South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences - XAMK
speciality: Engineering

I graduated from South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) in 2021 with a degree in Environmental Engineering. I actually never left after that — I stayed to work on creating online courses and later moved into education export. So I’ve experienced this place both as a student and as a staff member.
I know the degree is now more focus on water and sustainability, so I tried to write more general impressions.

What I really liked from the start was the structure of the program: you can shape it around your interests. For example, I realized pretty quickly that I wasn’t passionate about the hardcore engineering side but loved the environmental and social aspects. I started tailoring my assignments, internships, and thesis to communication and education. The teachers were fine with that and gave me space to explore. That flexibility made my studies feel light and meaningful — I was genuinely studying what I loved.

The exams aren’t too difficult if you follow the curriculum. There might be heavier semesters, but it depends a lot on your background. I personally struggled with some forestry courses but was able to ask my teachers to adapt the exam — and they did. If something felt too easy, I just used the time to learn extra things through YouTube or other resources.

Finnish teaching style isn’t about pouring knowledge into your head — it’s about guiding you to build your own foundation. Teachers give you the structure, but the learning part is up to you. This might not fit everyone, but if you learn how to adapt, you will easily navigate your way forward.

Realistically, part-time work is hard to find in small towns like Mikkeli. Some people get lucky, but I wouldn’t count on it as a main source of income. I tried teaching English on the side, but most students just focused on their studies, finished their degree, and then applied for internships and thesis opportunities to get their first job. That’s the more reliable path here.

There is career support, but it’s not going to hand you a job. A lot depends on your own networking, persistence, timing, and sometimes luck.

Mikkeli is small, and that’s actually part of its charm. You see the same faces in the shops and on the streets. The cashiers know you. You bike everywhere. It’s calm, slow, and very close to nature — lakes, forests, fresh air. If you need a fast-paced city, Helsinki is a few hours away and you can move there after your studies.

Amenities are pretty standard for Finland — functional, not flashy. Dormitories are fine, nothing fancy, but they give you a good starting point. Labs for environmental studies are well equipped, especially for people who like the technical side. I wasn’t personally into microbiology or chemistry, but others appreciated it more. I liked that some lectures took place outdoors and that many assignments were done in collaboration with real companies.

This degree gave me a foundation strong enough to build my own path. I ended up representing youth at United Nations climate conferences and working as a consultant with World Bank. But no-one gifted me these opportunities, I tried using what’s available to build my skillset and CV. And XAMK offers plenty if you know how to look for them: exchange programs, startup accelerators, project-based work, real-life cases.

XAMK provides excellent opportunities to build your academic interests. Beyond the the core subjects, For my first semester, I had a huge variety of selecting as many subjects as I could in different fields e.g, I had choosen one subject related to culture, one related to language, one related to enterprenuership and three related to AI.
This not only helped me in steering my formal Master’s in Digital Industry but also helped me in discovering beyond technology into culture and language.

The teachers were really helpful in assisting and had always encouraged to explore opportunities. Campus at Kotka is a treat to visit. The library at campus has been my second home for always being peaceful, clean and quite.

The best thing about the Campus is the sports facilities and availability of Gym.
This helps me in staying healthy.

I’ve had a great experience studying at Xamk – South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. The focus on practical learning and real-world projects makes the studies very useful for future careers.

The international environment and supportive teachers create a positive and motivating atmosphere. The campus and opportunities for events and networking are also a big plus.

Overall, I would recommend Xamk to students looking for a practical and globally oriented education in Finland.

My studies at XAMK have been very rewarding. The courses are well-structured, and the teachers are supportive and approachable. The programme balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills, which has helped me grow academically and professionally. I also appreciate the friendly and international environment, which makes learning more enjoyable. Overall, I am very satisfied with my programme and would recommend it to other students looking for a comprehensive IT education.

I am student of XAMK university under the department of bachelor of engineering water technology and sustainability. I really like this university because as an international student i didn’t feel that It is a university of different country’s. The teachers and staff’s of this university are really really friendly, I feel like they are like my guardian . Everyone is really helpful when we make mistakes the give us a chance and learn that how to do it . I am enjoying my life here in Finland as an international student of XAMK university . I really appreciate and recommend the future students please come to this university at least one time then I hope you will love this university.

I’m currently doing my Master’s in Strategic Supply Chain Management, and it has been a really good experience so far. The programme is quite practical and focuses on real-world applications, which makes it easier to understand how things actually work in the industry.
The teachers are friendly, supportive, and always willing to help when needed. I also like the international environment, where you get to meet students from different backgrounds and learn from their experiences as well. It makes studying more interesting and enjoyable.
The courses are generally well-structured, and the assignments help in building useful skills. Sometimes, there can be small issues with scheduling or communication, but overall it does not affect the learning experience too much.
Another good thing is the relaxed and peaceful study environment, which helps you focus better. It’s a nice place for students who prefer a balanced and less stressful academic life.
Overall, I’m happy with my choice of programme, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a practical and international study experience in supply chain management 👍