LUT University is a very diverse campus, and many students come to LUT to pursue their studies as international degree students every year. Although you may consider your studies in Finland to be a cultural adventure within itself, it’s okay if you want to explore another country for exchange studies as well!
At LUT, both Finnish degree students and international degree students can pursue exchange opportunities around the world at partner institutions, and you have the chance to double internationalise as a bachelor’s or master’s student. LUT has about 200 partners worldwide.
Here are possibilities for exchange during your studies at LUT.
Exchange semesters
Exchange semesters are possible for degree students of all levels and at more than 200 universities in more than 40 countries (Europe, Asia, North America, or South America). Studies abroad should be included in your degree at LUT so completing an exchange does not postpone your graduation! Sometimes it is possible to obtain credits for your elective studies, but it may also be possible to pursue minor studies on exchange as well.
Each degree programme has their list of recommended exchange partners where previous students from that degree programme have happily found suitable course offerings. You can find those lists, all the other exchange places and all the relevant information in eLUT. So you can start planning your exchange right now!
If you have any questions or want to get started planning your exchange, you should reach out to an exchange coordinator via outgoing@lut.fi.
Short-term programmes (summer or winter schools)
LUT offers a summer school programme where many students from partner universities come to the Lappeenranta campus. However, there may also be similar programmes at partner universities. If you think your autumn and spring semesters are jammed packed, then you may want to look into short-term exchange possibilities for language learning or for an elective course.
International traineeships
International traineeships or internships may also be included in your studies at LUT. It is up to the student to find the trainee opportunity abroad, but the university offers advice and a list of websites recommended for students looking for international trainee opportunities.
Double degree programmes
Double degree programmes are opportunities for students to receive degree certificates from two universities after they have fulfilled the degree requirements of both universities. What this means is that both universities have collaborated to setup a list of courses from LUT that transfer also to be included in the degree from the partner university.
Students interested in these opportunities should start planning for the double degree rather soon into their studies by checking the double degree options for their degree from their own study programmes. For example, a master’s student pursuing a double degree may spend their first year of studies at LUT in Finland, and then the following autumn semester may be done in a partner university (i.e. Italy, U.S., etc.), then the final semester the student may return to Finland to work on the final thesis and have an advisor from LUT and also from the partner university.
It’s a great opportunity to pursue a unique combination of courses as well as get two diplomas in a similar time frame as the typical degree structure.
Why go on a student exchange?
- You will experience a completely new culture.
- Studying abroad will expand your employment opportunities.
- You will experience different styles of education.
- You can take the opportunity to learn a new language.
- You will make new friends from around the world.
- You will travel and see the world.
