Meeting with the Ambassador of Brazil opened new channels of collaboration
For decades, Tampere University of Applied Sciences has been building strong international networks. International partnerships play an important role in TAMK’s strategy by creating the perfect setting for cultural and knowledge exchange. As a result, TAMK students train early on to be efficient and comfortable in an international environment.
Knowledge exchange and growth
Since the start of TAMK Global Education, Brazil was quickly recognized as a vital international partner. Teacher Education is a unique expertise in TAMK which has become very popular amongst the Brazilian partners. Specifically designed trainings have been brought valuable impact in developing new practices for both sides.
“The cooperation between Finland and Brazil in the education sector is older than we think. In late 90s, my wife worked at the Ministry of Education in the planning section of Technical Education and they drew a lot of inspiration from Finnish practices,” comments João Luiz De Barros Pereira Pinto, Ambassador of Brazil in Finland.
Cultural immersion is key
There are many changes that digitalization and Covid-19 pandemic have brought to everyday life at HEIs. The newly developed virtual exchanges and hybrid learning environments may allow more participants to follow trainings without need for relocation. However, they limit the cultural exchange and lessen its impact.
During their stay in Tampere, international groups experience immersion activities in the Finnish nature and culture, such as floating on an icy river. Experiences like this give them mental strength for work challenges.
“TAMK students and training participants often say that the learning could have happened online, but being in Tampere helps them explore the personal, cultural and societal aspects of education.” emphasizes Carita Prokki, Director of Internationalisation and Business Operations.
Moreover, it is vital for everyone within TAMK to welcome international partners and guests. Their arrival helps the community with internationalisation at home.
“Something Finland could learn from the Brazilian culture is not to wait for the perfect conditions to launch projects. Brazilians are good at working with less resources and getting things started with what is available. Sometimes what is perfect is what we have at hand,” advices Diego Barros, Director of Brazil-Finland Cultural Center.
During the meeting, several new ideas for future collaboration were discussed. In the future, more project-based learning may be designed to bring Finnish and Brazilian students and educators together. Moving away from passive learning, to more active trainings that engage participants.
“The two countries have been partners and have collaborated since Finland’s independence. An important touching point of a good partnership is that both sides learn a lot from each other. It doesn’t mean there needs to be big gains every time, but every little gain is big,” concludes the Ambassador of Brazil.
Learn more about TAMK Global Education
Learn more about the Brazil-Finland Cultural Centre
Text and photo: Dimitra Panopoulou-Huovila
