Developing ideas for Community Corner to support well-being of International Students at Laurea UAS
Nath, Hema Kumari; Pun Magar, Binu (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121737659
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025121737659
Tiivistelmä
The aim of this thesis was to provide developing ideas to Community Corner, a space at Laurea, that supports the well-being of international students by helping them learn Finnish culture and explore new experiences while studying in Laurea. The Community Corner is open for every student in Laurea from different backgrounds to let them communicate, share experiences and improve friendships among them. In addition, this thesis focuses on the well-being of international students at Laurea UAS by identifying their main challenges and integration needs. This thesis will contribute to Laurea’s mission of creating a sustainable, inclusive and student-centred community that promotes the overall learning experience for students by combining theoretical perspectives on student wellbeing and social integration with practical development ideas.
The theoretical framework of this thesis consists of different aspects of well being along with well-being in student life and their challenges while studying and living in Finland. Furthermore, the theory part includes the concept of students as customers in the educational institutions. The research method used in this thesis was a semi-structured interview in which 4 international students were interviewed from different degree programs during 3rd - 7th of November 2025. The purpose of the interview was to gain insight into students’ experiences, challenges, and expectations of living in Finland as well as developing ideas for Community Corner to support students’ well-being.
The result indicated suggestions for Community Corner to enhance the well-being of international students. These include conducting orientation sessions on administrative processes, Finnish learning method, health care services, etc. to support newcomers adjust evenly, cultural exchange with involvement of Finnish students to promote a better understanding of the environment and a vibrant and colourful physical setting like comfortable sitting, creative and unique decor to attract students’ participation. The commissioner considers this thesis useful and plans to use the results of the study while developing Community Corner.
The theoretical framework of this thesis consists of different aspects of well being along with well-being in student life and their challenges while studying and living in Finland. Furthermore, the theory part includes the concept of students as customers in the educational institutions. The research method used in this thesis was a semi-structured interview in which 4 international students were interviewed from different degree programs during 3rd - 7th of November 2025. The purpose of the interview was to gain insight into students’ experiences, challenges, and expectations of living in Finland as well as developing ideas for Community Corner to support students’ well-being.
The result indicated suggestions for Community Corner to enhance the well-being of international students. These include conducting orientation sessions on administrative processes, Finnish learning method, health care services, etc. to support newcomers adjust evenly, cultural exchange with involvement of Finnish students to promote a better understanding of the environment and a vibrant and colourful physical setting like comfortable sitting, creative and unique decor to attract students’ participation. The commissioner considers this thesis useful and plans to use the results of the study while developing Community Corner.