Double degree at SeAMK

"The main reason I picked SeAMK was definitely the double degree program. It gave me the perfect chance to connect my studies in automotive trade management at Škoda Auto University with International Business in Finland. Getting two degrees at the same time is a huge advantage for my future career, and Finland is famous for its great education system, so it was a no brainer. I wanted to experience a completely different culture, improve my English, and see how business is done in a country that really cares about innovation and sustainability," said student Natálie Strobachová.

Application process and Preparation

The whole application process wasn’t too stressful because the coordinators at both schools were really helpful. The main thing was getting the learning agreement sorted out to make sure all my international business modules would count toward my double degree. For preparation, I mostly had to find a place to stay, book my flight to Helsinki and sort out health insurance. My advice is to start early so you don’t have to do all these things right before you leave.

Academic Experience and Campus Life

The student cafeteria on the Frami F campus is awesome. The place is really big and always clean, so it’s a nice environment to hang out in. They have really good food for a cheap student price. Every day, you can choose between a main dish, we had options between meat and vegan options, a hot soup, or a fresh baguette. No matter what option you pick, it always comes with a salad, fresh bread, and a glass of milk and water. It’s a great deal and it keeps you full for afternoon classes.

The International Business program has a lot of interesting choices. The classes are super practical, focusing on group work, presentation practice, and business simulations instead of just memorising theory.

The exam system here is fair. Some of the classes don’t have exams but the grade is based on the performance you have during the class. In some classes the final exam is in exam room, where you can’t have anything with you. Very often the exams are made only with options (there are no open questions).

There is always something going on thanks to the student union, SAMO. They organise everything from student parties and international food nights to sports tournaments and trips around Finland, making it easy to meet people.

The support here is incredible. Student tutors show you around the campus and town during orientation week, so you don’t feel lost. They also made a group on WhatsApp where you can ask any questions you like. The professors are very approachable and friendly so you can easily talk to them whenever you need help.

Accommodation and Cost of Living?

 I applied online through Sevas, the main student housing provider in Seinäjoki, a few months before arriving. SeAMK doesn’t have its own dorms, but they cooperate with Sevas to ensure international students get a place. The apartments are usually shared, fully furnished, and within easy walking distance from both the Frami campus and the city centre.

Life and Cultural Experience

Grocery shopping is easy with stores like Lidl, K-Market, and S-Market around. Food prices are a bit higher than what I’m used to, especially for meat and fresh vegetables, but if you look for discounts and cook at home, it’s totally manageable on a student budget.

Life in Seinäjoki is peaceful and safe. There is not much of a public transportation since everybody either drive, walk or ride electric scooters and bikes even in winter. But it is fine since everything is in walking distance. The lifestyle is laid back, and people really appreciate nature and their free time.

In my free time, I loved going to the school gym, exploring nature trails, and going to the Finnish sauna. In winter, everyone goes ice skating or skiing, and in the warmer months, it’s fun to hang out by the lake, have a barbecue, or just hang around with friends.

Language Skills in the City

You don’t need to worry about a language barrier at all because everyone in Finland speaks perfect English, from cashiers to conductors. It makes daily life so much easier. Learning a few basic Finnish words is a fun way to immerse yourself, and the locals always appreciate the effort!

Transportation

Buying a cheap second-hand bicycle is the absolute best way to get around Seinäjoki, even in the winter when the paths are plowed. For travelling to other cities, taking the train is the best and most comfortable option. You definitely need to download the VR Matkalla app for train tickets and the Matkahuolto app if you ever need to take regional buses. I don’t know about any transportation passes since I walked everywhere and there aren’t many buses going around the city. But you have a good discount on all long-distance train tickets through the VR app using your student ID.

What to watch out for

The biggest adjustment is definitely the winter weather and how early it gets dark. The days get very short, which can make you feel tired, so taking Vitamin D is a must. Also, Finns can seem quiet or shy at first because they deeply respect personal space, once you start talking to them, they are incredibly nice, helpful, and dependable.

Doing this double degree program at SeAMK was the best decision I could have made. I have made many great friends worldwide. The school is excellent, campus life is super friendly, and living in Finland is an amazing experience. I 100% recommend it to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, get two degrees, make new friends, and have an unforgettable student experience!