1. How long can you be in exchange who decides how long you are?
Between one semester and a whole academic year. This depends on where you go and what you want yourself.

 

 

2. Who can go on exchange, are there any requirements to go?
All registered students who meet the application criteria can go on exchange. These criteria are that you have an approved preliminary study plan, that the studies can be counted towards the degree at the Åbo Akademi University and that you have a certificate of language proficiency for the applied language of the university. Some countries, especially North America, may also require an external language test.

 

 

3. When is the best time to go, during Batchelor's or magister's and can you go several times?
In principle, you can go whenever you want, except during the first year of study. However, the most popular is to go during the master's studies. You can also go more than once if you wish, this requires a well-planned study plan that you adhere to so that the exchange fits into your studies.

 

 

4. How much does it cost to exchange?
It depends on where you choose to go. When you are approved for exchange studies, you are eligible for a scholarship from the Åbo Akademi University. In addition, there are many other scholarships that you can apply for. If you live frugally, this may be enough plus other scholarships, but it is your own living habits that determine. When seeking travel support, make a careful budget with all the costs of the exchange.

 

 

5. What are the opportunities for scholarships or grants, how to apply?
If you are granted an exchange study site, you are automatically eligible for a scholarship from the Åbo Akademi University. This can be applied for via SoleGrant after receiving the exchange position. These vary depending on the location. There are many other travel grants available.

 

 

6. Are there any requirements on how many credits you need to receive, will the student support be affected?
During the exchange, one should also study full time, i.e. clarify 30 credits per semester. If you clarify less than 20 credits, you end up paying back the scholarship. You receive student support during your exchange studies normally as long as the exchange studies are counted in the degree.

 

 

7. Who should you contact to find out more about the exchange?
At FSE, Tuija-Liisa Pohja is in charge of exchange issues. The Turku Academy website also contains a lot of information: https://www.abo.fi/studera-hos-oss/ak-utomlands/aka-pa-utbyte/.
In addition, there is a Facebook page called ÅA students on exchange where you can find useful information.

 

 

8. How early does it pay to start planning your exchange?
The earlier you start planning, the better. Planning ahead of time also helps with other practical arrangements, e.g. if you have the opportunity to rent out your own home during the exchange period.

 

 

9. What do you need for insurance / vaccines?
This depends on the country. The university you should go to always sends out an infomail with almost all the information you need about what you need to do before you leave. You must have travel insurance, this you fix yourself. Remember to check how long it is in effect and what it covers. It is also good to order a card that is powerful throughout the EU if you do not already have one. Regarding the vaccine, be in contact with student health, they know which vaccine you may need.

 

 

10. How does housing work, should you fix yourself?

You fix the accommodation yourself and also bear the costs yourself. The information that the university sends out after you have been approved also contains information regarding accommodation. One can be in contact with the international unit to check for example there are some exchange students on their way to Finland who could possibly rent your home when you are in exchange.

 

 

11. What can be read for topics during their exchange?
It depends on the university you are going to. Check out their range of courses, and maybe think about whether you can choose courses that will help you profile yourself in some way. Nor do the courses exactly match what you read at ÅA.