International tutoring Every year new exchange students are arriving to VAMK and are about to begin the adventure of their lives. It’s not an easy thing to come to a new country, learn about a new culture and people. Leaving behind people at home might be the hardest thing usually and it might cause homesickness. On the other hand we only live once and it is great to get new experiences and get new friends from different countries. I have lived in Brazil and in Germany, and I had a great time and still to this day I think that it was worth it. Exchange students arrive usually in the spring and in the autumn to VAMK and usually stay between 4-12 months. They come from different countries and will have international tutors helping them in Vaasa. This might be their first time in a new country, so support and help is important, especially in the beginning. Currently every international tutor will get 1-3 students for themselves. This has been a good thing, because now they have more time to bond with the exchange students. One of the best sides of international tutoring is getting new friends around the world. The number of exchange students is lower than usual, The reason is covid-19 pandemic. We are still really happy about the students we are having. International tutors are the first person, that exchange students will meet in Finland. Exchange students usually need help with different things like housing, buying food and things for the apartment and adjusting to the new place and culture. International tutor is going to be their first friend and they can ask questions about different topics. As I lived in a new country a few times myself, I can really understand how it feels like to begin this chapter of their lives. It is a huge thing to have someone there to help. I was nervous in a new situation, so I can guess they might be aswell. We organize events and hangouts, when we have the chance. Normally all the VAMOK events are all in English, so exchange students can join. Covid-19 pandemic has been affecting things, but we try our best still. Now the situation is getting better, so more events can be organized face to face. I was talking to some of the exchange students, and they told me that they have enjoyed the exchange and have been part of different events like Vaasapuistikon appro and VAMOK vappubileet. I was happy to hear that, because these experiences are happening now and memories will stay with the students. Friendships will be made and you might find yourself travelling to the other side of the world to meet other students later on. Time goes fast and so does the time of being an international tutor. Luckily you can apply to be one again. I was one too earlier, and really enjoyed helping the students with everything. For example last new years I spent with my friends from Slovakia, who I met during my tutoring experience. And they came to my apartment and I made a Finnish dish and dessert for them. Helping with the groceries, apartment, furnitures, school, adjusting and other things was a really great experience. I gained friends for life at the same time. My language skills got better. I really recommend applying to be an international tutor at least once during your studies. It’s awesome. Pauliina Vainiotalo International affairs coordinator, VAMOK 28
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