Ingrid combines working life with studies

Ingrid Klappacher is on study leave from her work and her studies in Austria, in order to study International Business at Arcada for four months. It is Ingrid’s third and last year of study and she did not want to miss the opportunity to take some courses abroad. Her home university in Salzburg, FH Puch Urstein University of Applied Sciences, is similar to Arcada in size and architecture, so she is feeling quite at home at Arcada. Also, prior to her trip, she had talked to a fellow student with experience from student exchange at Arcada. Coming from a small place she wanted to try out city life in Helsinki. Yet she finds Helsinki to be a good city to relax in, with nature just around the corner.

Work and studies are a good combination

Right after taking her matriculation exam Ingrid went to work at a tax advice office, where she is still calculating wages. She likes her job, but along the way she noticed that an education would be a good support professionally. She took up business studies part-time, which proved to be a good choice. Her current work can be included in the degree as mandatory work practice. She only has to complete the theoretical part of the degree. Monday to Thursday she is working, Friday and Saturday are study days.  – My motivation for studying has not been the degree, it has been the knowledge I get along the way, she says. – And the social aspect is important. I am intrigued by how different people function in different situations.

A system of individuals, a wealth of perspectives

Ingrid has had the opportunity to try Arcada student housing at its best. – I’m staying at Majstranden in a modern student apartment with everything I need, she says. She describes Arcada as a flexible and human organization. –Here the individual is in focus. You are not alone. Solutions can be discussed and exceptions can be made when necessary. The lectures are different too. Teachers really want to make sure you understand everything and don’t fall behind, she says. She has also appreciated the support system with student tutors. The tutors function as practical guides to the new students and arrange activities to promote integration. 

Part of the flexibility at Arcada she thinks lies in the Finnish social security system. – Some students bring their babies to class and that works just fine. I think it is great that young parents can study and get financial support from the state. Another positive surprise to her was the multicultural environment. – I love having African students in class, they bring a wealth of perspectives to the table, she says.

As Ingrid has the pressure to graduate in June, she knew she would have to study hard and take as many courses as possible at Arcada. Still, she has managed to squeeze in a trip to St Petersburg and some parties. - And a company visit to Fazer [chocolate and confectionery factory], I may add, she adds with a big smile. And what she has not yet seen she will be saving for her next vacation in Finland, because she will be back for sure.

Ingrid combines working life with studies

Ingrid Klappacher is on study leave from her work and her studies in Austria, in order to study International Business at Arcada for four months. It is Ingrid’s third and last year of study and she did not want to miss the opportunity to take some courses abroad. Her home university in Salzburg, FH Puch Urstein University of Applied Sciences, is similar to Arcada in size and architecture, so she is feeling quite at home at Arcada. Also, prior to her trip, she had talked to a fellow student with experience from student exchange at Arcada. Coming from a small place she wanted to try out city life in Helsinki. Yet she finds Helsinki to be a good city to relax in, with nature just around the corner.

Work and studies are a good combination

Right after taking her matriculation exam Ingrid went to work at a tax advice office, where she is still calculating wages. She likes her job, but along the way she noticed that an education would be a good support professionally. She took up business studies part-time, which proved to be a good choice. Her current work can be included in the degree as mandatory work practice. She only has to complete the theoretical part of the degree. Monday to Thursday she is working, Friday and Saturday are study days.  – My motivation for studying has not been the degree, it has been the knowledge I get along the way, she says. – And the social aspect is important. I am intrigued by how different people function in different situations.

A system of individuals, a wealth of perspectives

Ingrid has had the opportunity to try Arcada student housing at its best. – I’m staying at Majstranden in a modern student apartment with everything I need, she says. She describes Arcada as a flexible and human organization. –Here the individual is in focus. You are not alone. Solutions can be discussed and exceptions can be made when necessary. The lectures are different too. Teachers really want to make sure you understand everything and don’t fall behind, she says. She has also appreciated the support system with student tutors. The tutors function as practical guides to the new students and arrange activities to promote integration. 

Part of the flexibility at Arcada she thinks lies in the Finnish social security system. – Some students bring their babies to class and that works just fine. I think it is great that young parents can study and get financial support from the state. Another positive surprise to her was the multicultural environment. – I love having African students in class, they bring a wealth of perspectives to the table, she says.

As Ingrid has the pressure to graduate in June, she knew she would have to study hard and take as many courses as possible at Arcada. Still, she has managed to squeeze in a trip to St Petersburg and some parties. - And a company visit to Fazer [chocolate and confectionery factory], I may add, she adds with a big smile. And what she has not yet seen she will be saving for her next vacation in Finland, because she will be back for sure.

Kristina, from Russia, study International Business

Kristina, from Russia, study International Business

Kristina from Russia is studying International Business at Arcada.