A Finnish delegation from XAMK University in Savonlinna visited the Northern Michigan University campus to get a taste of life in the Upper Peninsula this week.
This faculty-led proposal allowed six NMU faculty members across the disciplines of health sciences, nursing, and education to take the trip to XAMK's campuses in Savonlinna, Mikkeli and Helsinki last summer. NMU faculty saw this as an opportunity to connect with the large presence of Finnish heritage in the Upper Peninsula, and XAMK delegates Minna Hämäläinen, Karoliina Helandar and Taija Pakarinen, were here to do the same.
These faculty visits preceded a study abroad opportunity open for students in the summer of 2027. The trip will be open to both undergraduate and graduate students for course credit. The partnership is aimed at broadening the experience of students personally and culturally, as well as focusing on an interdisciplinary approach to education.
“Our partnership with XAMK in Savonlinna allows our students and faculty to learn how Finnish society fosters individual and community wellbeing. Gaining these new cultural perspectives helps us grow, and for the many of us at NMU who proudly share Finnish heritage, this collaboration holds special personal meaning,” said Katie Menard, associate dean and director of Nursing.
These courses will be applicable to students studying education, nursing, health and physical education as well as social work, and will take a look at the way the lifestyle of Finnish society and their healthcare practices impact the well-being of their people.
“This is one of the most multidisciplinary programs we've worked with,” said Karoliina Helandar, integration coordinator at the Savonlinna Campus. “We are showing students the whole scene of healthcare here.”
Organizers are hoping the program attracts around 20 students, and encourages students to utilize new experience grants, a program slated to begin in the fall 2027 semester, which will provide funding to students seeking high-impact learning opportunities, such as study abroad.
“It is cool to see how NMU can see our culture and habits,” said Taija Pakarinen, dean of the healthcare department at the Savonlinna Campus. “We don't see our style ourselves; it's nice to hear about what they have seen of our culture. We can learn something about ourselves.”
While here, the group was given a tour of campus and also spent some time in and around Marquette, even playing disc golf at the Powder Mill course with NMU President Chris Olsen and a contingent of NMU students.
The delegates from Finland, along with faculty and staff from the College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies, also presented “Unlocking Sisi: The Finnish Secret to Resilience and Happiness” at the Peter While Public Library on Tuesday Oct. 6, an event that was open to the public.
Applications for the study abroad opportunity are now open. Visit https://nmu.edu/internationalprograms/faculty-led-programs for more information.