Visitor from Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, Austria

Ms. Aleksandra Jama (in the middle) is discussing with the International Coordinators, Mr. Janne Hopeela and Ms. Ulla-Maija Takkunen and the CUAS students Felix Wiesinger and Magdalena Hamm.

TAMK was privileged to have a guest from our Austrian partner university, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS). The Head of International Office, Ms. Aleksandra Jama, was here to discuss about the future cooperation in student and staff mobility.

TAMK and CUAS have many common study fields and interests in higher education so the partnership will be fruitful in the following years, too. At the moment, CUAS is a possible exchange destination for TAMK students in Business, Hotel and Restaurant Management and Social Services.

Ms. Aleksandra Jama met also the CUAS students currently in exchange at TAMK so they could share their first impressions of the Erasmus period in Tampere.

Text and photo: Kaisa Merilahti, TAMK International Services

"The future prepares itself for us." - Interview with fresh TAMK graduate Oana Syrjäläinen

The journey is over - at least for the over 800 students who successfully graduated from TAMK during this spring.
One of them is Oana Syrjäläinen, who studied for 4 years in the Degree Programme in Tourism and graduated on June 8th as Bachelor of Hospitality Management.
There are uncountable experiences and impressions to collect during the time as a student and Oana shared some of them with us.

Why did you decide to apply to TAMK in the first place?
Oana: I actually got the idea to apply for TAMK (or PIRAMK at the time) one day before the application period ended (February 2009). It came as a surprise even to me that I wanted to apply, as I was not previously considering going back to school (after having already 2 BA degrees from Romania). I guess we are not always preparing for the future, but the future prepares itself for us. Tourism felt like a natural choice, also from my recently discovered love of travelling and because the programme was taught in English.

What kind of benefits and opportunities did TAMK give you?
Oana: TAMK gave me opportunities to work and study abroad, though Erasmus programmes, which enriched my life through new experiences and the people I have met while on exchange.
In addition, for me the practical training was an excellent chance to get to know the hospitality industry from the worker's point of view also and opened the path to working life in Finland, something most people might take for granted but not a given for us, foreign students, who struggle with language and culture barriers.

Were there any unforgettable moments that need to be mentioned?
Oana: I cannot speak of "unforgettable moments" but I can speak of unforgettable people: my colleagues are beautiful people from all over the world and I am happy to have met every single one of them! I feel that we have learned a lot from each culture and that we have come together as a small team during these years.

How was the graduation ceremony?
Oana: It was great that I actually had butterflies while at the ceremony, it is I guess a unique feeling for me and for the other nowadays alumni to know that studies are over, new challenges lie ahead and we no longer have to stress about exams, bachelor thesis and credits anymore. The ceremony itself was pleasantly concise and the speakers wittily entertaining, with subtle cross references on previous speeches, uncommon for these type of events, I think. Clearly a good decision to be part of it! Bonus for me was that I got to speak to Markku Lahtinen (President, Managing Director of TAMK) during the coffee-and-cake event, it was a perfect ending to the studies.

Do you have specific plans for the future?
Oana: I am one of the lucky graduates not to find themselves in front of a big question mark about the future, as I am already part of the team that opened in July 2012 Tampere's "youngest" hotel, so I will continue working in the same place.

Would you recommend applying to TAMK to other students?
Oana: Yes, I would recommend TAMK to future students. TAMK is young, dynamic and, in addition to wide fields of study, there is a visible "fun" culture through international events and club gatherings. Basically, I think there is something for everyone on offer, no matter how demanding and what is more appealing, anyone can get involved and be a part of it.
As for studying, tourism is still one of my favourite topics, so I definitely recommend future students to take up courses in tourism, it opens up the taste for travelling beyond imagination. And a piece of advice for all those pondering whether to go abroad for a semester or not: DO IT, you will become part of a community that will give you amazing memories and you will meet people that might change your life!

Oana Syrjäläinen at the graduation ceremony

Text: Oana Syrjäläinen, Bachelor of Hospitality Management; Annika Dillenburger, Trainee, International Services
Photo: Oana Syrjäläinen

Advertising campaigns for companies by European Advertising Teams

The management of SARAR company with IP participants

European Advertising Teams - EUTA IP 2013 was organised in Eskisehir, Turkey. Altogether around 40 students and staff members from Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey and UK took part in LLP Erasmus intensive programme.  From Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Finland six students participated the IP: Hanna Nelimarkka & Satu Majava from TAMK Virrat, Degree Programme in Media, Scriptwriting and Visual Expression, exchange students Gabriella Fodor & Petra Turi from TAMK Virrat and from Tampere Laura Heininen & Jaana Syrjälä from the Degree Programme in Tourism. The coordinator of the team from Finland was Senior Lecturer in Marketing Pirkko Varis.

Demonstration of SARAR products

Advertising and media expert presentation

Students were divided into multicultural teams to work with company assignments. From each of the countries one company had given an assignment to the IP. The main task of the students was to plan a marketing communications and an advertising campaign for the European markets. Special lectures were given by experts in marketing communications and advertising to give students guidance in their work. Staff members of the universities worked as coaches for the teams. Students built up marketing communications strategies, campaign plans and produced creative solutions for the companies. Each of the team worked hard across the multinational boundaries and produced several campaigns for the companies.

Teams working

 

From Finland the assignment was given by Iittala. The aim was to raise brand awareness and sales of the vases and bowls of Alvar Aalto Collection among the selected target audience in Europe, to influence on the target audience, to raise the recognition of Aalto on social media in European markets, and to design an integrated marketing communications campaign including both traditional media and internet, online & social media. The student team from Finland did a market survey before the IP and the multicultural team worked with the assignment in Turkey. The company got the results of the work and is able to use suggested ideas in its operations.

 

Presentation of one team

Pirkko Varis with other judges listening to presentations

Team Iittala with certificates

To work in a multicultural team with a real-life assignment was a very positive experience. In addition to the study programme, some visits to the region and cultural programme were organized.  More about the experiences and feelings you can find in the Facebook.

We did it! Happy IP participants

Text: The team from Finland

Photos: Staff of Anadolu University

Memories to last a lifetime

During my studies in the Degree Programme in Tourism I spent a year in Athens, Greece, as an Erasmus exchange student. I highly recommend an exchange period for all students, and especially those in the tourism field, as it is an international industry and success in it requires multi-cultural social skills.

I chose Athens as my destination because I had lived on a Greek island some years before, and figured an exchange would be the perfect opportunity to add on to my limited Greek language skills. I was also intrigued by the idea of living in a metropolis city – as a small town girl I thought it made the exchange all the more exciting. Also, I figured that as the tourism industry brings in a big part of the Greek national income, they must have some expertise there to share.

Athens

The first few weeks of my residing in Athens can be described with one word – chaos. Although I had previous experience of the Greek culture, I must admit I did suffer some sort of culture shock. Life in Athens was similar to the life on the islands - multiplied by a hundred. Cars, houses, people, noise, shops, cafes, and then some more cars and houses and people…. It took me some time to learn my way around (I still don’t know how I found my way back to my house the first few times I ventured out J ).

Despite all that, though, I fell in love with the city in record time. I can’t pinpoint what made it so special, but I can say I really did have the time of my life. I met some amazing people, learned many things about other cultures, and gained an excellent new perspective on how the world works.

In Syntagma square after the first day of uni

I studied in the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Athens, which is an equivalent to our University of Applied Sciences. The atmosphere on campus was much more noisy and vibrant than what it is here, true to the Greek form of communication, and I did wonder how the students got any studying done among all the hustle and bustle. The Greek students do, however, have to work extremely hard at their studies, and they are not as lucky as we Finns are to be receiving monetary assistance from the government either.



View of  Lycabettus Hill from the Acropolis



I was in Athens for the semesters of 2009 and 2010, which was the beginning of the troubles the nation is facing now. There were many strikes held during my time there, and during them many lectures were cancelled. The teachers did their best in making up for lost time, and all of my courses were very informative and useful. All the teachers were very professional and enthusiastic.

All in all my exchange year in Athens gave me some unforgettable experiences and taught me a lot of things about myself, other people, and life itself. I can’t wait to go back J.



At the Finnish Christmas party, downtown Athens



 The writer is Janita Nurmi, who is about to graduate from the Degree Programme in Tourism and go on to conquer the world.

Staffordshire sent their ambassador

On Sunday 26th of June 2011, TAMK had the great privilege to welcome Mrs Carol Southall from Staffordshire University Business School, UK.

Mrs. Southall, a lecturer in Tourism and Event Management spent four days in Tampere in order to get to know TAMK and the city of Tampere better.

After Sunday’s arrival and hopefully well slept night, Mrs. Southall was picked up from her hotel by the development manager Hanna-Greta Puurtinen on Monday morning.

At TAMK Mrs. Southall met various TAMK employees, including:
Customer Relationship Director Mr. Esa Ala-Uotila,
Development Manager Ms. Hanna-Greta Puurtinen,
Senior Lecturer in Marketing & International Coordinator Ms. Pirkko Varis,
Head of International Services Ms. Kirsi Tolvanen,
Project coordinator Ms. Katja Kivikangas,
Project coordinator Ms. Julia Sergeeva,
Project coordinator Mr. Ville Koiviola,
Project assistant Ms. Kirsi Leiniö and
Trainee Ms. Janita Nurmi.

TAMK employees briefly presented their roles and processes where as Mrs. Southall shared some light on Staffordshire University’s Degree Programme of Tourism and Event Management. The rest of the day was spent on in intensive discussions concerning the future collaborations between TAMK and Stafford University.

On Tuesday Ms Kirsi Leiniö and Ms Janita Nurmi of the R&D Services, took Mrs. Southall for a city tour around Tampere. The day began with a visit to Tampere Hall, where they were shown around and given information of the venue. Afterwards there was time for a short stroll around the adjacent park before they were picked up by their chauffeur for the day, Mr Ville Koiviola. He drove the group to the inspiring Demola of the New Factory, which is a centre for functional innovation for university students as well as companies. From there they walked to have lunch in the Laukontori market square. The menu included, of course, black sausage with lingonberry (cowberry) jam.

Behold the black sausage!

After lunch it was time for a walk along the shoreline over to the Pyynikki area. The silence and the view along the way were appreciated by all. After a quick look around Scandic Hotel Rosendahl they headed to the top of the Pyynikki observation tower to enjoy the view. The lovely, sunny day spent in Tampere naturally finished with coffee and the famous Pyynikki doughnuts.

What weather, what a view!

On Wednesday morning Mrs. Southall was taken to visit The Council of Tampere Region.
There Ms Southall accompanied by Julia Sergeeva, and Hanna-Greta Puurtinen, was able to meet Mr. Marko Mäkinen, the Manager of Regional Development Planning.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Southall’s visit in Finland was nearing its end. Time sure passes quickly when there is a lot to do and see.
With sad goodbyes, Mrs. Southall departed from Tampere Airport in the late afternoon.

We at TAMK thank you for your lovely visit and we are sure this was not the last time we will hear from you!

Text: Elias Suominen & Janita Nurmi
Photos: Kirsi Leiniö & Ville Koiviola

Mission impossible completed!

We returned our thesis for evaluation a few days ago. Phew!

Here I am now, all finished with the writing, and the researching, and the reading and, most of all, the stressing. It still hasn’t sunk in that it is finished, we did it, and it’s all over and done with. Slowly, slowly, though, it is starting to feel better and better….give me a few days and I’ll be jumping up and down with joy!

I still get the odd idea or thought in my head about what could be put in the thesis, which book I could refer to, or how the subheadings could be arranged - I guess my brain is still on Thesis Mode. But the coolest thing is that after finishing the thesis you realize the process from start to finish, and it all seems so clear, and a little easy, in your head. Because a process it is, on many levels, not only of the actual writing but also of growing as a researcher, writer, and, I might even suggest, as a person.

The process of our thesis took about four months altogether, from the initial idea to the finished product. The last stretch before our final deadline, the last couple of weeks to be exact, were interesting, to say the least: I was waking up at night to write down a sentence for that one paragraph of chapter whatsitsnumber, constantly thinking what is left and what should be done next, wondering if it is all coming together as it should, frantically trying to find the right book where I remembered seeing this, that and the other (silly me for not making proper notes!), and all the while feeling the glooming deadline closing in on me like it was confirmed as doomsday.

As amazing and unbelievable as it seems to me now, in the end we did finish the thesis, and are very happy with it. It didn’t come easy, though; there were many loooooong days and nights spent researching, reading, writing, editing, and then writing some more. The late nights were not complete without some temper tantrums and manic giggle attacks, complete brain blocks and mixed up words (anyone wanna guess what plörk means, at three in the morning?), all of which were accompanied by bucket loads of coffee and candy.

Like I mentioned in the beginning, it really hasn’t sunk in yet that our thesis is finally finished. We might still have to make some corrections to it, and haven’t yet a clue as to what grade we will get from it (fingers crossed!), but at least the once a mission impossible is now a mission completed. And I’m happy to say I am still best friends with my thesis partner (at least she hasn’t blocked my calls yet), and I owe a big thanks to her for putting up with me.

So all’s well that ends well, and now its time for some down time. For me that means sleeping (oh the luxury!), spending time with friends, and getting to read a book of my own choice for a change. Most importantly, however, the best thing is not having to switch on the laptop only to writewritewrite!

The writer is Janita Nurmi, a student of the Degree Programme in Tourism, who is currently doing her practical training in the R&D and Education Services of TAMK. She is hoping to graduate in the fall and go on to conquer the world.

Tackling the Big T

In the beginning and during the studies the Bachelor’s thesis at the end of them seems very distant and, to be honest, a little scary. You get an idea of what it is supposed to be: a final training of gathering the right information, learning to research the right things relevant to the topic, using accurate academic language in the text, and, most importantly, going through the process that is the creation of a thesis. However, in practice the beginning of the whole process is nothing but complete chaos, at least for me it seemed that way. It’s a big task, the last crunch if you will, before the completion of a Degree, and usually the last milestone before graduation.

  
I wrote the thesis with a friend of mine on the topic of assessing and developing the Degree Programme in Tourism. The topic was chosen because the programme is fairly new, and perhaps therefore still finding its steady foothold in its standard operations. The topic isn’t really in connection with the tourism industry, but for us it was too interesting a topic to ignore.

Studying in the Degree Programme in Tourism....the view from my future office, perhaps?

The beginning of our thesis came about while taking the bus to class with a friend of mine, who studies in the same degree programme. She suggested that maybe we should think about writing the thesis together. My first reaction was relief: I wouldn’t have to do it alone, as I had a feeling it could take me a year or two if no one was there to push me a bit. The second reaction, though, was concern – could we work together on something as demanding as this, and still remain friends? However, relief won, and we decided to write the thesis together. After the idea of a topic, and its acceptance, it was like stepping into this vast unknown territory. I had a very vague idea of the whole thing, despite the academic writing and research courses I know I took somewhere along the line….

Reading material, anyone?

After the few initial meetings with our supervisor, and me slightly panicking after each one, we were able to get to work. We took to the library, trying to find whatever we could that had even remotely something to do with our topic. We created a questionnaire to be used in collecting the data, and handed it out to our research sample, which consisted of the students and teachers of the DpT. We studied various subjects such as curriculum development, research methods, the concept of a University of Applied Sciences, as well as a whole bunch of other subjects.  The literature we read seemed a bit useless in the beginning, but in hindsight it was all worth it when the time came to write and “connect the dots” between the data and theory.

Somewhere along the line the thesis started to form almost as on its own, and it became clearer what it should include and how it would be put together. It’s not an easy task, I can tell you, and it takes a lot of both physical and mental work. Like our supervisor told us in the beginning, the process will sort of carry you along once it gets started properly. I didn’t believe her then, as it all seemed so confusing and nearly impossible, but at this point I can say she was absolutely right.

Me during the last couple of weeks.

The writer is Janita Nurmi, a student of the Degree Programme in Tourism, who is currently doing her practical training in the R&D and Education Services of TAMK. She is hoping to graduate in the fall and go on to conquer the world.

Application period started today: 126 study places available!

 The joint application for degree programmes run in English of Finnish universities of applied sciences started today and will be open until February 15th 16:15 Finnish time.

Tampere University of Applied Sciences offers five degree programmes conducted in English starting in autumn 2011:

• Environmental Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering)
• International Business (Bachelor of Business Administration)
• Media (Bachelor of Culture and Arts)
• Nursing (Bachelor of Health Care)
• Tourism (Bachelor of Hospitality Management)

Applying to Bachelor-level programmes conducted in English at universities of applied sciences takes place through a joint application system. Applying takes place online at www.admissions.fi. Applicants can use the same on-line application form to apply for a maximum of four different degree programmes conducted in English at up to four different universities of applied sciences.

The application form must be submitted before the application period closes.

Note! The applicants of Degree Programme in Media must return also the required pre-task by 15 February to TAMK.

All details about the application
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TAMK on a roadshow in St Petersburg

The Day for Europe was celebrated in Saint Petersburg, Russia on Saturday 25 September when all those interested in the European Union had the chance to visit the embassies and consulates of the EU member states to get more information of the countries and their current status in the Union. The Day for Europe also opened the doors of the Consulate General of Finland in Saint Petersburg where the Finnish higher education institutions were presented to the potential applicants and their families. The event was most successfully coordinated by CIMO.



As the doors opened to the Consulate General at noon, the event hall was quickly full of locals busy finding their future place of study. TAMK introduced its degree programmes conducted in English at the event, and was met with lots of enthusiasm and a flood of questions from the young Russians. Riku-Matti Kinnunen represented TAMK at the stand, and also gave two presentations in the event: One of the Finnish universities of applied sciences in general, and another one of TAMK. Both presentations drew the lecture room full of interested listeners.

The five degree programmes taught in English that will start at TAMK in the autumn semester 2011 offer studies in media, international business, nursing, tourism and environmental engineering. More information can be had at www.tamk.fi/en. The application period for the degree programmes in English run from 3 January till 15 February 2011. The on-line application can be filled in during that period of time at www.admissions.fi.

Story: Riku-Matti Kinnunen
Pictures: Marjo Arola and Riku-Matti Kinnunen

Cross-cultural communication and project management in Bad Hindelang, Germany

From 1st until 11th May 2010 we representatives of Tampere University of Applied Sciences attended a LLP Erasmus intensive programme (IP) about cross-cultural communication and project management that was organised in Bad Hindelang, Germany. The main study aim during the IP was to learn the main theories about cross-cultural communication and management and to work together in multicultural groups in order to deepen the knowledge and to learn through practical assignments and projects.



The participants came from Germany, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and Finland. All in all we were about 40 students plus staff members. Marketing students from TAMK Virrat Suvi Tanhua, Anu-Eveliina Muuri, Janne Pirttiniemi and Veera Ritola and two students of the degree programme in tourism from Tampere Hazel Yancha & Diego Rivas Rodríguez participated the IP. Pirkko Varis was the coordinator of the group from Finland. At first, we carried out some country presentations and then we were divided into multicultural groups in order to work with some case studies related to cross-cultural management. We presented the outcomes of each group in the end of the IP and got evaluation based upon our work.

During the IP, lectures were given, all related to the topic and how to communicate better in international business management environment. The main idea behind the cases was to get the students familiar with different working styles and main cultural differences and similarities in order to get a better understanding of the cross-cultural management. Beside that we also did some activities in order to create team spirit and cooperation among all members. We also did a project for the town of Sonthofen and created ideas for business development of agricultural tourism in the region. Our group was one of the two ones that won the honorary award of the town of Sonthofen based upon the results of the work.


Concerning other activities we could experience the nature surrounding us, the beautiful German Alps, where we did some outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, climbing on ropes, etc. Beside that we also had a day trip to Munich where we attended one ballet performance at the Opera House, too. In general, all these activities were good, enjoyable and well organized.

The main outcome of the IP was to get to know other students from various countries and understand the importance of considering different ways of working and different cultures. At the end of the IP we all noticed that the groups had improved their performance and we can say that all of us gained more confidence once dealing with various cultures and communication styles.

ICC IP student team from TAMK

Intensive course brings ideas for international tourism to Pirkanmaa

The Pirkanmaa tourism industry gains access to a unique international idea team for two weeks. On Tuesday the 23rd of March begun the third EU-funded Destination Analysis intensive course. The participants are 60 students of tourism from three European universities.

The collaboration universities are Salford University from England and Universitat Jaume I from Spain, while TAMK is the organiser of the course.

In her welcoming speech, the manager of TAMK’s services Aura Loikkanen mentioned that TAMK has already faced expectations to develop tourism in the Pirkanmaa region, even though it is not yet very well-known in this sector. Loikkanen wished for a bold and innovative input and vision from the students of the course.

The main task of the course is to familiarise these future tourism experts with the culture and tourism in the selected tourist destinations, and to analyse their tourism potential. They also provide the destinations with development ideas and new products. The previous courses have studied Manchester in the UK and Castéllon in Spain, and now it’s Pirkanmaa’s turn.

The course consists of diverse lectures and visitations. In Pirkanmaa, the visiting tourist destinations are the City of Ikaalinen, Seitseminen National Park and the City of Tampere as a ”gateway to Pirkanmaa.”

The majority of work takes place in Ikaalinen, where the students visit the Kauppila Farm, Ikaalinen Spa, Associated Market Town of Ikaalinen and the Luomajärvi Horse Inn. Finally, the students, in groups of six, produce a final analysis of the destination, which will result in various development and product ideas for tourism.

In addition to the local tourist destination mentioned above, the course is made possible by the participation of Kylpyläkaupunki Inc, Ikaalinen Spa, Go Tampere and Seitseminen National Park.

For more information

Sari Matala, DSSc
Principle lecturer in Tourism
TAMK/Ikaalinen
firstname.lastname@tamk.fi