University of Oulu
University of Missouri-St. Louis Exchange Program in Finland
University of Oulu Finland is a great destination for students of anthropology, sociology, biology, IT, and education, and it's much warmer than most think! Take your classes in English while enjoying the friendly Finnish hospitality and a nice warm sauna in your free time. |
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What is it like there?
Finland is a country of open spaces, tens of thousands of lakes, numerous
rivers, peatlands and extensive forests. Although one-third of the country
lies North of the Arctic Circle, the climate is surprisingly moderate,
thanks to the warmth-bringing Gulf Stream. Oulu is the sixth largest city
in Finland with a population of 126,000. Oulu is the cultural, commercial
and administrative center for the whole of central and northern Finland.
Oulu has a strong maritime atmosphere with its picturesque waterfront
and market place.
The Oulu region offers a wide choice of leisure time activities. Downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, safaris and ice fishing are some of the activities people enjoy during the winter and early spring. There are also some great ski and hiking resorts only a few hours drive away from the city. In the summer, many people enjoy water sports and fishing on the sea and on the regions lakes and rivers. The cultural offerings are likewise ample and varied, including numerous international fine arts festivals throughout the year.
Founded in 1958, the University of Oulu is a young, rapidly developing institution. Today with its 15,830 students the University of Oulu is one of the largest universities in the country. English is generally understood in all parts of Finland.
Pictures from Oulu (Opens in a new window. Please be patient - it takes a few minutes to load.)
What will I study?
The University of Oulu has developed semester
long programs taught entirely in English and offers Finnish language courses from beginning to advanced levels. The programs offered differ by semester:
Fall semester programs: Scandinavian Studies, Modern Nordic Architecture, Nordic Design, Northern Nature and Environment Studies.
Winter/Spring semester programs: Northern Cultures and Societies, Northern Nature and Environment Studies, Early Childhood Education, World Indigenous Studies.
Please see here for full details on each of the above programs.
In addition to these programs, students can choose from courses taught in English in the various departments including: English, Engineering, Geography, Information Processing, Economics, Business Administration, Education,
Summer programs: Northern Nature and Environment Studies, Northern Exposure Summer School in Botany.
What is the language of instruction?
English. Students may follow an entire semester or academic year of classes taught
in English.
Where will I live?
The student residence halls are situated on Linnanmaa campus. Linnanmaa
is about 6 kilometres away from the Centre of Oulu. The bus connections
to the centre are excellent. Near the residence halls there is a small shopping
centre with two grocery stores, a post office, pharmacy and pizzerias.
The flats have either two or four rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom.
There are two saunas, with separate bathing times for men and women, two
laundry rooms as well as a TV room. Housing rates are 140 - 233 euros
per month.
All of the rooms are furnished but basic kitchen utensils, pillow and blanket
are not provided. More info
All students can also participate in the Kummi Family Program, where they are matched with a Finnish family. The family will invite the student to dinner or other activities to help them experience Finnish life.
When can I go?
Students may go during the fall semester, winter semester, academic year,
or summer. The programs offered differ by semester.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, be a sophomore, junior,
or senior.
How can I learn more?
Visit University of Oulu website, the Oulu exchange student guide, or stop by the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC to browse their
catalogs and brochures. You can also make an appointment to discuss this
program with a study abroad advisor; call 516-5229.
How much does it cost?
Below are the 2008-2009 estimated costs for a semester at the University of Oulu (5 months) compared to a semester at UM-St. Louis. When you participate in a UM-St. Louis exchange program, like University of Oulu, you continue to pay UMSL tuition and may use your financial aid. In addition, both CIS and external scholarships are available.
| University of Oulu | UM-St. Louis | |
| Educational Fees1 | $2,947.20 | $2,947.20 |
| Information Technology Fee | $146.40 | $146.40 |
| Student Facility, Activity, & Health Fee | $0.00 | $418.68 |
| Housing2 | $1,500.00 | $2,805.00 |
| Meals3 | $1,500.00 | $1,698.00 |
| Airfare | $1,700.00 | |
| Books | $350.00 | $400.00 |
| Miscellaneous4 | $750.00 | |
| Total Estimated Cost5 | $8,893.60 | $8,415.28 |
1 Educational fees are based on 12 credit hours. Non-resident fees may apply.
2 Housing cost based on single room.
3 UMSL cost based on Option 3 Plus Meal Plan.
4 Includes transportation and mandatory international insurance.
5 Please note that expenses are ESTIMATES. Costs vary depending on the exchange rate, the inflation rate, individual spending habits, and amount of extra travel. The cost estimate above does not include personal expenses or independent travel, which vary widely from student to student.
Last modified May 29, 2008