International Students Share Ideas for Humak’s Future

Education Planner Hilde Lehtonen welcoming students to the Pullakahvit event with opening remarks. Photographer: Iida Panula.

 

International students gathered at Humak’s Helsinki Campus to share their experiences and co-create solutions for a more inclusive community. Over coffee and cinnamon buns —or pullakahvit, as we say in Finnish— they provided valuable feedback and creative ideas. These insights will directly shape Humak’s and HUMAKO’s future support and activities, ensuring international students’ needs are met.

The Pod Student Lounge at Humak’s Helsinki Campus came alive on October 8th, 2025, as the “Pullakahvit and Conversations about International Student Experience” event welcomed 18 international students for an afternoon of open dialogue and creative collaboration. True to its name, the event immersed participants in the Finnish “pullakahvit” tradition, creating a warm atmosphere for important conversations. Organized together with Student Union HUMAKO, the event exemplified meaningful student engagement: informal, inclusive, and impactful.

 

Students participated actively in sharing their experiences and brainstorming better practices. Photographer: Iida Panula.

Creating space for students’ voices and creative ideas

The event’s purpose was to listen to international students’ experiences and co-create solutions together. Participants discussed two themes through individual reflection and group brainstorming. The first theme focused on support and guidance at the beginning of studies, while the second explored activities and community building at Humak. Students built on each other’s ideas using post-it notes, ensuring everyone’s voice was heard.

The conversations yielded rich feedback, particularly regarding orientation and the start of studies. Students appreciated many aspects of their welcome to Humak but also identified clear areas for improvement, such as communication in English and guidance on using Humak’s systems. Perhaps most energizing were the creative ideas around community activities. International students expressed enthusiasm for social events celebrating both cultural diversity and Finnish traditions, including open mic nights, themed movie nights, and winter sports activities.

The ideas were written down on post-it notes and shared with others. Photographer: Iida Panula.

From conversation to actions – What happens next?

This event marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue. The feedback gathered will directly support Humak’s ongoing pedagogical development programme (2025-2028), specifically Theme 3, which focuses on internationality. The main subsections of the theme are developing guidance and support for international students and promoting their integration into the Humak community.

Event organizers are now analyzing themes and suggestions to develop a concrete action plan. Some ideas are planned to be implemented already during this academic year. The feedback students provided about starting studies and orientation week will guide the planning and implementation of orientation and initial coaching for the next academic year. Further updates on implemented actions and developments will be shared in the coming months.

Authors:

Hilde Lehtonen, Education Planner, Humak University of Applied Sciences

Netta Humalamäki, Planner & Erasmus Coordinator, Humak University of Applied Sciences

Senja Suntola, Chair, HUMAKO Student Union

Publication date: 25.11.2025

Publication series: Harticles

Publisher: Humak University of Applied Sciences