Strategy: internationalisation of Finnish higher education

[tutkija]

Hei, I don't know if this has been posted here already. There's
a questionaire where you can submit your thoughts and critic.

I just copied and pasted it.

Source: http://www.kansainvalistymisstrategia.fi/en/frontpage

Strategy for the internationalisation of Finnish higher education
institutions

A strategy for the internationalisation of Finnish higher education
institutions will be devised during 2008. The aim is to develop an
internationally strong and attractive higher education and research
community in Finland.

The preparation of the strategy is recorded in the Vanhanen II
Government Programme and forms part of the ongoing reform of the
higher education system. It is being prepared by the Ministry of
Education in cooperation with the higher education institutions and
stakeholders. The strategy will set objectives for the next decade and
determine the means of achieving them.

In support of the strategy work, we shall hear the views of
stakeholders, such as higher education students and personnel, the
academic community, business and industry. These views are collected
in an open consultation and at invitational workshops.

The open consultation will begin towards the end of April. We welcome
all those interested in the matter to contribute to the preparation of
the internationalisation strategy.

We look forward to a wide-ranging, open debate on the content of the
internationalisation strategy. The key channel for influence, which is
open to all, is the web-based consultation.

The open consultation is an opportunity for everyone to provide
comments to support the preparation of the strategy. Contributions can
be provided by answering questions on the internationalisation of
higher education institutions using the link below.

The open consultation is at this site on 25 April-25 May 2008. The
contributions to the open consultation will be compiled into a report,
which will be subsequently published and used in the drafting of the
strategy.

You can participate either in English, Finnish or Swedish.
http://www.kansainvalistymisstrategia.f ... nsultation
http://www.kansainvalistymisstrategia.f ... tio/lomake

[SaxonManFinland]

I didn't read this, but just add a note that in Karelia they have recently "Opened" the local college to study Tourism to foreigners. ALL courses in English. Stora Enso build new wing at local college to study wood / pulp processing. ALL courses in English. Now there are good and bad arguments about language but I applaud them for recognising the International Standard is English and moving forward with purpose, rather than Nationalist Emotion.

[Tiwaz]

So what is idea?

Improve english of finns? It already is good as it is.
Lure in foreign students? Then let's ask which scenario they have in mind...

Foreign students studying in english and leaving country or foreign students studying in english and staying in Finland?
If first one, why bother... They do not help Finland in any way. If second, it might work on very limited set of jobs but most of the time they would again hit wall when trying to employ without finnish skills. Which would include professional finnish.

[rinso]

I didn't read this, but just add a note that in Karelia they have recently "Opened" the local college to study Tourism to foreigners. ALL courses in English. Stora Enso build new wing at local college to study wood / pulp processing.

So what is idea?
Improve english of finns? It already is good as it is.
Lure in foreign students? Then let's ask which scenario they have in mind...

Many projects in those "developing" areas of Finland can get EU money to start it.
Starting these projects is important to keep the staff employed.
A lot of them fail when the EU money runs out (often after 3 years).