What
is it?
The
Summer in Finland is an intensive five-week
international program in railway engineering that runs from early-May
to early-June and is offered for the fourth consecutive year in
spring, 2008. During the program, students spent two weeks in
the United States, more specifically on the Michigan Tech campus in Houghton
and on field visits in the Chicago
region, and three weeks in Tampere, Finland.
The
selection of Finland as a destination was based on the strong
Finnish heritage in Michigan's
Upper Peninsula and the existing connections with Tampere
University of Technology (TUT) and Finnish Railways.
Why
participate?
Railroads say "You're
Hired!" estimates that railroads will hire more than 80,000
new employees over the next six years and 140,000 will be needed
over the next ten years.
Summer
in Finland is a unique railway engineering
program that takes the advantage of Tech's extensive links
with rail industry. Large railroad companies provide guest lectures
and materials, host the field visits and are actively recruiting program participants
for internship and full-time positions.
Summer
in Finland offers you a comprehensive
introduction to the basics of railway engineering across disciplines
and combined field
visits allow you to understand the connections between
classroom lectures and real-life work environment. The program
provides you with all the tools you need to take your first steps
toward a successful career in rail industry.
Summer
in Finland program also provides an economical way to combine
technical studies with cultural experiences. You'll get
to see the differences between rail transportation systems in
the U.S. and Finland
and simultaneously visit and explore Finland in a secure group environment,
without worrying about your lodging, travel or activities. If
you wish, you can also continue your exploration of Europe
on your own after the commencement of program.
Program
Content:
Each
student takes two courses in the program totaling six credits
- a three-credit course titled, Introduction
to Railroad Engineering and a three-credit
course in Finnish
Language and Culture.
In addition to classroom lectures, field
visit are given high priority on both courses. Visits
to several rail facilities in USA and in Finland allow students
to observe two types of rail industries and systems in action
and cultural
visits in Finland provide them an opportunity to experience
today's Finland personally. More detailed description of
covered topics and field visits can be found under the Coursework
tab and for general presentation on program click here.
Program
requirements and application:
The
program is open for all engineering students across disciplines
at Michigan Tech. There are no course prerequisites, but junior,
senior or graduate status is required. Students from other universities
and sophomores are encouraged to apply and will be considered
on a case by case basis. For more information see our program
brochure (PDF). Apply now to reserve your seat.
