Student counselling events
The Embassy of Finland has started to offer free student counselling events for Nepalese who are planning to study in Finland. Many universities and polytechnics offer English programs from different fields of studies. Every year over one thousand students from Nepal are sending their applications to Finland.
The free and first-rate studies have lured foreign students to apply to Finland. In Nepal many consultancies have started to provide expensive help for students, who are unfamiliar with the applying process. Many times these consultancies are fraud companies, who charge for invalid information. The Embassy of Finland wants students to get reliable and updated information always free of charge.
From March to May the Embassy has an intern whose job is to help students. After advertising the events on a local newspaper and in the websites the intern Ella Härkönen noticed that not only one or two events were enough. By now there have been altogether 8 events, and in one there are registered 30-200 students. Ella also answers students' emails helping them to find a suitable program.
The duration of one event is approximately one hour. In the event there are general information provided about living and studying in Finland. In addition specific information is given about the applying process to all three levels of studies and also for a student residence permit. Entry permit officer Katri Seppänen is present in the events, answering questions regarding on residence permits.
The response has been great. There are hundreds of study options in Finland, so receiving help from a Finnish professional is valid. The Embassy of Finland will continue having these kinds of events.