This is the fifth part of the series “Essays on immigration”. Earlier parts of the series have covered the immigration debate , the scale of immigration , family-based immigration and labour-based immigration . Later pieces have been published on those granted asylum , asylum seekers and myths about immigration .
Why are international students a valuable asset?
In many respects, those who move to Finland from abroad to study are just as wonderful a thing as labour immigrants. Their education does cost society something, but nowadays those from outside the EU pay for it themselves (at least on paper — in practice universities have developed various scholarship solutions to attract students). At the same time, it is also an excellent opportunity to integrate them into society and gain new, young, skilled labour.
I have myself been responsible at university for the international students on my degree programme. Every foreign student I have met who came here was an extremely motivated individual. The greatest mistake we can make with them is to fail to employ them and make them part of our society.
If a student studying in Finland does not find work here during their studies, or even after graduating, they will certainly move out of the country.
How do we get students to stay in Finland?
Employers are, of course, key here. If a student studying in Finland does not find work here during their studies, or even after graduating, they will certainly move out of the country. We then lose the investment made in integration and education, as well as a potential new Finnish resident.
But students and student organisations also have an important role here. If events, company visits and other networking opportunities are organised only in Finnish and for Finnish speakers, international students lose the opportunity to integrate.
As an example of the opposite: I once recommended a foreign student I knew for a position at my workplace. They are still working there, almost ten years later.
Other posts
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Together we are stronger — polarisation
Growing polarisation and inequality-creating policies unnecessarily divide our small nation. History shows we fare best when we cooperate.
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Essays on immigration: on asylum seekers
There are many misconceptions about asylum seekers. It is important to distinguish facts from myths — seekers do not live at taxpayers' expense.
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Essays on immigration: those granted asylum
Receiving asylum is not automatic — it is a carefully defined process. Too often we forget the actual people behind the applications.
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Essays on immigration: labour-based
Labour-based immigration helps solve Finland's labour shortage. However, better conditions for integration and employment are still needed.
