • What factors would encourage international students to apply as tutors? 
  • How would you improve VIP activities (Atmosphere of Caring) to better meet the integration needs of international students? 

During the first year of the project, significant progress has already been made. In spring 2024, an International Division was established within POKA to increase international students’ opportunities to influence and foster community spirit. The content and recruitment process of Degree Tutoring and Degree VIP (Atmosphere of Caring) activities were also reformed. As a new form of peer support, a Buddy Class Program was piloted in autumn 2024, connecting a Russian-language-supported nursing group with a Finnish-speaking nursing group that had started a year earlier. POKA’s annual calendar and website materials for the autumn semester were extensively translated into English. In autumn 2024, all POKA’s official documents, rules, and regulations will be translated into English. Reforms are also underway this autumn that will enable non-Finnish speakers to apply for POKA’s council of representatives and board in 2025, with English as the supporting language for meetings. Local collaboration with Joensuu’s associations, the city of Joensuu, and its services remains close, fostering the networking and integration of international students. 

POKA’s equality work must increasingly reflect the Karelia for all spirit, diversity, and anti-racism. International students are encouraged to join POKA so that POKA can represent all student groups equally and strongly. Communications must be accessible and multi-channel. Communication about opportunities for members to influence should be enhanced, and members should be encouraged to vote in POKA’s council of representatives’ elections. The orientation of POKA’s trustees, and the training of tutors and VIP students, will be further developed in terms of international competence. International expertise will also be shared with student associations within Karelia UAS that work with international students. The active participation of international students will be strengthened. The mystery team activities at checkpoint events will be developed to bring international and Finnish students together. Based on student feedback, a Let’s Speak Finnish activities will be piloted, encouraging casual Finnish conversation while getting to know the region and its various actors. 

You can read and download the full analysis and development areas of POKA’s current situation here: https://pokapoka.fi/en/2024/10/cultural-diversity-in-poka/. Follow our activities @varmapoka, pokapoka.fi, and #monikulttuurisetopintopolut. 

Author:

Tiia Vänskä, Project Specialist, Monikulttuuriset opintopolut 

Specialist, Student Union POKA of Karelia University of Applied Sciences 

Tiia.vanska@pokapoka.fi / +35850 438 9071