International opportunities for everyone

If a semester (long-term) exchange does not fit your current life situation, there are many other ways to gain international experience during your studies. Haaga-Helia offers a range of flexible opportunities, including Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), summer courses, work placements abroad, virtual exchange studies, and international activities on campus.

Throughout your studies and exchange period, you can access Haaga-Helia Guidance and Wellbeing Services, including psychologists, study coaches, and special needs teachers, who offer individual and group guidance, webinars, and events that support both learning and wellbeing.

If your host institution requires documentation of your support needs, Haaga-Helia’s special needs teachers can provide an English-translated Special Needs Statement.

For more information, please visit the Haaga-Helia Wellbeing Services page.

At Haaga-Helia, the International Services team is here to support you throughout every stage of your exchange journey. Whether you need help choosing a suitable destination, completing your host institution application, applying for grant, preparing your Learning Agreement, or communicating with your host institution, we are happy to assist you. You can book a personal guidance appointment through our booking system or contact us by email at [email protected]. Our goal is to ensure that your exchange experience is as smooth, successful, and stress-free as possible.  

To help you to choose a suitable exchange destination, special needs support and accessibility information is available in the accessibility section in our destination database. 

You can find general accessibility and special needs related information on European countries and universities from the websites listed below. There are also student stories.

• The European platform about inclusion and support services
• Support centre inclusive higher education

If you have special needs that may require special arrangements during your exchange, such as additional time for exams or coursework due to dyslexia, ADHD, or another learning difficulty, disability, or health condition, please contact International Services as early as possible. We can help communicate your needs to the host institution and ensure that the necessary support arrangements are considered.

Each host institution offers its own services for students with special needs, so we strongly encourage you to explore the support available on the host institution’s website and contact Haaga-Helia's international services if needed. If you already have a statement documenting your special needs, you may be eligible for similar arrangements at the host institution. Haaga-Helia International Services is happy to assist you throughout this process.  

In addition to the regular exchange grant, students with special needs participating in Erasmus+ student exchange may also be eligible for additional financial support, such as 

• the Erasmus+ Fewer Opportunities Top-Up Grant, and 

• Special needs and Inclusion Support from Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) 

These can help cover extra costs related to participation in an exchange, and are designed to ensure equal opportunities for all students to take part in international exchange.  

Through the Erasmus+ Fewer Opportunities Top-Up, students with disability, health-related obstacles, refugee background, or underage children can receive additional funding to support their exchange experience. You can apply the top-up grant at the same time as the regular Erasmus+ exchange grant.   

In addition, students with disabilities or other special needs may apply for Special Needs and Inclusion Support provided by the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). This funding is intended to cover additional costs arising from a disability, injury, physical or mental health condition, or learning difficulty that cannot be covered through other sources. The grant can be used for expenses such as accessible accommodation, assisted mobility, study-related support arrangements, learning materials, preparatory visits, or personal assistants.   

If you would like to know more, please check our website Funding your exchange studies or contact [email protected].  

If you are planning an exchange with your spouse and/or children, it is important to prioritize destinations that offer a safe environment, reliable public transport, family housing options, affordable childcare, and schooling. Generally, larger cities offer more international daycare centers and schools, making the transition easier for families. In addition, Nordic countries have well-developed childcare systems and may offer better opportunities to secure places in daycare and schools for temporary residents. Among Haaga-Helia's partner universities, some destinations stand out particularly family-friendly.

What is it like to go on exchange with a child?

Read our article featuring the experience of a student who completed an exchange with a child, sharing practical advice and insights about family life during the exchange period.

Exchange studies with your child

In countries such as Spain, Italy, and many Eastern European countries, university students tend to follow a more traditional path directly from secondary school to higher education. Older students certainly exist, but they may represent a small proportion of the student population. Students who are looking for an exchange destination with a larger community of older students may wish to consider destinations in Northern or Central Europe. Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and the Nordic countries have strong traditions of lifelong learning and continuing education, and it is common to find students who have prior work experience or are returning to higher education after several years in the workforce.

Studying abroad with a friend can make the exchange experience even more enjoyable and reassuring. Having someone you know by your side can help you navigate practical arrangements, settle into a new environment, and provide support throughout your stay. It can also make finding accommodation easier, as many housing providers offer shared options for students.  

If you would like to go on exchange with a friend, you can apply to the same host institutions. When submitting your exchange applications, make sure to coordinate your destination choices carefully. You need to submit two independent applications to the same destinations and indicate your willingness to go on exchange with your friend.   

When searching for suitable destinations in the destination database, consider universities that accept a larger number of exchange students and are not among the most popular destinations. These destinations often offer more exchange places, increasing the likelihood that both you and your friend can be selected to the same institution.  

Keep in mind that exchange selection is mainly based on your GPA. If you apply together, both applicants will have the same GPA (lower GPA of the applicants is considered for both applications). Therefore, it is a good idea to discuss destination options realistically and include several suitable alternatives in your applications.