Listen to international students when making decisions
We, international degree students, are a diverse group of people of various backgrounds and life situations. We have been left out of the recent immigration discussion, even though we are affected by several government proposals, one of them being the 3/6 month rule. If an immigrant does not find a job within three or six months, they will be deported from the country. It is not a realistic timeframe to find a job in Finland, because on average it takes over 14 months to secure a job as an unemployed jobseeker. A residence permit for a recent graduate to look for a job is no consolation when the longer term threat of eviction looms.
Abroad, Finland is known and admired for its advancements and equality. While many aspects of life here, like education and student life, are excellent, the challenges in finding employment make it harder for us to recommend Finland as a place to study both due to legal reforms and structural racism.
Decision-makers, you have the power to make a change by extending the timeframe for the 3/6 month rule. See us as people, not just as numbers and a way to save Finland from a low birth rate. Everyday, we make a conscious choice to stay here in Finland. However, the choice to stay might be only temporary if we are not welcomed here.
Mantė Žygelytė, Vice Chair of the Board at AYY
Omotola Adeshina, Board Member at TaiYo
Shashika Harshani, Board Member at TYY
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Updated association regulation clarifies the role of subject associations
Aalto University Student Union’s (AYY) association regulation was updated at the end of the year to better address the needs of the growing Aalto community and to clarify the AYY Board’s decision-making process.
Ecological sustainability policy has been updated – AYY transitions to a plant-based policy
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) has updated its ecological sustainability policy, which supports AYY’s daily operations. The new document directs AYY to serve plant-based food and drinks at its events. In the future, food waste will be minimised, and 30 percent of air and ship travel costs will be offset towards environmental activities.
AYY is taking steps to improve equity in its operations – new equity plan approved by RepCo
Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.