Settling in Finland and employment motivate students who passed Finnish language proficiency tests

President Jaakko Hallila and the International Services team organized a wonderful breakfast reception as a token of recognition for 19 international degree students who had passed Finnish language proficiency tests during the spring. The students are enrolled in SEAMK’s English-language degree programs.

During the informal round of introductions, many students spoke about their motivation and desire to study Finnish. For Sri Lankan students Samadhi De Silva, studying International Business, and Chanaka Ranawaka Arachchige, who started his Nursing studies, the language is closely tied to settling in Seinäjoki and Finland, building their future, and finding a job.

“I wanted to settle in a good country with my wife, because the situation in Sri Lanka is not so stable, and we chose Finland – the happiest country in the world,” Chanaka says.

Samadhi, who has previously worked in Sri Lanka as a banker, explains that she set out to seek a quality higher education in business and was drawn to Finland by its strong reputation.

“I have a daughter, and alongside my own studies, I want to secure the best possible education and future for her as well. She is in second grade at school in Seinäjoki and speaks Finnish much better than I do,” Samadhi says.

In addition to their internal motivation, SEAMK’s scholarship system also encourages learning Finnish. Students who pay tuition fees can receive a scholarship of €2,000–3,000 depending on their level, once they demonstrate their proficiency in a language test.

“The scholarship system was created with you in mind. And that is not even the best reward. We know how much it helps you, for example, in finding work and building a social life, if you have the opportunity to study Finnish. Congratulations on your achievement—we are truly proud of you,” Rector Jaakko Hallila said in his address to the students.