Finlandia University is delighted to welcome visiting exchange students from our exchange partner universities!
Finlandia University is a private, not-for-profit, HLC accredited, co-educational liberal arts college – in fact, the only one in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Finlandia University is also the only institution of higher learning in North America founded by Finns – allowing you a “little bit of home” as you study abroad.
As an exchange student, you’ll find yourself:
- In the Keweenaw Peninsula, the northernmost point of land in Michigan.
- Surrounded by natural beauty, a thriving arts community, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities
- In the region voted #1 for fall color scenery
- Part of a robust, diverse community
In ordered to be considered for admittance as a visiting exchange student you must first be nominated as a candidate for exchange by the international office or corresponding department at your home university. Please contact your university’s exchange coordinator for questions about the nomination and selection process.
Finlandia students interested in exchange, please visit Exchange Opportunities for FinnU students.
Exchange Student Spotlight: Jesper Hagelberg, Business College Helsinki
International partnership offers unique experience in return of study abroad programs
Taking advantage of a student-exchange program between Business College Helsinki and Finlandia University, Jesper Hagelberg set off to Hancock, MI, from Finland in the fall of 2022 with an opportunity to compete in NCAA DIII athletics while expanding the boundaries of his education.
An opportunity afforded by one of Finlandia University’s eight international partnerships with colleges and universities around the world, Hagelberg earned credit toward his degree in International Business while immersing himself in American culture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
In this Q&A, Hagelberg details his experience living in the area, attending FinnU and having the opportunity to play for the Pride […]
Application Process
To be considered a visiting exchange student, please submit the following by email to: international@finlandia.edu.
- Complete the Online International Application
- Complete the Affidavit of Financial Support For Exchange Form (PDF). (Print this form, fill in all information, affix signatures of applicant and sponsor, and then send original).
- Copy or scan the picture page of your passport
- Official post-secondary school transcripts: (grade report) with English translation. Please include courses for which student is currently enrolled. Scanned copies are acceptable.
- Exchange partner school is responsible for assuring English proficiency for exchange students. Test scores, if available, may be included.
- Explain your career goals and your reasons for choosing Finlandia University for your exchange experience. Discuss your academic work as well as any other work, volunteer experience, and any sport, theater, music, art or hobby interests. (one page maximum).
- Once all application materials are submitted and you receive notice of your official acceptance from Admissions, a $200 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. Course registration and housing information will follow.
Visas
While at Finlandia, our admissions staff will be your main point of contact for all items related to your visa and maintaining your immigration status. As an exchange student you will enter the US on either an F-1 Visa or a J-1 Visa and should familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of these visa categories. You can contact international@finlandia.edu for more information.
Deadlines
Finlandia accepts applications and admits students on a rolling basis, but to be considered for Fall (August) Semester enrollment, all required application materials must be received by Finlandia University Admissions by June 15.
To be considered for Spring (January) semester enrollment, all required application materials must be received by Finlandia University Admissions by October 15.
Tuition and Fees
As part of the exchange agreement, you will receive a waiver of tuition and fees. Please note that the following fees are not covered by your tuition waiver:
- On-campus room and board
- General Fee
- International Student Health Insurance Plan
- Course fees – if applicable (Some courses charge additional fees for instructional and/or laboratory costs that are not covered by the tuition waiver.)
Room and Board
Room and board charges, fees, and all other costs outside of tuition are payable on or before the first day of the semester.
As an incoming exchange student, you are required to stay in Finlandia Hall, the university residence hall. We feel the requirement for on-campus residence is a part of the effort to ensure an optimum learning environment for students.
Learn more about Finlandia Hall
Academics
Colleges, Schools, Departments and course notes
The university houses four academic colleges: business, health sciences, arts and sciences, and art & design. The Course Catalog provides a description of all Finlandia courses, however, it should be noted that not all courses are offered every every semester.
Required Course Load
In order to be considered a full-time student for the visa requirements, you must take a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Your tuition waiver will cover you through 15 credits per semester.
Academic Expectations
It is your responsibility to be aware of university policies, regulations, and deadlines. For more details about these requirements you can visit the registrar’s website. You are also responsible for knowing the academic requirements and policies of your home universities that may apply to you while you are studying abroad at Finlandia.
Grades
Once posted, you may obtain copies of your transcript by visiting the registrar’s website. Please note that Finlandia will not automatically send transcripts to your home university. Transcripts must be ordered directly by the student through the registrar’s office.
International Credit Evaluation
Finlandia University requires that transcripts from international institutions be evaluated by an academic credential evaluation service before transfer credit is evaluated and posted. If you would like to know what courses will transfer before attending Finlandia, you can request an evaluation prior to enrolling. This option will make registration easier and faster. We recommend you use World Education Service (WES) for this evaluation.
You are responsible for supplying the correct academic records and paying for the evaluation. Please note that credential evaluations can be used for transfer credit purposes only.
Courses
Although most courses will be available to you as a visiting exchange student, for some courses may need special permission. Please also be aware that we cannot guarantee any courses for exchange students, so you should be flexible with your course selections. You will work closely with an advisor to determine the best courses for your needs and interests. Scheduling of courses will begin after you’ve applied and been accepted.
Travel Logistics
Are you ready to make your trip to Michigan? We can’t wait to see you, and to help you prepare we’ve produced a printable PDF checklist for you. You can download the document below.
Mandatory Health Insurance
Beginning Fall 2019, all international students and scholars at Finlandia University must be covered through partner insurance provider LewerMark Student Insurance.
Insurance must be purchased for the entire time a student plans to be at FinnU. Coverage must in effect on the first day of classes.
CONTACT
Questions? Contact our team at international@finlandia.edu for any questions you may have.