Student exchange programs at Laurea have struggled to regain momentum after the pandemic. The IRO (International Relations Office) Project, led by a group of Laurea students, set out to understand the barriers and reimagine how international mobility is promoted. Through research and creative solutions, the team developed fresh ideas to make global learning more accessible and engaging for all.

The Challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many aspects of student life—including international mobility. Participation in exchange programs, once a vibrant part of university culture, significantly declined. Although Laurea offers many international opportunities, student participation has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.

In response to this challenge, a team of Laurea students launched the IRO Project to reignite interest in student exchanges through research, outreach, and innovative ideas. The project was initiated by Laurea lecturer Elina Wainio as a part of Service Design and Sustainability Project and the students executing it were a mix of Laurea degree students and international exchange students: Jonas Sarkameri, Mierna Mahmud, Kylian Malipaard, Maarit Heini, Isaline Ronvaux and Imane Tawil.

Key Insights

Research revealed several recurring issues: many students lacked clear financial information, preferred face-to-face guidance, and relied heavily on peer recommendations. For incoming students, Finland’s culture and academic reputation were key draws—but they also wanted more chances to connect with local students.

Grounded in Research: Surveys and Interviews

To understand student perspectives, the team conducted anonymous surveys and interviews. Among 82 Finnish respondents, many expressed interest in exchanges but were unsure about the process. They valued cultural learning, language development, and personal growth but cited concerns about finances and unclear information.

Interviews reinforced these findings. While students appreciated online resources, in-person support made a big difference. The application process was often stressful, but the exchange experience was universally recommended.

Incoming students, surveyed separately, chose Finland for its culture, safety, and education. They praised Laurea’s environment but noted limited interaction with Finnish peers. Several also felt the current promotional materials were outdated and lacked appeal.

Across both groups, students called for clearer communication, better outreach, and stronger peer engagement.

From Insight to Action

The IRO Project team proposed three key solutions:

• Best Practices Handbook: A guide inspired by international universities to showcase opportunities and inspire students through events, web content, and social media.
• Modern Posters: Visually refreshed materials using Laurea’s brand, inspiring imagery, and strong calls to action.
• LinkedIn Community: A dedicated space connecting students, staff, and the international office—offering networking, exchange updates, and even job opportunities. A Laurea-branded badge or partnership with Global Talent was also suggested to highlight global experience.

Moving Forward

The IRO Project shows how student-led initiatives can lead to meaningful change. By gathering honest feedback and proposing actionable solutions, the team has laid a strong foundation for revitalizing international exchange at Laurea and they have given the international office valuable insight into what our students need.

AI has been used to analyze the findings of the project and as support for the text.