Credit Transfer and Various Issues

Dear Friend,
Thanks for your mail. Let me answer your queries individually:

Dear Friend,

I am undergraduate students in finance (3 years) from my home country; that is to say I would be likely to finish the undergraduate in finance programme this year 2009 in take and I am planning to study in Finland for my further studies this year 2009. There is no doubt there is four years undergraduate programme in Finland. I would like to transfer my credits form my home country to Finland for my completeness of my undergraduate in Finland or may be master degree, is it be possible with the same visa? or renewal needed?

 

Practically, Credit Transfer to Finland is not possible. My suggestions would be, complete your bachelor level first and come to Finland for your Master's degree. But, you did not mention your university and degree name, might be that would have gave me more about about the degree that you are trying to transfer. It is because, if you come in Bachelor degree again, you might be able to claim your credits for the degree your completed there after coming here, but still, its all depends upon the polytechnic itself whether to accept your credits or not. Yet again, coming to Master's degree after Bachelor is the best and recommended solution for you.


 

 I have heard IELTS is compulsory to study in Finland, is it so?

 

Yes, it is true. IELTS or TOEFL is compulsory for every applicant from this year, 2009.

 

 I am served for UNHCR for more than 2 years; is this experiences help?

You did not mention how you served UNHCR. Your experience is counted, it is after the degree and on related field of your studies. If it is not so, it might be counted, but is not a very good advantage.

 

 The information I would like to know; the queries are:

• Right time/application intake in this year 2009 for studying in Finland for international students.
• How to choose the right colleges/universities

I think you did not browse through the posts of www.nepalfinland.com. I hope following posts will help you a lot:

• Exploring university website
• European Scholarships for Master and Post Graduate Studies
• Application Process in 2009 for Finland

 

• Right and affordable cost for the colleges/universities although the tuition fee is free of cost; is it applicable for transfer students? What is the minimum credits do international students need for transfer at undergraduate level or master's level?
• No of hours work permit for international students in Finland?
• Scholarships/financial aid for transfer international students.

You can work maximum 25 hours per week under student status. Since transfer itself is not possible for Nepalese students, the rest of the queries are not applicable.

 

• Do visa is provided for one year or for the whole period of study?
• Student visa to resident permit in Finland, is it possible? How?

Resident Permit itself is the name of the visa awarded to students who come here for degree, both Bachelor and Master's. It is primarily issued for one year and you need to renew it each year. If you mean Permanent Residency by Resident Permit, I suggest you to go through the website of Finnish Immigration Service (http://www.migri.fi/netcomm/content.asp?path=8,2474). As much as I know, you need to be a tax paying civilian living here in Finland for at least 5 years to apply for Permanent Residency.

Some very useful links you must visit to know Finland

- Prem Raj Adhikari
http://www.premraj.com.np

In recent years, there has been significant increase in the number of students who are willing to study abroad. Finland has been a hot choice of many students to study for various reasons. Most prominent of them being that education is free for all. There are always a lot of questions asked about studying in Finland and information related to it. So, here I have tried to compile a list that includes many links that can be suitable for the students willing to pursue their higher studies in Finland.

1. Nepal-Finland: This website is the single best website especially for the Nepalese students because it is created and maintained by a anonymous Nepali student studying in Finland. It has almost every information. It therefore answers almost all of your queries.  The website is a blog and if you feel you have more information in one topic then you can always add your comments. Link: Nepal Finland

2. Finland Forum: This website is a forum and many international and Finnish people participates in this forum. It is a forum and information are given inform of questions and answers. So, you may have to spend quiet sometime in this website. Since this forum generalizes the information for all international students, it sometimes gives much broader view of the information you required which is always good while you are thinking about studying in Finland. Link: Finland Forum

3. Finnish Embassy in Nepal is a great source of information for everything including the studies information. Link: Finnish Embassy in Nepal

4. Discover Finland has vital information for students who are planning to study in Finland. It also contains the collection of Study Programs offered in English Medium through out the Finland on all of the academic Institutions of Finland including Universities and Polytechnics. So, you should thoroughly scan through this web if you really wanna know about Finnish education system. Link: Discover Finland

5. List of Polytechnics and Universities in Finland:

• Universities, Ministry of Education, Finland
• 
  
• Polytechnics, Ministry of Education Finland

6. CIMO, the Center for International Mobility has its own website. You must visit it if you are thinking about Finland. It also provides various kinds of scholarships. Link: CIMO

7. Joint Application System: For bachelor level education in Polytechnics, the admissions issues is handled by a centralized admission system. Remember that to study Bachelor's in Finland in English, it is almost always the case that you will end up in polytechnics and there are some issues related with it. You have to be aware of that. All the applications, selections and publication of results is handled through admissions.fi. Link: Admissions.fi

8. University Admissions: For masters degree admissions, not all universities participate in centralized admission system. So, you have to apply to individually to the universities. However, the following websites gathers the information about all universities of Finland and provides you from the same website. Link: University Admissions

9. Google translate: Many websites has information in Finnish, so you can translate that to English using translate.google.com, select Finnish(or Suomi) to English from two drop down lists. Link: Google Translate

10. Learn Finnish: If you want to learn Finnish, then here are more than a couple of links:

• Tamy
• Tampare University of Technology Links
• I haven't gone through all but one of my favorite is Finnish for Foreigners, University of Helsinki
• There are some links here as well: TKK's Finnish Course Links"> TKK's Finnish
  

11. Want to know Finland more closely? Browse through following links:

• There is an online community for everyone interested in Finland: Finland Live
• Here is the blog that I always feel like reading as it shows you how does it feel like studying in Finland: Finland from a Foreigner's eye
• For more information about Finland, stats, history and politics visit Finland.fi

12. Nepal Related Associations and works in Finland:

• Community of Nepalese and well-wisher of Nepal living in Finland: Suomi-Nepal -seura, Finland-Nepal Friendship Association
• A Research paper: Indian and Nepalese Women Living in Finland

IELTS and TOEFL deadline

 

Dear Friend, Now fren I'm thinking to apply apply on New session in both Master and Bachelor degree, and here are some queries from my side..hope ou'll manage your time to reply. 1. Is the IELTS test is compulsory for all University?

 

 

Yes, it is compulsory for all universities and polytechnics from this year.

 

 

2. Is it posible to submit the IELTS test result laterly ( If i take the test after March/April 2009) ?. Which is the best time to take the test? (To meet the application criteria)

 

 

Your language proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL) should not be ready while applying. It should reach the polytechnics of your first priority or university which you have applied by 20th February 2009, 4.15 PM Finnish Time. So, don't be confused here, your applying online deadline ends on 13th February 2009 itself. 20th February 2009 is the deadline for reaching all the required documents like academic transcripts and all relavant documents, so this is the same deadline for reaching IELTS or TOEFL result as well.

 

The minimum language requirements for Bachelor level in IELTS is Academic Level 5.5 (You know there are two types of tests for IELTS, Academic and General, only Academic Test is acceptable), TOEFL 213 for Computer based Test and 80 for Internet bases test. However, it is always safe to score more for better priority.

 

I suggest to take tests by the mid of first week of January 2009 since TOEFL results take much times. If you are taking IELTS, you can take by mid of January as well. It is better to take it early as much as possible to avoid tight and rush deadlines and timings.

 

 

 

3. Would you suggest some  good University or politechnic, for Master Degree application. Actually i'm  thinking about the part-time master degree and  possibly managing the study from Helsinki.

 

 

It depends upon your study preference and various other factors as well. If you write to me in detail about your subject of interest and all of the releated factors you consider while choosing university or polytechnic, I might be able to assist you.

Confusion about IELTS Suggestions

I've some confusion about IELTS information on the page. You have mentioned -"you should be completed the IELTS or TOEFL test by the end of December" and again you have informed -"You need passport to apply to college. So, you must have made it by the end of December 2008 to apply in January 2009 for August 2009 Session."

 

Aren't these documents and score of IELTS are not accepted if they are made by the 15th of January 2009? I need your reply soon because I am also preparing for the August session and have lots of confusion. Still i'll need your valuable suggestions and information for my further steps. I'll be waiting your reply.

Dear Friend,

I suggested the dates to make you feel comfortable so that you won't be hurry while applying. The date of Passport or IELTS does not really matter. You can just make your passport on the same day of applying as well. Similarly, You can appear for IELTS for the same day if you prefer.

I wrote to do it by December so that you won't be in hurry while applying since I do realize how much mental pressure you would suffer through. So, I told you to do it on time so that you will feel much relief. My dates are not the deadlines. They are just recommendations or suggestions.

European Scholarships for Master and Post Graduate level Studies

One of my very good friend compiled this list of scholarships offered in European region for Master and Post Graduate level. Please go their websites to know more about these scholarships:

TOEFL Or IELTS are mandatory for all the scholarships.


1. The shell centenary scholarship
This scholarship is provided by Shell Company and most importantly it provides scholarship in some of the best universities of UK like University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh and even University of Oxford ( I guess these universities are in high ranking ).

Procedures

1. Apply to the university marking that you are applying for shell centenary scholarship and if you are admitted to the course then the admission committee will forward you the electronic version of the Shell scholarship and then the selection of shell scholarship starts.
2. Once you are short listed, either the university people or the shell people will take interview by phone in second round.

Benefits

• Scholarship for tuition fees, accommodation and foods around ( 1100 euro per month).
• You will be get your air fares (economical class) paid by shell so u have to have your receipt of air ticket safe with you.

Website
http://www.shellscholar.org/courses/index.html


2. Erasmus Mundus scholarship
Most awaited and one of the most prestigious scholarships program of Europe which also allows to gain double degree by within a single master's degree period.

Requirements
a. TOEFL/IELTS is must. (You are in safe side if you have GRE but it is not mandatory).
b. Good academic records.
c. Recommendation Letters.

Requirements are as per demand of the course. you can apply maximum program for an academic year choosing the suitable course.

http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/mundus/projects/index_en.html

Visit the above link and find the suitable course for you.

This year 27 Nepalese got this scholarship. This scholarship is not limited to engineering only. It ranges from human right to press education and even the education science.

Benefits will cover payment of 1500 to 2200 Euro per month depending upon the country and the course.


3. NORAD (Norway)
This is for Norway and after the end of the masters program. If you are thinking about doing job on the same country after completion of the degree, it is not for you since it binds you to return back immediately after completion of the degree. Else, you need to pay the entire amount back which they had spent on you as scholarship.

http://www.studyinnorway.no/Tuition-Scholarships/Scholarships


4. NUFFIC (Netherlands)
Same as NORAD, NUFFIC is government scholarship scheme for developing countries. The Netherland promote for African and women so there is less chance if you are male. The girl will be selected if your competetor is a girl on admission process (previous statistics of selection shows it)

Procedure:

1. First get the admission letter from the university you are interested in by following normal admission procedure.
2. Then, apply for NUFFIC with the letter of admission u have received.

Generally to access the admission it takes about 8 weeks and the deadline for the NUFFIC is around March 1st for Nepal. Then if u r selected then u will get 950 euro per month for 2 years.

http://www.nuffic.nl/international-students/scholarships/


5. SI scholarship(Sweden)
Don know much about this scholarship, but for sure this is one of the attractive scholarship since it also encourages Nepalese to apply for. You can explore more about it on the following link:

http://www.studyinsweden.se/templates/cs/Article____10499.aspx

Nepal is under ODA countries so you are eligible to apply.


6. DAAD (German)
It is very attractive German Government scholarship. But, unfortunately, it is not available for Computer Science. Students of other faculties can go through it:

http://www.daad.de/en/index.html


7. Government scholarship of Denmark
I haven't explore much about this scholarship, you can browse through the following link to find more:

http://www.studyindenmark.dk/tuition-and-scholarships/scholarship-scheme#section-0


8. IMPIT (Finland)// university specific scholarships:

I had already described about this scholarship on previous blogs as well. Please go through the following blog post to know more about it:

IMPIT Scholorship and Credit Transfer Issues
For dealing with university specific scholarships: Exploring university website

IMPIT website: http://cs.joensuu.fi/impit/

Exploring university website

When, you start surfing university website, you might be bit confused what to look for. It happens with almost all of the applicants. I am trying to simplify this on easy for steps for you:

You will find most of the university websites are in Finnish language by default. You can change it to English version by changing language option. You can find, flag of UK or "In English" or "English" or "International" option to change the language to English. These options are generally placed on top-right or top-left or below the left menu panel. Unfortunately, some polytechnics does not offer their websites in English at all. Thats very sad part of them, but you are helpless to explore their websites in that case. In that case, just try to get any email address from the website and mail them for further information about them.

First Step: Search course or program of your interest
The very first step will start with exploring does that university or polytechnics offer course or program of your interest or not. Programs they offer can be found under 'Studies' or 'International Student' or 'Perspective students' or 'Admission' section. Sometimes, they can be found under Department websites as well. So, try to explore as much options as you can. Once you find the courses of your interest, read its description in detail. And confirm yourself whether that program is taught in English or Finnish? whether they international students for that particular program or not?

Second Step: Exploring Admission process and materials required
After you met courses of your interest, you need to explore how and when to apply for that program. You need to find admission information under 'Admission' or 'How to apply' section. You will find there, what are the minimum criteria of admission and whether you meet those criteria or not? What are the documents they required for application package and among them which are mandatory and which are preferable? What is the application period and deadline? What is the admission process and whom are you suppose to send your documents? What is the contact information of the contact person whom you can query about your application status?

Third Step: Maintaining contact
Sometimes, it happens that you won't understand all of the information presented on the website. And, it might also happen that information on website does not satisfy you. In that case, the best option is to mail them. Finnish are very co-operative on emails. Definitely, they might be busy and can take a long time to reply your mail, but they will reply with optimum information you need. Its better to contact the concern person depending upon your query. For example, you want to know about courses, you need to mail contact person of particular department. You need to know about international students and related stuff, contact International office. You need to know about admission process, contact Admission Officer. If you can't find the email of the concern person, then, don't bother about it; just send a mail to anyone, they will forward your mail to the concern person and notify you about it.
Most of the email addresses you find on their websites are arranged on firstname and lastname basis. You will find email addresses on following format:
Contact Josie Parkinen for Information Technology, Sophie Norad for Business programs and Annie Connie for Sociology.
Their email address is firstname.lastname@hut.fi
So, their email addresses are josie.parkinen@hut.fi, sophie.norad@hut.fi and annie.connie@hut.fi where hut.fi is the domain of their email.
If you are not sure which one is their first name and which one is last name, just send to both. It means, send to both josie.parkinen@hut.fi and parkinen.josie@hut.fi if you can't find which one is her first name. Generally, if it says Josie Parkinen, Josie is the first name and if it says Josie, Parkinen; then Josie is last name. Remember, a single comma is inserted in between names which last name is written first.

Fourth Step: Job and scholarship options
If you are seeking for scholarship during your studies, explore scholarship options offered for your program. Since, Education is free in Finland, scholarship refers to the living cost during your studies. Try to find the answer whether that particular university offer any specific scholarship or not? Does that scholarship available for your particular program or not? Are you eligible for that Scholarship or not? Does it provide any kinds of funding options other than Scholarship? Its very important to know all of the answers since most of the universities and polytechnics provide such type of scholarships.
If you are seeking for job during studies, please keep in mind that JOBS ARE VERY DIFFICULT IN FINLAND EXCEPT IN Helsinki. I did not mean only the jobs related to your field. Its very difficult to find even those restaurant and courier type jobs except few major cities. So, you need to search only the colleges near by large cities whose population is comparatively higher. My suggestion will be just limit your search to Helsinki, if job is must for you. If you come to smaller cities or cities far from Helsinki, make your mentality that NO JOBS are available here. I am not trying to discourage you. I am just trying to make you alert about the job status over here.

Application Process in 2009 for Bachelor Level in Finland

2009 Summary:

Application Period: 12 January 2009 - 13 February 2009
Apply Through: Joint Application System at https://www.admissions.fi/
Important Update: IELTS or TOEFL is Compulsory for all students from this year, 2009. Score of the test might differ by individual colleges for which you are applying.

If you are applying for Bachelor Level, I would suggest you following simple steps:

1. Collect your Trancript of +2 and make Passport. You need passport to apply to college. So, you must have made it by the end of December 2008 to apply in January 2009 for August 2009 Session.

2. Search colleges and program of your interest from college sites. The list of entire colleges available in Finland are available on my previous blogs http://www.nepalfinland.com/2007/10/polytechnics-in-finland.html and http://www.nepalfinland.com/2007/10/universities-in-finland.html. The website of CIMO contains another very simple and handy tool to search for colleges and program of your interest in http://finland.cimo.fi/studying/international_study_programmes.html

3. Finlalize where you want to apply, sort the final list by the end of December.

4. Meanwhile, start preparing and reserve a test date for IELTS or TOEFL. From this year, IELTS or TOEFL is compulsory for all students. So, you should be completed the IELTS or TOEFL test by the end of December. The minimum score required for the colleges might differ on the colleges individually. So, try to get better score to be safe for all of the colleges. While searching for college, keep in mind about their IELTS or TOEFL requirements as well.

If you have already taken IELTS or TOEFL test, make sure that it is valid till the September of 2009. The valid date of the test is just two years; so if you had taken tests after September 2007, they are still valid to apply for 2009 August session. If you had taken tests before September 2007, your Tests will be expired by the time the studies start; so you need to take the test again. While searching for colleges, check the test score to confirm that your scores are enough for apply for.

5. There is joint application system for Bachelor level. You can visit https://www.admissions.fi/ to apply for maximum of four colleges at a time with a single document. So, it might be the best way to apply for your colleges you sort out on second step. If you are applying for more than four colleges, apply topmost four colleges of your interest by this joint application system and apply individually to rest of the colleges.

6. The process of applying may differ college by college. In general, you will apply online. Then, they will send you PDF of your filled form on your mail, which you filled during applying online. So, you print that PDF file, sign it and post it to college by mail along with the photocopics of transcript of your +2, character certificate and passport. Some college may also want you to send some additional documents as well. You need to visit college website to confirm what additional they required.

7. You can send the documents as Normal Mail from Nepal Post Office, Sundhara. It will cost about 250 NRS. You can also send it as EMS from Post Office. It will cost around NRS 900. If want to sent through courier, Linkex or Skynet might be the cheapest one. They cost around 1300-1400.

8. Wait for response from college during March. If you are selected on first phase, they will mail you to appear on Entrance test. If you are not getting any invitations to appear for Entrance, it means, unfortunately, you are not selected.

9. If you are invited to appear for Entrance Test, consult with Finnish Embassy in Bishal Nagar, http://finland.org.np/public/default.aspx?culture=en-US&contentlan=2 about date, place and model questions for entrance test.

10. Appear for Test. Do your best. Exams are bit easier. They ask you average level questions. It won't be hard for you if you work little bit before entrance exam.

11. Wait for Response for Admission. You might hear the good news of admission acceptance during end of May, June and July.


I strongly recommend you NEVER to go to consultancy.
What they can do for you is just to post your document from Nepal, which you can do it yourself with very minumum cost as I wrote above.
So there is no point for paying them more just to send the application. Some consultant may also tell you that they have very close contact or agreement with the university or college for your admission process. But, they are not true. They are just making you fool. They can not do anything during admission process.

You can always mail me if you have any query in mind. I am always ready to support you as much as I can.

Embassy of Finland at Bishal Nagar, Kathmandu, Nepal is also very cooperative and helpful for student issues. You can visit their office or telephone them or even email them at viisumi.kat@formin.fi. Also, you should keep on checking embassy website to know updated information and new changes for this year.

Invitation to join Nepal-Finland Forum

I would like to invite you all to join Nepal-Finland forum on Facebook.

Through this forum, you would be able comment, suggest about the content of www.nepalfinland.com.

More than that, through this forum, you can communicate with other Nepal-Finland lovers around the world. We can communicate with each other and create a better platform for Nepalese students in Finland through this forum.

So, I would like to request you to join the Nepal-Finland forum in Facebook:

I love www.nepalfinland.com

See you there !!

Applying for January 2009 Session

Application period for the programs to be started in January 2009 with Joint Application System (https://www.admissions.fi/) is 1-12 September 2008. Following are some of the detail of the application process:

1. Application period is 1 - 12 September 2008. Online application closes on 12 September at 7:00 PM Nepali Standard Time. Online application should be made through Joint Application System (https://www.admissions.fi/).
2. Copies of relevant authorized certificates must arrive by post by 19 September at the latest after filling applications by the above mentioned deadline. Faxed or scanned copies are not accepted. 
   
3. Entrance examinations are held between 22 and 31  October 2008.
4. Polytechnics/UAS announce the results by 28 November 2008.
5. Admitted students must confirm their study places by 12 December 2008 at 8:00 PM Nepali Standard Time at the latest.

Application results for degree programs starting in spring 2009 will be sent by mail to the students by 28 November 2008 at the latest. In addition to the letter of admittance, the student will receive a confirmation form. It is imperative that the student submits the confirmation form to the higher education institution in which he/she wishes to study by 12 December 2008 at  8:00 PM Nepali Standard Time at the latest, otherwise the student will forfeit the study place.

Confirmation of the study place is binding and cannot be altered or cancelled.

If you have applied to several degree programmes, please wait until you have received all the admission results. Once you have received all the results, select your study place and return the confirmation form. A student forfeits his/her study place, if the confirmation form arrives at the higher education institution after the set date.

Which Polytechnics are Opening Admission for this session?

Haaga-Helia (www.haaga-helia.fi)
Admission opening for Degree Program in International Business

Haaga-Helia offers two different International Business programmes in two different campuses. Each programme has its own emphasis:

• Campus at Helsinki Pasila: Problem based learning (PBL) making students strongly responsible for building their understanding, and networking with companies in international business.
• Campus at Porvoo: International marketing studies prepare the students for marketing and sales careers. Some professional courses implemented in local companies.

Entrance examination: Entrance examinations and interviews on 28 October 2008.

Additional information can be achieved from Haaga-Helia's Applicant's Guide from www.haaga-helia.fi


.......................................................................................................................


Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences (UAS) (www.kyamk.fi)
Admission opening for Degree Program in International Business

The Degree Programme aims to equip the graduates with the knowledge, skills and understanding required in challenging positions in the expanding field of international marketing and international trade. It is a specialisation studies in International Marketing aim at giving students the knowledge and skills to undertake various, demanding tasks in the field of marketing and customer service. 

Entrance examination: The entrance exam will be held in October 2008.

Additional information can be achieved from website www.kyamk.fi

NEVER to travel with AeroFlot via Delhi

As I am hearing so much comments about AeroFlot Staffs at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India; I would like to suggest everyone to rethink about your travel before making decision. I have heard such complaints about misbehave, harassment and asking for money as bribe from AeroFlot Staffs at Delhi from Nepalese students. I heard so many cases from last year and I am hearing the same this year too. I have already  heard about four students this year who suffered from such misbehave from AeroFlot Delhi Staffs. So, try to avoid AeroFlot Delhi if possible.

But, I did not mean to avoid Delhi at all since the service of Finn Air and Austrian Air service are really good and I have not heard any comments against the Indian staffs of Finn Air and Austrian Air yet. 

Mobile, SIM and Calling Nepal

Hello friend,

    When I'll arrive in Finland, I will have to inform my parents through telephone. What is the cost of the call per minute from Finland to Nepal? Also, I will have to buy SIM card for my survival in Finland. What is the cheapest mobile service found in Finland? I will be bringing my Nokia set from Nepal which is the cheapest one here in Nepal. Will it be handy in Finland? 

Dear Friend,
  
The rate depends upon the service provider as well. Normally student prefer Kolumbus and DNA mobile prepaid cards here. Personally myself, I prefer Kolumbus prepaid. Once you arrive on Finland, it is better idea to buy a SIM and inform your parents with mobile since your parents will be desperate to know your safe arrival here.

But, for regular calling purpose, most of the Nepalese students use VOIP service providers. VOIP calls are really much cheaper to call to Nepal. There are so many VOIP service providers which will provide service to call Nepal using computer over Internet. As far as I know, Kantipur Tel (www.kantipurtel.com) is the cheapest one to call to Nepal on both landline and mobile. But, the problem with Kantipur Tel is that getting line connected is damm hard. So, I also use VOIP Cheap (www.voipcheap.com) to call to Nepal. VOIP Cheap also provides SMS service to mobiles of Nepal

You made really good decision to bring mobile here. Mobiles are really expensive here compared to Nepal. So, I suggest everyone to bring mobile along with them from Nepal.

Bank Draft, Student Discount and Job Issues

1)      The bank draft  of 6000€ as far as I know I for 1 year expenditure. What If the course duration is for 1.5-2 years?Do I have to make another draft for the rest of the period as in case of medical insurance.

It is not necessary to make bank draft of 6000 year for renewing your Resident Permit next year. But, of course, you need to show on your bank account that you have at least 6000 euro on your account to renew your Resident Permit next year. In case of medical insurance, you need to do it again for another year as well and there are several alternatives for doing it even on insurance companies of Finland as well.

 

2)      I know that it take's about 3.5 hours train ride from Helsinki to Seinajoki, do students are provided with economic train pass (as in Australia) .

Yes, once you get your student card, you will get 50% discount on trains all around the Finland. Your college will inform you about more supermarkets, shops and restaurants where you can get student discounts.


 

4)      My friend suggested me to take training for making Pizza& Nan roti before arriving there to increase the possibility of employment.How better is the suggestion?

 Making of Pizza might help you; but Nan Roti, I don't think so. But again, I still suggest that none of such training will help you here to get jobs. So, it is really wastage of your money and time for investing on such trainings. The only thing that helps you the most for getting jobs is Finnish Language. So, learn Finnish if you want to increase the possibility of jobs here.

Shopping and Accommodation issues

Dear Friend, I got the shopping list from the website and start shopping. here in Nepal we cant find the quality snow shoes and intending to buy there. could you please inform me about the price range of snow shoes there. also one guy suggested me not to bring bathgel and shampoo as they are cheaper and also in airport it can be restricted. also i am in queries that whether the suit is used in party or not and also suggest whether i need to bring it or not.

 

Dear Friend,
Thanks for your query.

I don't suggest you to buy them here since they are relatively expensive here than in Nepal. In my experience, you can find good Snow Shoes in Kathmandu as well. You can buy them on Kathmandu Mall, Pashupati Plaza and around the Thamel. The price range will be around 3000 to 4000 for good Snow Shoes. It is relatively much expensive here in Finland than in Kathmandu. The price of good snow shoes will start from 50 Euro (5000 NRS) to 100 Euro (10000) here in Finland.

About Bathgel and Sampoo, it depends upon you. I suggested it since the brand you are using right now might not be available here. So, I suggested to bring some. I don't think they are cheaper in Finland, but it is true that they are reasonable price here. Anyway, you will buy them once your stock brought from Nepal finishes. So, there is no harm to bring some of the brand you are using now. I am sure they are not restricted on Airport. You need to pack them on Luggage. It is restricted to pack them on hand carry but not on luggage.

About Suit, it is used on formal programmes. But, there will be very very few formal programmes in which you will be attending with suits. It could be good idea to bring a set of Suit, but please keep in mind that, you will hardly use 1/2 times in a year. Might be not even 1/2 times.


 

Also, I got the confirmation from apartment and it had told me to deposit 260 Euro. What should I do? I have attached the mail of HOAS apartment here.

Dear Friend, As I saw the attachment, they have reserved a room for you. You tell them that you are coming to Finland on the end of August, then you will be able to provide the deposit amount since it is not possible to pay electronically from Nepal. They will agree with it. But, remember to sign the acceptance and fax or scan and email them immediately to confirm your room as they suggested on the attachment.

What you should include on your luggage for Finland?

At the moment, you all might be wondering what to buy and what not to bring to Finland. So, I have prepared a shopping list for you all by including the stuffs what you must bring.


SHOE AND SOCKS

1. Snow Shoe - 1 Set
2. Sports and Warm Shoes like HiTech shoes - 1 Set
3. Light casual shoes like Summer shoes - 1 Set
4. Summer Sandal - 1 Set
5. Socks (Very Warm) - 5 Set
6. Socks (Medium) - 5 Set

PANTS

1. Jeans Pant - 5 set
2. Cotton pant - 1 set (Optional)

Being cold country, Jeans are all time favorite here. So, Cotton Pant are not preferable.

T-SHIRTS

1. Winter T-Shirts - 4; (Very Warm, full sleeve)
2. Summer T-shirts - 4; (Full and Half Sleeve; similar as you wear in Kathmandu)
3. Thermocot - 2 sets (Thermal Inner wear for Winter; can be found in Nepal Wool House, Bhotahiti)

SWEATERS

1. Very Warm Type - 1
2. Medium - 1
3. Thin (Summer Type) - 1

JACKETS

1. Very Warm and Multi-layered Jacket -1 ( North face type)
2. Warm jacket -1 (Like the one you wear in Kathmandu during Winter)
3. Hood (Warm) - 1 (Optional)

CAP AND GLOVES

1. Cap (Topi) covering ears -2 (Might be Woolen Topi; do not think about Fency; you feel the fashain during Winter at -30 degree)
2. Gloves - 2 set (Warm; very warm and comfortable to ride on Bicycle as well)

OTHER CLOTHING

1. Normal Cloth set for wearing inside the room - 2 set (Since all of the rooms will be heated and temperature maintained; average cloths as you wear in Kathmandu during Summer will work for all seasons.)
2. Half pant/Trouser - 1/2 set
3. Bed Cover (tanna) - 1 set
4. Sports Wear (Optional)
5. Towel - 1

BAG/MOBILE/OTHERS

1. Mobile set - 1 set (Mobiles are relatively expensive here than in Nepal).
2. Bag (backpack) - 1 (It is better to think about laptop bags to be carried back side so that you can comfortably ride bicycle as well).
3. Memory stick (pen drive) - 1
4. Ball pen - 1 dozen
5. Hair Cutting Machine/Scissor - 1 (Hair Cutting is really expensive here)
6. Umbrella -1
7. Raincoat -1

UTENSILS

1. Pressure cooker - 1 (medium size; might be of 2/3 Ltr.; while packing separate the cover and pack on luggage bag; do to close the cover of pressure cooker)
2. Multipurpose non-sticky frying pan
3. Plate, Spoon, glass (though these items are widely available on second hand stores as well, but it might not be easily available on your city; so it it better to bring minimum required set)

COSMETIC

1. Shaving Set (Shaving Cream, razors; also include extra razors)
2. Toothpaste and brush 2/3
3. Shampoo - 1/2 (larger)
4. Bathing gel/soap - 1/2 (larger)
5. Nail cutter - 1
6. Perfume - 2/3 (Optional)
8. Chip stick or lip guard (MUST for Winter) - 2/3

MEDICINE PACK

Bring general purpose medicine pack (tablets for Cetamol, Asprine, Metronidazol, Betadin, Aciloc , bandage, Handyplast, Cuttons, Thermometer) since medicines are really expensive here and can not be bought without prescriptions. Medical expenses is really high in Finland.

SOUVENIRS AND GIFT ITEMS

Yes, do not forget to bring a flag of Nepal. Also, include some souvenirs related to Nepal, it would be much helpful to freshen up the memory of your family, friends and Nepal. Also bring some gift items like postcards of Nepal, symbolic gift objects about Nepal. It would be useful for gifting your International officers, your professors and international friends. They could be also very good attractions for foreigners on cultural programs. Do not forget to visit Nepal Tourism Board at Bhrikuti Mandap; they will also give you a pack of stickers and postcards related to Nepal; free of cost.

What about books and Stationary?

You need not to bring any books to Finland. Libraries of Colleges are well equipped and flexible enough that you can manage with library books. Moreover, online reading is the most common way of study here. So, the importance of printed books are really minimal during studies.

About Copies or notebooks, you need not to bring any. Though notebooks are very expensive here, you can manage with blank sheets (A4 Paper) by converting them to notebooks. Your luggage weight is the main obstacle to bring notebooks.

About, pen, it is better to include minimum a dozen of good ball pens. You can also include highlighters, staplers with pins, paper tape, gum etc if you use them often.

What about Foods?

We eat Nepali dal-bhat daily as our main meal. So, don't worry about regular foods. But, spices of curry, chillies and typical Nepali foods are almost impossible to find. However, there are Indian Shops in most of the towns and cities and they sell all kinds of spices, chillies and all kinds of Indian stuffs (which are quire similar to Nepali taste); but my personal experience with them is that they could be better than Finnish spices but they can not give you the real taste of Nepal. So, I suggest you to pack enough amount of curry masala, other spices and chillies as well. It is better to include some dry meats, your favorite typical nepali foods and related iteams as well. You will miss the Momo here.

What about electronic goods like laptop or computer?

Electronic Goods are not so cheaper here. So, I suggest you either to bring a laptop from Nepal itself OR to manage for first few months here without computer since you will have laboratory in college where you can wisely use computers. Even some colleges issues Laptop to students from their libraries. Later, after making a good saving amount, you can buy a new one here.

You can also buy second hand computer and laptop here if you wish. Buying second hand is also a good idea; but if it causes any small problems, maintenance is really a difficult problem. So, think twice and check the laptop properly before buying a second hand one.

MBA and other Master Level Business Degree in Finland

I have recently completed my Bachelor's in Information Management (BIM) form St. Xavier's  College. I have even worked as an Intern in Himalayan Bank Limited for about 6 months. I was Involved in a project named as Personal Information System (PIS)  and Library Management System (LMS). I have learned the data base system of human resource department and have developed my Interpersonal skills working over there.

 

I am a self motivating person having interest in banking sector so I want to do MBA in Finland and as My parents can not afford much more for my further study I even need schoolarship Programme for my further study. So I need much more information regarding this. I have 3.29 grades in My BIM.

Dear Friend, thanks for mailing me.

Since you are interested in MBA program, let me tell you some of the primary informations about MBA and Business degrees in Finland.

1. Most of the Master level Business programs including MBA demands minimum of 2 years of Experience after Bachelor degree. Since you did not mention when you graduated in BIM, I can't tell you whether you are qualified for all colleges or not. Also, your role on the project is not clear. Whether you are involved as developer or managerial tasks. It is also considered during admission decision. If you do not have minimum of 2 yrs of degree and managerial experiences, you might not qualify on all of the business colleges of Finland. But, don't worry,  if you can convince any of the professor of the universities, these matters are considered and you can be accepted for admission.

2. Most of the Business degree in Finland are considered very good on Europe, so getting admission is not easy. Even, if you get admitted, they demand and occupy much time during your studies; so you might not maintain part time or weekend jobs during your studies due to heavy study load. But, it does not mean study is very hard. Study is relatively easy, but it is occupying.

3. After your degree, you have really good scope here in Finland as well as other European countries. Even, during your summer breaks, there are chances of getting jobs in reputed companies  if you are doing MBA or related master level business degree.

Now, coming to your queries, 

You can negotiate with your university about Scholarship, and as much as I know; most of the business colleges provide scholarship to limited students. Since here is no tuition fee, the scholarship will be to cover your living expenses here. So, the best process should be start sorting colleges and communicate with professors and admission office about admission, scholarship and job issues. If college could not provide you but can offer you a in-campus job, which is less occupying, it could be another way to cover your living expense here. There is also chances of working outside as part time for 25 hours a week, but, as I told above, it will somehow hamper your performance on your studies since MBA degree is very occupying. Anyway, it depends upon yourself as well. Some students could manage very good studies as well as job as well. It is all depends upon your personal caliber as well.

Some polytechnics also offer MBA and Business degrees. So, browse through the list of Polytechnics to explore them:  Polytechnics in Finland

I would suggest you to make communicate with following university colleges as well along with Polytechnics. Following university colleges are considered very good for Business Degree:

Helsinki School of Economics (HSE)
Turku School of Economics (TSE)
Lappeenranta School of Business
Hanken Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration

Best of Luck !!

Housing, Job and Flight Information

Dear Friend,
 
Thank you so much for answering me with all of my queries. But I'm still stuck with some please answer it again as usual:
 
1. I have booked a room from Housing They have asked me to deposit the money that is 250 Euros by the end of June. Kindly find the details from the attachment herewith and suggest what I should be doing??

Dear Friend, As I saw the attachment, they have reserved a room for you. You tell them that you are coming to Finland on the end of August, then you will be able to provide the deposit amount since it is not possible to pay electronically from Nepal. They will agree with it.

 

2. You have mentioned in ur reply that I will be carrying 6000 Euros and it should be preety enough But I would also like to honest and inform you that there is no doubt that I will be carrying it but.. I would be arranging only some part on my own but the rest is some kind of loan and interest is to be paid This is why I would like to lessen my parents burden if I could immediately get a job at the earliest. Is it possible to apply for a job from here itself or Is there a possibility for the university to arrange some kind of little job just to cover my fooding+lodging or Is it possible to extend some kind of help in getting a job.

Yes, you can apply jobs from there. But, it is almost impossible to get from there since Finnish companies wants physical presence. So, they will confirm only after interviewing you here face-to-face. You can ask with university as well about the jobs as you mention. But, it is really rare to get jobs inside the university for non-Finnish people. But, there is no harm on trying. Try it. Who knows your luck. Might be you will get one. Best of Luck !!

 

3. I know You will deny this offer of mine but please could you give me ur Address and contact number Me kind of very nervous.Just a wild guess are you in Helsinki??

I am sorry my friend, this is only the question which I don't prefer to answer. I am sorry  !!
 

4. Kindly if possible send me a mail mentioneing the procedures you went there or the cheapest and best way to get there Please.

I could not understand your question properly, if you mean flight route, I came on KTM-DEL-MOS-HEL route. But, I suggest you to come here by Finnish Air with the route of KTM-DEL-HEL. It is the cheapest and very good flight. Austrian Air could be another alternative.

Process of Bank Draft

Hello Fren,
Howz going on. Now I am waiting for resident permit to come; do you have any idea how long it will take.
After conformation of resident permit we have to make a draft, so could you please mention how we can prepare such draft. You know I am for Tampere, so in the name of which bank I should prepare a draft so that I will get it back easily. If possible please provide detail information.
Thank you in advance, I'll be waiting for your reply.

 

Normally, decision of Resident Permit takes 30-50 days. Embassy itself does not issue the Resident Permit. Embassy just coordinates between Student (applicant) and Immigration Office; also there will be high traffic of applicants during these period. So, it takes so long period. It is said to take maximum 12 weeks but generally, it is issued within 30-50 days.

Once your decision of Resident Permit is made, you will be informed by Embassy on your phone number. Then, you need to go to Embassy and college a letter to prepare draft. Then, you need to go to Ministry of Education along with that letter to make permit for Euro Exchange. Then, with the permit issued by Ministry, you can go to bank of your interest or your comfortable bank to prepare bank draft.

As per my experience, Bank of Kathmandu is the cheapest one to make draft. Nepal Investment Bank and Nabil Bank are also very cheap for draft. Other banks might be more cheaper as well, but I don't know about them. You need to explore it yourself.

You will prepare the draft on your own name, NOT to the name of college or any other bank name. Once you arrive here, you will open a bank account on a local bank here. During this period, you will deposit this draft on your own account. So, this amount will always remain on your own account. It is just the process of transferring amount from your account from a bank of Nepal to your account of bank of Finland.

College Admission and Resident Permit

Well,
I have been sent acceptence letter from VAASA UAS.I went through all the papers but the forms are totally confusing esp. the enrollment and medical statement.Some of my friends says that the medical statement is not required.Is it so? Do I have to post all the certificates along with the confirmation? Is medical statement to be sent along with that confirmation?Is that medical statement form posted by the  VAASA really compulsory?

You do not need to send Health Insurance to college. While sending your confirmation, just fill that form and sent it. If this form asks for academic certificates, include the photocopies of your certificate as well. But, in normal cases, academic certificates are also not required. Just fill the confirmation and sent it back. Health Insurance is required to apply visa at Embassy; but not to college.
 

Another thing, I have been selected as placement in VAASA UAS,does that means I am only selected there? I have been told that TURKU is better that VAASA.I have VAASA as my 1st option,Turku as my 2nd option and HAMK as my 3rd option.Can't I choose the best university from these options myself. If I am to choose from these 3 options,which do you think will be convinient for me?

Yes, it means you are selected to VAASA UAS. Congratulations !! But, now you can not choose the option since you are already selected to VAASA and other colleges have not offered you admission. So, you don't have any other choices.
 

How long it will take to get visa from Finnish Embassy after we submitt the form? Is it true that it might take 12 weeks?

 

Normally it takes 30-50 days since Embassy itself does not issue the Resident Permit. Embassy just coordinates between Student (applicant) and Immigration Office; also there will be high traffic of applicants during these period. So, it takes so long period. But, it does not take 12 weeks. It is said to take maximum 12 weeks but practically it is issued within 30-50 days.

Confused on filling Confirmation/Enrollment Form

[ Novia UAS (http://www.novia.fi) is still accepting application for Bachelor Degree Programme in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).    
Deadline of Application: 7th August 2008. ]

Dear Friend,
        I have already been accepted in Yrkeshogskolan Novia UAS,Ekenas, as an ICZM student for the upcoming session.It would be a great help to me, if you could help in sorting out my following problems.

Firstly, I have got few confusions about the confirmation form I  got. If possible from you, I want to know wether I need to send just a single copy of filled confirmation letter or  along with all my other  original academic and experience certificate?

Beside that my other confusion is about confirmation form itself. In the letter it is written that "I have attached copies of the educational certificate I used for applying with the confirmation form" as well as there is some thing to fill in the attendance section.Does that section apply to me or it is just for the student's with Finnish educational certificates?

 

Dear Friend,
    Thank you so much for writing to me.

Generally, single copy of filled confirmation letter is required on most of the polytechnics. But, as you told the confirmation letter states the above sentence. So, it is really confusing. So, it is better you contact/email the International officer of the college on the address given on Confirmation Form or acceptance letter. And, as the sentence says, 'the copies of ....', meantime, if you include the certified copies of your certificates, it would be enough for them. Visit the Embassy of Finland in Kathmandu if you still find problems on filling it; they will be happy to help you.

 Thirdly I want to know If sending of the confirmation firm is to be done  through embassy here along with the resident permit application or I have to send it myself separately?

No. You just send it immediately. Do not wait for Resident Permit. You sent it yourself to book your seat on the college.

 

Fourthly, to fill my health insurance form I need to know exact date of start of my class there and the date of course completion because I have to fill my date of departure and return date on that form.I am asking you for this because I could not find out any information in English on the Novia UAS website until now.

Your acceptance letter contains the starting date of your degree and also mentions when you should arrive in University. So, go through it. And, also, you will need health insurance just for year now and you will renew your health insurance next year. So, take the insurance from about 2 weeks before of your class starts so that it also includes the date of travel as well.

 

Finally, Could you please tell me the purpose behind sending the envelope attached with Novia UaAS address on it. Is that for resending the confirmation form on the same envelope from here?

 

It is sent with the purpose to resend the documents on same envelope but from Nepal; it might not work. So, to happy yourself; keep all documents on the same envelope and wrap it by some other ordinary Nepalese Envelope and post it.

 

The other query is could you please find out the exact duration of my course in years?

I found out the following texts from the website of your University:

A new Bachelor's Degree Programme in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), hosted by the Yrkeshögskolan Novia - University of Applied Sciences, is launched in 2008. It is a full degree Bachelor's degree programme (240 ECTS) spanning 4 years of full-time studies aimed for students from both EU and non-EU countries.

Electronic Goods and Foods in Finland

Dear Friend,
  How much do electronic goods(Laptop computers, camera, mobile phone) cost in Finland.

 

  What type of food do we get to eat in Finland? How much would they cost?
 

Dear Friend, Thank you for mailing me.

Electronic Goods are expensive if you compare with the price of US and Nepal. So, if you think about buying a Cell Phone, it is better if you buy from Nepal unless your interest is in Hi-Tech and Latest Mobile Phones. Laptops, they are relatively cheaper than Nepal but really expensive than US. Camera and other stuffs are similar. Check out the prices on most common shopping networks of Finland:
www.netanttila.com
www.gigantti.fi


You will get the similar kind of foods as you used to have in Nepal except some typical Nepali food. You will find rice, Daal, every kind of curries and all those items as we used to have in Nepal in our regular menu. So, don't worry about it. But, be sure to carry some spices (Masala) if you want to have real taste of Nepal. You will miss here, MoMo, Sel-roti, chhoela and Kachila items. But, we do use to make them as well on festivals. In average, 70-100 Euro will cover your foods for a month, excluding liquor. So, don't worry, it is not much expensive.

Resident Permit and Ostrobothnia Practicalities

Dear Friend,
Thanks for your mail.

I am admitted in central Ostrobothnia university but i am confused about further process so your blog helps me a lot. Already we are advised by the embassy they told us not to make Draft they said us just show 6000 in my personal account whats about the draft?

The process follows like this: When you apply for Resident Permit, you will just show 6000 Euro balance in your personal account. Once your Permit is approved, Embassy will inform you. Then, you will go to embassy and collect a letter of Visa approval. Then, with this letter, you should go to Ministry of Education to make Euro Exchange certificate. With this certificate, you can make a Draft of 6000 Euro and Travel Cheque. So, after you go to embassy with Draft, they will stamp your passport with Resident Permit, only after thoroughly examining the draft you have made. Visa will be issued only after making draft.

How much does the living cost will be monthly what kind of company we have to search for job?how much we can work daily?

Monthly living cost is about 300-400 euro depending upon the cities including, rent, food and misc expenses if you live single. About job, the most common jobs are cleaning, delivery of newspapers, Posti (Postal Office) and similar. The most important thing is that getting job is really difficult. Once you got the job, depending upon the job, you will get around 300-700 per month which is typically a good amount for living expense by working 20-25 hours a week. 25 hours is the maximum limit to work legally.

Is Ostrobothnia is a big city?what is the further process for further ? Whats about our pickup in airport?

NO, it is not the large region with enough opportunities. Jobs are really difficult there. Some Nepalese waited about 7-8 months to get any jobs there. There will be no one to receive you in Helsinki Airport. But, once you will be on Ostrobothnia, ask your university to send a student tutor to receive you there. This tutor will take you to your room, if you have already booked a room through university.

Is it compulsory to book room online now or i can search after reaching Finland?

You should book a room immediately. If you did not book the room, where will you stay when you arrive here? Hotels are damm expensive, don't think about them. The safe way is to book now, with the help of University. Another factor is that, finding rooms are not so much easy here and when you come here, it might be too late to search for. So, book it immediately with the help of university. Your admission package came with Acceptance letter also might contain the room booking informations.

Would student union help us for such a process like searching room and job?

No. Student Union is just a public body to carry student voices. It won't assist for jobs are findings rooms. But, there might be a department in university itself, like Career Services which will help you to search jobs. Meanwhile, International office of your university will help you finding rooms.

Can we travel neighboring countries in holiday?

Yes you can. You can visit all of the neighboring EU countries without visa anytime.

Draft and Plane fare

Dear Friend, Thank you so much for writing to me.

1. First of all regarding the Draft of Euro 6000, which we should present at embassy to collect the resident permit. In money matter I'm little bit lucky, because my Brother in USA (DV Holder) has promised to send me all the required money during my study. So, I want to know that, although I've to prepare the draft for visa, does it necessary to take along with me? Will some one ask me to present the Draft at immigration? Since I just want to take small cash with me and cancel the draft before my departure here in Nepal, as my brother can send money at any time as required. If I have to take the Draft, then how early I could manage to send it back? Whether any supporting documents will require to cancel the draft here in Nepal by my authorized representative.

No Friend, you can not do that. Draft will be checked on every stage of your arrival. After your Resident Permit is approved, you will be asked to prepare the draft. Once you prepare the draft, the embassy will take the photocopy of the draft and only them, they will stamp the visa on your passport. Then, the draft will be checked again by Immigration Authority at Helsinki Airport itself. Some Colleges also checks the draft themselves. Again, when you open the bank again, the same draft is checked. So, There is no way to cancel the draft before arrival.

About returning money, you did not mention which city are you coming to. If you are coming for Helsinki, you might get jobs bit early, might be within one or two months. After you get job, you might return the draft. If you are coming to other cities, you can not find jobs easily. It might take 8-9 months to get jobs. In that case, if you dont' have draft, how would you survive? So, I don't recommend returning draft early. I suggest you to return it only after you got job. If it is compulson for you to return it at any cost, you should have backup of amount 2000 in cash, if you are coming for Helsinki and 3500 in cash if you are coming for other cities than Helsinki.

2. Regarding the Airfare, how much do you think the current reasonable amount of air fare from Kathmandu? Do you want to suggest any particular airline or we can choose ourselves? What is the allowed weight of luggage and hand bag generally?

It depends upon the Route, Flight Operator and Availability of the seats. In average, it will cost you 48,000 NRS to 60,000 NRS. You can choose any airlines or route to reach here. The most common route Nepalese Students take to reach here is KTM-DEL-HEL by Finnish Air; KTM-DEL-VIA-HEL by Austrian Air and KTM-DEL-MOS-HEL by AeroFlot. The route of Thai Airlines is also available as another option. Generally, 20-25 KG of luggage and 7 KG of hand bag are allowed.

3. Regarding the Important stuff (Packing up), which things are important to bring with us. More importantly about Cloths, Books, General Medicine , any dry food items…………or any other things you want to suggest.

I will post the entire shopping list to be brought here by the mid of July. Winter Cloths and General Medicines are important. Books are not necessary. Dry foods, as you wish !!

4. As a token of love and respect from Nepal, I want give a gift to my International student officer of my UAS, will they accept anything pleasantly. Or what will be the ideal gift for them?

Yes, it could be a good idea to gift token of love to them. But, it is very hard to recommend what could be ideal gift. I guess, something iconic gift related to Nepal could be ideal gift to them.

5. Regarding the Result. Will all the UAS publishe their result on their website, or is there any other website to check the admission status or the final result, what are the starting and ending date of entrance exam result

No. Only few UAS publishes their results on their websites. The college in which you applied will inform you about the result by at least the end of June if you got selected. If you are not selected for any college, the first option college will inform you about your score in Entrance by Second week of July however the score won't be useful for any other reason. The result won't be published on any public or common website.

6. Finally, I want to request you to start a open forum / chautary in your blog. Where different people can write there views, suggestion and more importantly the contact address/ email id, and same time they can ask their friend to give there address etc. I think that it will be amzing place to find any new friend or reunion to old ones, which are studying the Finland or preparing for it.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I am also thinking the same. Might be I will start this August. Thank you so much.

Admission Decision Process

 Thanks alot for your reply.

 It was really valuable for me. i'm feeling you as a good friend though we don't know each other, hope one day we can meet.

 

This time also i'v small query hope u'll hsve the same type ok co-operation as usual. As I waiting the result of entrance exam, i'v gaing more clear knowledge about the education in finland through you. My 1st Preferance is SAMK, Rauma, 2nd is JYVASKALA and the 3rd is TAMK, Tampere.

 

Now, if i selected i want to go for TAMK, Tampere, then how does it possible to be selected by 3rd one by avoiding  the 1st and 2nd preference.

 

 

Furtherly, at your last post you wrote to a student that, "wait for the result of all UAS, before confirm any Uas" , this way if i got selected from all the UAS i can go for Tamk as my wish but, in a  information kit in www.tamk.fi, they have mentioned that " If a student is selected by the UAS of 1st preference, he will not selected by other UAS (2ND , 3RD preference).

 

in this case what do u want to suggest me.

 

 

Dear Friend, Thank you very much for your kind complements. The admission decision follows a quite simple process.

 

First, the result of your entrace will be shared by all of the cooperating colleges. But, all other options will wait until the admission decision of first option. So, in your case as well, both second and third option will wait for the decision of first option college. Now, the first option releases two kinds of decision confirmation list to its cooperating colleges through the Admission.fi network. First, The list of students most likely to be confirmed for admission (Accepted), Second, the list of alternative students whom they might consider  (Waiting List). Meanwhile, every college prepares their own lists of their applied students. Now, before releasing the admission decision to public, they check the decision of upper options; for example, when your second option try to confirm you for admission, it first checks the list of  Accepted students of your first option college. If your name is in the accepted list of first option college, the second option will not include your name on their accepted list. If your name is in waiting list of First option, second option confirms your admission and releases it, meanwhile it also notifies to first option so that, your name will be removed from the waiting list of first option college. If your name is rejected for first option, it does not matter to other colleges, other colleges might accept you. All these process is coordinated by Joint Application Network (www.admissions.fi) itself to minimize the multiple acceptance. But, you won't be notified about these intermediatory processes.

 

Now, if you want to go to your second option rather than first option, you mail your second option college that you would like to be accpeted on this college since you did not feel comfortable on first option college now. So, if you are in the waiting list of this second option college due to the acceptance of first option, it might coordinate with first option to be accpeted on second one rather than first one. But, remember, it will decrease your probability of being acceptance on first option since after this, first option will not be interested to include your name on its acceptance since you already notified second option is your primary preference now. And, it is not necessary that second option will certainly admit you. So, think about it before mailing them. 

 

I wrote previously that wait untill all acceptance results publish. It is because sometimes there is probability of being acceptance on multiple as well. Following cases might lead you on multiple acceptance:

 

1. Suppose you are on the waiting list of all of the three colleges. Later, they confirmed that some of the accepted students are not coming so they decided you to promote you as accepted students. Since, it was being too late to release the acceptance, two or more colleges released your acceptance then only they coordinate with the cooperating colleges. In such cases, now the decision is upto you to choose the one college of your interest to confirm your seat. It is normal to be accpeted by multiple colleges, but you can not confirm your seat on more than college. 

 

2. You applied to four colleges as four options, but they are not coordinating with each other for admission process. In this case, they deal individually and make admission decision separetely.

 

3. You applied to four colleges as four options, but your course or degree is different. So, they are not coordinating since you applied to different courses. So, it might also lead you for multiple acceptance. So, again, it is upto you to accept one of the college to confirm the seat.

 

 

 

For your particular case, I can suggest you, you keep on mailing your third option college, as asking about the status of the application but do not declare that you would like to come to this college. So, it will keep option open for all other colleges as well, at the same time you will be notified about the progress of your admission decision. If you found good response and more likely to be admitted on this third option, you declare to them as you are interested on this college only and would not want to wait for the result of first or second option college and request them to admit you since you are not seeking anymore admission from First or Second option.

 

Best of Luck.

Let's learn Finnish language

Knowing Finnish Language is very important for every aspect of knowing Finland. Almost every instructions in the road and trains are in Finnish. Though they might be also in English but all instructions are not in English. Same with Shopping malls, ingredients and item names, they all are in English. You can't buy any food if you  don't have basic Finnish word knowledge what they are called. All Finn does not speak English. However most of them try to speak English and wanted to help you but language problem could be a barrier.

 

Most importantly, Finnish is really important for getting jobs. Does not matter whether that job requires the knowledge of Finnish language or not; Finnish Languages really makes an impression. When you go for searching jobs even in Washing Dishes or Cleaning jobs, the first question will be 'Do you know Finnish Language?'. If you know Finnish Language even little bit, it would be a great advantage for getting job. So, If you know Finnish, there are so much job opportunities for you, if you don't know Finnish, you are treated as intruders and only very very less job opportunites.

 

So, Let's learn Finnish. I have posted some of the useful links for self learning Finnish. Following links will help you to learn Finnish yourself.

 

1. Uuno is a language learning resource, primarily intended to teach foreign exchange students about the Finnish language and Finnish culture before they come to Finland. Uuno provides a non-demanding and entertaining introduction to the Finnish grammar.

 

2. Want to learn some Finnish or practise what you already know? Easyfinnish is an elementary online course aimed at anyone interested in learning Finnish. Perform exercises, listen to audios, play games, converse with others or test your skills.

 

3. Finnish for Foreigners provides an introduction to the Finnish language and Finland. University of Helsinki Language Centre.

 

4. The Finnish Language provides an introduction to the Finnish language and grammar.

 

5. Supisuomea is a beginners'/basic course in Finnish that helps you to deal with various everyday situations in Finnish.

Links are referred from the web content of Lappeenranta University of Technology, www.lut.fi

From June second week, I will be starting the the Finnish Lessions as well on www.nepalfinland.com with step to step learning. Meanwhile you can explore more about Finnish Language from above links and get some familarize with it.