Exchange students should be regarded as students also in public transportation

Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology, the Sibelius Academy, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, the Theatre Academy, University of Art and Design Helsinki, University of Helsinki, and the Student Unions of Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology, the Sibelius Academy, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, the Theatre Academy, University of Art and Design Helsinki and University of Helsinki propose that exchange students should receive the same 50% discount on public transportation fees as Finnish students. At the moment exchange students are not normally entitled to a student discount.

Every year, approximately 1680 exchange students begin their studies at Helsinki School of Economics, Helsinki University of Technology, the Sibelius Academy, Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration, the Theatre Academy, University of Art and Design Helsinki and University of Helsinki from around the World. These students should be seen as a valuable and equal part of the university community; as envoys for Finland in their home countries and as possible future graduate students, or even as Finnish citizens. Raising the status of exchange students supports the internationalisation aims of the universities and thus improves the quality of education. They will carry with them their views on Finland to their respective home communities, and, for their part, promote Finland globally. Exchange students are a part of making Helsinki metropolitan area multicultural and international.

The financial situation of exchange students is not better than that of Finnish students. The higher cost of public transportation increases the inequality of exchange students as compared to Finnish students, and restricts their travelling in Helsinki metropolitan area. Finnish students may change their place of residence and thus gain the right for the student discount on public transportation. For foreign students, this is not an option. Expensive public transportation hinders the studies of an economically challenged exchange students, especially since many exchange students live in another municipality than the one they study in. In addition, it is often the case that apartments are not available in the municipality where they study.

Municipalities should consider universities not only in terms of education policy but as a key to successful regional policy. Discounts on public transportation are one way of supporting good work done by internationalising universities and multicultural municipalities. Also, discounts on public transportation are a message both to foreign students and the whole international community that exchange students are wanted and welcome to study in Finland, just as Finnish students are welcome to other countries.

In light of afore-mentioned facts, we the undersigned, propose that exchange students should also be made eligible for the 50% discount on the public transportation in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Helsinki School of Economics
Student Union of Helsinki School of Economics
Helsinki University of Technology
Student Union of Helsinki University of Technology
The Sibelius Academy
Student Union of Sibelius Academy
Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration
Student Union of Swedish School of Economics and Business Administration
The Theatre Academy
Student Union of the Theatre Academy
University of Art and Design Helsinki
Student Union of University of Art and Design Helsinki
University of Helsinki
Student Union of University of Helsinki

More information:

Johanna Haapala
Student Union of University of Helsinki
[email protected]

Pekka Lampinen
Student Union of Helsinki School of Economics
[email protected]

Satu Alikoski
Student Union of Helsinki University of Technology
[email protected]

Corinne Lauritzon
Svenska Handelshögskolans Studentkår
[email protected]