Building Bridges: KAMK Hosted Kajaani Sister City Delegation to Explore Educational and Research Collaborations

Group of people are sitting in meeting room.

On 5 June, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) welcomed a five-person delegation from Jiujiang, marking an important step in enhancing the relationship and fostering collaboration between the two cities. The delegation, comprising high-ranking leaders, was warmly received by KAMK’s President, Mr. Matti Saren, senior staff members, and a group of Chinese students currently studying at the university.

During their visit, the KAMK President delivered an insightful presentation on the Finnish education system, highlighting the differences between traditional research universities and universities of applied sciences. This distinction underscored the practical and industry-oriented approach of KAMK, which contrasts with the more theoretical and research focus of traditional research universities.

KAMK President presented briefly the diverse range of degree programs offered in English in both bachelor’s and master’s levels. He also highlighted a few of the summer camps organized by KAMK that specialize in esports, game development, and mining. These camps are part of KAMK’s strategic initiatives to integrate emerging industries into its curriculum, equipping students with relevant skills and knowledge.

The delegation expressed a keen interest in these programs, particularly in exploring collaborative opportunities. The leader of the Jiujiang delegation extended an invitation to KAMK experts to teach or participate in esports and other educational and research events in Jiujiang. Furthermore, they supported the idea of selecting students with specific interests in these fields to participate in KAMK’s summer camps.

The visit concluded with a quick campus tour and interactive dialogue sessions between the delegates and the KAMK Chinese students. These sessions provided an invaluable opportunity for direct interaction, allowing the delegates to gain firsthand insights into the students’ experiences studying at KAMK, living in Kajaani and Finnish cultures.