International Staff Week in Vaasa and Jakobstad, Finland 25-27 March 2025
Theme
Novia University of Applied Sciences warmly invites you to our 8th International Week, March 25–27, 2025, with the theme Creative Teaching Methods. This year’s event will be hosted at our campuses in Vaasa and Jakobstad, located on Finland’s scenic west coast. These campuses host a wide range of disciplines, from Engineering, Business, Social and Welfare Studies to Culture and Arts.
Why Creative Teaching Methods?
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, innovative approaches are key to engaging and inspiring students. This year’s theme highlights practical tools and strategies to enhance learning. Join us and explore methods currently used in the fields of Engineering, Business, Social and Welfare Studies, Visual Arts, Music, and Performing Arts.
We hope that the shared methods can be adaptable across disciplines, and we warmly welcome academic staff from all fields to participate.
Application Details
In order to enable an interactive program we will accept no more than 20 guests altogether, and not more than two participants from each university.
Practical information
Please click (+) for more information on schedule, travelling and accommodation.
Time and place
The program will take place from March 25 to 27, 2025. Participants are advised to arrive by Monday, March 24, and depart no earlier than Friday, March 28.
Note: The schedule is subject to change. Detailed program information will follow closer to the event
Monday, March 24
- Arrival day.
- Overnight stay in Vaasa.
Tuesday, March 25
- Official welcome, introduction to Novia UAS, and guided tour.
- Sessions on creative methods in Engineering, Business, and Social and Welfare Studies.
- Overnight stay in Vaasa.
Wednesday, March 26
- Continued sessions in Vaasa in the morning.
- Transfer to Jakobstad (transport provided by Novia).
- Guided tour and sessions on creative methods in Visual Arts, Music, and Performing Arts.
- Overnight stay in Jakobstad.
Thursday, March 27
- Final sessions on creative methods across in in Visual Arts, Music, and Performing Arts.
- Return to Vaasa (transportation provided by Novia).
- Overnight stay in Vaasa or Jakobstad, depending on your travel plans.
Friday, March 28
- Departure day.
Costs
Participation in the International Week is free of charge. Participants' home institutions are expected to cover all travel expenses.
For Erasmus+, Erasmus+ Global, or Nordplus exchanges, we are happy to assist with necessary documentation.
Travelling
Note: Novia provides free transportation between Vaasa and Jakobstad on March 26–27, free of charge for participants.
Vasa (Vaasa in Finnish)
- Train: Direct and connecting trains from Helsinki. See timetables at VR.
- Plane: Regular flights from Helsinki and Stockholm to Vaasa Airport (9 km from city center).
- Ferry: Daily connection between Vaasa and Umeå, Sweden. Details at Wasaline.
Jakobstad (Pietarsaari in Finnish)
- Train: Nearest station is Bennäs (10 km from Jakobstad) with shuttle services. See timetables at VR.
- Plane: Closest airport is Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport (30 km away).
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of their own accommodation. Below are recommended options:
In Vaasa (March 24, 25, and possibly March 27):
In Jakobstad (March 26 and possibly March 27):
Suggested travel plans
Please note that accommodations must be booked in two locations:
- Vaasa: For the nights of March 24–25 and possibly March 27.
- Jakobstad: For the night of March 26 and possibly March 27.
For your convenience, two suggested travel plans are outlined below.
Travel Plan 1: Most Time Efficient (Flight)
|
Date |
Activity |
|
Monday, March 24 |
Arrive in Vaasa by flight. Overnight stay in Vaasa. |
|
Tuesday, March 25 |
Attend sessions at the Vaasa campus. Overnight stay in Vaasa. |
|
Wednesday, March 26 |
Attend morning sessions at the Vaasa campus. Transfer to Jakobstad (organized by Novia). Overnight stay in Jakobstad. |
|
Thursday, March 27 |
Attend sessions sessions at the Jakobstad campus. Return to Vaasa (organized by Novia). Overnight stay in Vaasa. |
|
Friday, March 28 |
Depart from Vaasa by flight. |
Travel Plan 2: Most Environmentally Friendly (Train)
|
Date |
Activity |
|
Monday, March 24 |
Train to Vaasa. Overnight stay in Vaasa. |
|
Tuesday, March 25 |
Attend sessions at the Vaasa campus. Overnight stay in Vaasa. |
|
Wednesday, March 26 |
Attend morning sessions at the Vaasa campus. Transfer to Jakobstad (organized by Novia). Overnight stay in Jakobstad. |
|
Thursday, March 27 |
Attend sessions sessions at the Jakobstad campus. Overnight stay in Jakobstad. |
|
Friday, March 28 |
Depart from Jakobstad by train. |
Novia UAS