Learning Teaching and Counseling in Intercultural Context

The Learning, Teaching, and Counseling in Intercultural Context Master’s Degree Programme at the University of Eastern Finland is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively operate in diverse intercultural educational settings. This comprehensive program focuses on understanding the complexities of intercultural interactions and developing competencies to support learners from various cultural backgrounds. Throughout the curriculum, students explore theories and methodologies related to intercultural communication, intercultural counseling, and inclusive learning environments. The programme emphasizes the importance of applying intercultural perspectives to educational practices, fostering inclusive and equitable learning experiences.

Students will engage in both theoretical coursework and practical assignments, including internships and project work, to develop their counseling and teaching abilities in intercultural contexts. The program covers a range of topics such as cultural competence, diversity management, language development, and educational psychology. Special attention is given to the development of research skills, enabling students to undertake independent research projects that contribute to the field of intercultural education. The programme aims to prepare graduates for professional roles in multicultural settings, including educational institutions, social services, NGOs, and international organizations.

Throughout the studies, students benefit from the expertise of faculty members with extensive international experience, fostering a truly global perspective. The university’s commitment to innovative teaching methods and collaborative learning environments enhances students’ intercultural sensitivity and adaptability. Upon completion of the degree, graduates will possess a unique blend of pedagogical knowledge, intercultural understanding, and counseling skills necessary to promote positive intercultural experiences and facilitate learning processes in diverse environments. This programme is ideal for those passionate about education, cultural diversity, and social cohesion, seeking to make meaningful contributions to intercultural understanding worldwide.

Structure of the degree

Curriculum

xxxxxxx       Tourism Marketing and Management (80 ECTS)

Students admitted to the international master’s degree program in Tourism Marketing and Management must conduct 80 ECTS advanced-level studies in major.

Courses in Major (at least 40 ECTS): 
xxxxxxx       Master’s Thesis, Tourism Marketing and Management 30 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Master’s Thesis Seminar in Tourism Marketing and Management 10 ECTS

Compulsory courses (40 ECTS):

xxxxxxx       Tourist Behavior 6 ECTS

5211325       Destination Marketing 6 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Destination Management 6 ECTS

5211326       Experience Design 6 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Information Technology in Tourism Business 6 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Current Research in Tourism 5 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Practical tourism research 5 ECTS

If you choose more courses in your major, you may reduce the number of ECTS credits in other studies accordingly.

Other Studies 40 ECTS:

Compulsory courses:

xxxxxxx       Introduction to Tourism Marketing and Management 1 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Introduction to Tourism Studies 5 ECTS or 5211214 Service Marketing 6 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Personal Study Plan 1 ECTS

xxxxxxx       Tourism Business Case Studies 5 ECTS

For MDP students who do not have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent degree from a Finnish university of applied sciences:

1131003       Orientation for International Students 1 ECTS

8031003       University Study Skills 1 ECTS

8031004       University Computing Skills Lectures 1 ECTS

8031005       University Computing Skills Exercises 1 ECTS

8020300       Information skills and sources in Social Sciences for International Studies 1 ECTS

We are looking students who are passionate about developing tourism both as a livelihood as well as an phenomenon affecting our whole planet. We welcome applications from persons who hold a Bachelor's degree in either business or tourism or who have at least 60 ECTS credits of studies in the aforementioned topics. Our applications period is always at the end of the year and studies start in September. 

The scholarship is applied for when applying for admission to the university by filling out the relevant section of the application form. The decision about the scholarship is made in connection with student admission, and the student is notified of the matter in the letter of acceptance.

The scholarship is awarded on the basis of the student's academic achievements described in the admission criteria. The scholarship is personal and it is awarded for two academic years.

The scholarship exempts the student from the tuition fee either in full (100%) or partially (80%). In this programme, scholarships are available to 50% of students who are accepted to the programme and required to pay tution. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the university and possible scholarship by 31 March 2017 at the latest. Students who are awarded a scholarship are required to sign and return a scholarship payment form to the programme coordinator before the payment of the scholarship can begin.

The Learning, Teaching, and Counseling in Intercultural Context program at the University of Eastern Finland offers students a comprehensive education aimed at developing expertise in intercultural communication, educational methods, and counseling practices within diverse cultural settings. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in international education, intercultural counseling, and cross-cultural pedagogy, equipping them with the skills necessary to facilitate understanding and cooperation among people from varied cultural backgrounds.

Students in this program explore theories of intercultural competence, multicultural education, and intercultural counseling techniques, gaining practical experience through internships and project work in multicultural environments. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, education, social sciences, and intercultural studies to provide a holistic understanding of intercultural dynamics. Through coursework, students acquire competencies related to language learning, intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and diversity management, which are highly valued in globalized workplaces.

The program also focuses on developing counseling skills tailored to intercultural settings, preparing students to work effectively with individuals and groups facing cultural adaptation challenges, discrimination, or identity issues. Graduates will be able to work in various sectors, including international organizations, educational institutions, NGOs, and healthcare services, where intercultural competence and counseling expertise are required.

Learning methods include theoretical lectures, case studies, group discussions, simulations, and research assignments, all aimed at fostering critical thinking and practical skills. The University of Eastern Finland supports international mobility, and students have opportunities to participate in exchange programs and internships abroad, enhancing their intercultural competence and global outlook.

The program is suitable for individuals interested in fostering intercultural understanding and supporting diversity in educational and social settings. Graduates will possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills to promote inclusive learning environments and provide culturally sensitive counseling services. The program aligns with the university’s commitment to internationalization and social responsibility, preparing students to contribute positively to intercultural interactions worldwide.