Karolína Hlaváčková, a second-year AMP student at the Faculty of Humanities, is currently completing a work internship at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland. How did she get the opportunity to work at an international office, what surprised her about Finnish work culture, and why would she recommend an international internship to other UTB students?
From an Application with No Expectations to the Arctic
Karolína sees the opportunity to complete a work internship abroad as a natural part of her academic journey—something she has been actively pursuing since high school. When the offer of an internship at the University of Lapland appeared, she did not hesitate, even though, as she admits, she applied with very low expectations. Her surprise was all the greater when she was accepted after the selection process.
“What attracted me was not only the location in the Arctic north of Finland, but also the chance to gain my first experience with office work in an international environment,” Karolína explains.
Inside the International Office
During her internship, Karolína works at the International Office of the University of Lapland. Although she is still in the training phase, she has been involved in the real operation of the department from the very beginning. She takes part in team meetings, online calls focused on budgets and Erasmus+ grants, and helps organize Blended Intensive Programs for visiting academics and staff from partner universities across Europe.
“Everyday administrative tasks are also part of the internship—such as email communication or working with contracts. But it all makes sense; it’s a balanced mix that is gradually preparing me for independent work,” she adds.
A Work Environment That Reduces Stress
One of the first things that pleasantly surprised her was the work environment itself. According to Karolína, openness, equality, and trust are the core pillars of local work culture. “Everyone speaks fluent English, they are open-minded and very supportive. There’s an ‘open door system’ here—office doors are literally open, and you can ask for advice at any time.”
She also notices a big difference compared to the Czech Republic in the level of informality. “I address everyone on a first-name basis regardless of their position, and I start emails to the Head of Student Services with just ‘Hi.’ All my stress disappeared on the very first day.”
Trust, Independence, and Flexibility
Finnish work (and academic) culture is built on a high level of independence and trust. Both work and teaching are highly flexible and often take place online or through self-study. Many lectures are pre-recorded, allowing students to adjust the pace to their own needs.
“It’s a refreshing change compared to the more authoritative approach I was used to in the Czech Republic,” Karolína says.
Everyday Life in Rovaniemi
Karolína works five days a week, seven hours a day, with very flexible working hours. She usually arrives at the office around 9 a.m., when the International Office holds consultation hours for international students. Her daily routine includes meetings with international partners, administrative tasks, and short training sessions during which she learns to work with university systems such as Moodle, Peppi, and SoleMOVE.
What Has Surprised Her the Most So Far
One particularly inspiring aspect of the university is the newly opened study spaces designed for both individual and group work. “According to local research, this way of studying is more productive than spending endless hours in lecture halls. Honestly, I miss spaces like this at UTB.”
She is also getting used to local specifics: lunch as early as 11 a.m., an almost cashless society, strict alcohol sales regulations, and the necessity of always carrying an ID.
Extreme Cold and the Northern Lights
When asked which moment best captures her experience so far, Karolína has a clear answer—the weather. “Right after I arrived, temperatures dropped to –32 °C. My hair and eyelashes froze within ten minutes,” she laughs. The reward for the extreme cold, however, was the northern lights, which she managed to see already on her fourth day.
“It was a breathtaking experience and a perfect start to the internship,” she adds. In the coming weeks, she plans to try other typically Nordic activities—from cross-country skiing and sauna sessions to ice fishing.
Advice for UTB Students
For students considering an international work internship, Karolína recommends thorough research of both the destination and the workplace, as well as proactive communication. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—and most importantly, socialize. The community you build during Erasmus can take the whole experience to a completely new level.”
One Step Closer to a Dream Career
According to Karolína, an internship at the prestigious University of Lapland has strong potential for her future career. Based on university statistics, the majority of former interns have gone on to work in international offices or Erasmus+-related organizations.
“I believe this experience will be a strong asset on my CV and will bring me closer to my dream career in project management within international cooperation,” she concludes.
