The 10 Days of INGENIUM Event Organised by Xamk Received Praise From Participants

The purpose of the 10 Days of INGENIUM event is to bring together students and staff from INGENIUM universities in one location for personal meetings, networking, and collaborative work. This was the first time Xamk had the honor of hosting the event.

Throughout the week, students participated in the Junior School, while staff engaged in the Staff Academy. The program also featured meetings of INGENIUM working groups and an Education Lab Experience showcasing Xamk’s learning environments.

Fresh Ideas From Junior School

During the Junior School, students tackled real-life tasks in small groups. Visit Mikkeli hoped innovative ideas from students to revolutionise social media and attract audiences for the Festival X event. Ernst & Young challenged students to brainstorm ways for reducing electronic waste and improving recycling.

The stakeholders were pleased with the students’ presentations and new ideas. Teemu Laasanen, CEO of Visit Mikkeli, expressed enthusiasm for future collaboration.

– We have had Xamk students as trainees, but we would gladly hire international INGENIUM university students as trainees as well, Laasanen said.

A total of 48 students from INGENIUM universities participated in the Junior School, along with mentors.

Innovative Methods for Your Work

For the staff members, the Staff Academy allowed representatives from each university to present their innovative teaching methods to one another, fostering an exchange of ideas and best practices.

– Although there was great diversity in the cases, what was good was that despite the difference in academic and professional disciplines, the participants could see how a workshop on climate change or a game about information security could be applied in their own teaching. The feedback we received was positive, said Cai Weaver, Pedagogical Specialist of Staff Academy.

INGENIUM working groups also convened in Mikkeli to collaboratively develop sustainable practices among universities, shared studies within INGENIUM, and partnerships with upper secondary education institutions. These groups had the opportunity to visit local facilities, including a wastewater treatment plant, Esedu, and Saimaanportti School.

Work and Fun Hand in Hand

The 10 Days of INGENIUM event week was busy for participants, who worked long hours together but also enjoyed lighter activities. A key aspect of the event was allowing guests to experience local culture.

In Mikkeli, guests were taken to the Susiniemi camp center, where Xamk students guided them through various Finnish outdoor activities. Participants had the chance to try snowshoeing, walking in wool socks through the forest, ice skiing, and, of course, sauna and ice-swimming.

Participants admired the snowy conditions and the tranquility offered by nature.

– The winter experience was the most exciting experience of my life. Particularly skiing on the icy lake, said Spanish student Carla Iglesias.

– The winter experience was a true return to the essentials – through simple activities that brought us all a deep sense of peace and fulfillment. I hope the spirit of work-life balance stays with me as I return to my daily routine – so I can carry a little piece of this philosophy from the happiest country in the world, shared Lena Alexandre, a communications expert from the University of Rouen in France.

Many Xamk Members Involved in the Arrangements

A large number of Xamk staff, students, and partners contributed to the event’s implementation. The seamless collaboration among all parties involved resulted in a successful experience for attendees, who expressed their gratitude for the well-executed arrangements.

– The feedback has been nothing but positive. Everyone has been highly impressed by the diverse expertise of Xamk members and the Finnish winter, which luckily showed its best side during the week. The Xamk team carried out their work not only with skill but also with heart, which was reflected in the smooth execution and warm atmosphere. A huge thank you to everyone involved, says INGENIUM Project Director Eeva Kuoppala.

At the end of the event, Xamk passed the baton to the University of Oviedo in Spain, which is now hosting the second part of the 10-day event series.