Anne Knop works in the Study Services of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) in Germany. She visited the University of Vaasa, Finland, at the end of June to exchange ideas with colleagues. She was especially interested about the digital processes in the Study Services.
Why did you choose Vaasa?
I had already been interested in the Nordic countries and Finland in particular. I’d heard from a colleague that it was possible to go on a staff exchange. I then contacted the International Office at BTU and found out that the University of Vaasa is part of the EUNICE University Alliance, which includes the promotion of mobility. Both universities are quite similar in terms of size, subjects and the internationalisation approach. So, it was very interesting to compare the working life. Shortly after, everything was set, and I could book my flights to Vaasa.
How was your experience in Vaasa?
At the beginning, I was a bit nervous about meeting so many different people and being in a situation similar to that of a student coming to study. But I was welcomed very warmly, and there was immediately an atmosphere where I could also share my experiences, which the colleagues in Vaasa could benefit from. It turned out that some challenging situations are very similar, for instance regarding study counselling. Therefore, it felt like a strong enrichment to discuss the various approaches to react.
”I realised that many situations are very similar and that there are different approaches
During the three days of my stay, I got to know various aspects of services for students and teachers. I learned about different aspects of the Student Information System Peppi, met some of the study counsellors, the Career Services, the Partnerships & Mobility team as part of the International Services and the Teacher’s Services. I also learned about projects and transversal international activities the university is involved in, like SIMHE – Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education, the Vaasa Spouse Programme and EUNICE.
I was especially interested in the digital process in the Study Services. This is an important topic for development at German universities including BTU. I expected the University of Vaasa to use more digital processes, which indeed is the case. One thing that especially impressed me was the digital degree certificate. This is something I would like to suggest to BTU as well.
What surprised you?
At the University of Vaasa, the university staff works in open, multifunctional workspaces. I had expected working in an open working space differently. With the stereotype of being calm and reserved I thought everybody would be trying to be as far away from everybody else as possible. But that was not the case; most people were sitting next to each other. Still, it was a very calm and concentrated work atmosphere. At BTU, I have my own office, so it was interesting for me to see that this kind of working environment works as well.
Should others follow your lead?
Yes, I can highly recommend everybody to go on a staff exchange. In my everyday work, I serve for instance many international students, but from the perspective of a German university. My stay in Vaasa allowed me to take a bird’s eye view perspective. I realised that many situations are very similar and that there are different approaches. Coming to Vaasa and sharing my knowledge with colleagues from abroad was inspiring and encouraging. I want to thank everyone I had the opportunity to meet with during my stay and I will keep in touch with the University of Vaasa.
