Enhancing Integration through Practical Training

Background and goals

The project aims to foster intercultural understanding and professional inclusion of students with international backgrounds through the development of a scalable and effective integration model. International backgrounds refer both to students who have immigrated with their families and to those who come from abroad to study and enter the labor market. Research shows that these students face specific challenges, such as language and networking barriers, and that long-term, tailored support enhances integration, language acquisition, and social adaptation. Building on a pilot at Arcada University of Applied Sciences, the project—together with OsloMet (Norway) and Malmö University (Sweden)—will develop a model and toolkit that can be implemented in Nordic universities of applied sciences and integrated into existing practical training periods. The interdisciplinary approach combines strengths in social sciences, education, and business studies. Expected outcomes include the model and toolkit, a comparative report on Nordic integration practices, strengthened collaboration between higher education and industry, and improved training and employability for students.

Objectives and benefits

The project aims to develop a model and toolkit to strengthen the integration of students with international backgrounds in Nordic HEIs. Through interdisciplinary collaboration between Arcada UAS, OsloMet, and Malmö University, the model will be designed to be applicable across different study programmes and national contexts. The work is based on joint workshops where experiences are shared, and best practices identified. The benefits include providing students with better support in language, cultural understanding, and networking during practical training, leading to greater confidence, meaningful participation, and improved employment opportunities. At the same time, the project will strengthen collaboration between HEIs and industry, contribute to the development of sustainable strategies for practical training, and enhance the future competence base in the Nordic region. As no comparable model currently exists, the project addresses a clear need and can create long-term benefits for students, HEIs, and the labour market.

Results

Expected output includes the model and toolkit, a comparative report on integration
practices through education initiatives in Nordic HEIs, enhanced collaboration
between Nordic HEIs and industry partners, as well as improved potential for
employability and professional adaptability for student participants. All these outputs
contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by students with
international backgrounds, as well as the important contribution HEIs can make in
this regard. For this reason, the project emphasises the importance of having a codesigned, transferrable model that can be used in different national contexts and
HEIs.

Societal impact

The project contributes to a more inclusive Nordic society by strengthening the integration of students with international backgrounds into higher education and working life. By providing better support during practical training, it enhances their opportunities for networking, employment, and long-term integration. HEIs gain access to a shared model and toolkit that improve the relevance and quality of their programmes, while industry benefits from better-prepared and more diverse trainees. In the long term, this strengthens skills supply and promotes social cohesion in the Nordic region.

Abstract

Nordic countries aim to strengthen workforce diversity for social and economic well-being. Students with international backgrounds often face language and networking challenges that hinder integration. Universities of applied sciences are well positioned to address this through collaboration with industry and peer mentorship during practical training. Building on a pilot at Arcada University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the project develops a scalable integration framework with OsloMet (Norway) and Malmö University (Sweden). It will co-design a model and toolkit for Nordic HEIs, expand the network to additional institutions, and organize workshops with academia and industry. The interdisciplinary framework supports students’ professional and social adaptation while enhancing Nordic HEI–industry collaboration. Expected results include the model, toolkit, a comparative report, and improved employability for participating students.

Sustainable development goals