Invitation for International week!

Volume 29, Issue 06, 16 October 2026

As a Xamk student, how many of us actually know our university’s history? Freshers, exchange students, and open university students often do not know how Xamk was formed.

So, what is Xamk?

It stands for South Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences. It has four campuses: Kotka, Mikkeli, Kouvola, and Savonlinna. Since most of you reading this are Xamk students, I will focus on the brief history of the Kouvola campus while giving a quick look at the others.

The journey started in the mid-1990s when Finland established its University of Applied Sciences (AMK) system. Colleges like Kymenlaakso (Kyamk) and Mikkeli (Mamk) built the foundation for practical higher education. In 2017, they merged to officially form Xamk, creating a unified polytechnic network across four dynamic cities. Today, our student community is over 13,000 strong.

Our Kouvola campus was actually created by restoring old red-brick military barracks, which even hosted summer military camps in the past. Over thirty years, Xamk has grown from local technical colleges into one of Finland’s largest universities of applied sciences.

This year, Xamk is celebrating 30 years during International Week, which takes place every year, starting this November 23 in Kouvola. There will be distinguished guests for students to meet. It is also our university’s 10th anniversary, making it a double celebration!

Last year, there was henna art where student used some henna to make designs on people hands. Then, there was another event where people wore traditional attires from their respective countries. For example, Saree draping from Asian countries. Then the food tasting where people tastes food from several countries. Then there were interactive classes with group work. Last but not the least, there was cultural dancing.

All of this will take place this year too. Registration for events is already taking place this october. So, you should not delay any further. But you can always enjoy events as a visitor without active participation.

I would like to invite you all to International Week at the university. Come celebrate with us, represent your country, enjoy different cultures, and learn something!