I decided to write this essay to enlighten others on the exchange study application process since it is much more advanced and complicated than it seems. Although most of the work is completed individually, the TAMK outgoing student staff are helpful and quick to answer all questions that one may have. On Proakatemia’s side, working with your own coach, team, and other exchange students made the transition and application process less stressful. In short, there are three different phases of the lengthy process that must be considered: 

1. The TAMK side of the application 
2. Post acceptance and the host institution 
3. Erasmus compliance 

Phase 1: the TAMK side of the application 

In the beginning of applying, TAMK has a series of Q&A sessions, both in Finnish and English, for students who plan on studying abroad. I highly recommend attending the sessions to save the contact information of the TAMK staff, meet other outgoing exchange students, and ask questions regarding the application process.  

Before the session, I encourage anyone applying to look at the SoleMove website, which is the platform that Tampere University uses to complete and send the application. It is a little confusing and takes some time to navigate, which is why preparing questions prior to the session is beneficial.  

The SoleMove platform is also the same website that will house the Learning Agreement that will need to be filled out both for the home and host university, and the SoleGrant connection page used for applying for the Erasmus grant. The website is unfortunately complicated, and I recommend checking it regularly to see any updates regarding the application. This website is also used for exchange students when they return and submit their transcript of records to TAMK.  

Phase 2: Post acceptance and the host institution 

After submitting the application on SoleMove, you should receive an email from the host university regarding initial information for the exchange. This may be credentials for their university platforms, paperwork, course selections, or a welcome letter with the acceptance details. Additionally, an email from TAMK will arrive to have you confirm or cancel the exchange, it is important to respond as soon as possible, or a fine will need to be paid if you answer past the deadline.  

For the university I applied to, the international coordinator was in contact with me quite soon after I accepted the place. However, make sure to check all spam inboxes in your email because important emails of being accepted to a school may be missed.  

Depending on the location of the school, the university will provide information regarding housing. For European universities, some offer student housing similar to TOAS, but others will provide as much information as possible, but it is the student’s responsibility to find accommodation. For Paris, apartment hunting is stressful and a lengthy process, so it is best to start the search early.  

At this point, it is also important to check the TAMK outgoing students page and review the check list that is put together for outgoing exchange students. This has information about health care services, travel insurance (which is mandatory for exchange students), EU health insurance cards, safety, and more.  

TAMK also requires all outgoing students to complete a 2-credit course on International Experiences and Cultures. Part of the course is to be completed before departure, and the other sections are completed during the exchange and after the exchange. Thankfully, the course is very simple and on moodle.  

Phase 3: Erasmus compliance 

After confirming the host university acceptance and submitting the Learning Agreement, there is an additional part for students who are partaking in an Erasmus exchange. Erasmus students receive a stipend (80% before the exchange and 20% after) for their studies and the amount depends on which country you will be in. This application will need to be submitted on SoleGrant, which can be found through the SoleMove platform.  

As mentioned earlier, outgoing exchange students need travel insurance, and for the Erasmus grant to be approved, all travel insurance policy information needs to be added on the application. Personally, I used If… insurance because there was a decent deal for home and travel insurance for younger people at the time.  

The application also requires the acceptance letter from the host university, so hearing from the university as soon as possible is important. If for some reason no one has been in contact with you, the best option is to contact the TAMK outgoing students’ office.  

Although applying for an exchange can be a lengthy and confusing process, TAMK has lots of helpful resources and people. Another tip I recommend is reaching out to other students who have completed the exchange process previously.  

Helpful links:

Outgoing TAMK students 

Erasmus exchange information 

European Health Insurance Card – kela