Summer in Finland - International Summer Program in Railroad Engineering

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 was offered for the sixth consecutive year in spring, 2009. To date, 95 students from Michigan Tech and other universities have participated in the program. 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?

Great way to see the industry - Summer in Finland takes the advantage of Tech's extensive links with rail industry through guest lectures and materials and several field visits in the U.S. and Finland.

Learn basics of railroad engineering - 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.

Travel and earn credits economically - Program provides an economical way to combine technical studies with cultural experiences. You'll get to visit Finland in a secure group environment, without worrying about your lodging, travel or activities (all included in the program fee). In addition, all students are eligible to apply for Rail Scholarhips. If you wish, you can also continue your exploration of Europe on your own after the commencement of program.

Get an internship / full-time job – RTP partners and other industry employers hire actively Summer in Finland participants for internship / co-op and full-time positions.

Program content

Each student takes two courses in the program totaling six credits - a three-credit course titled, International 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 the U.S. 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. 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 preferred. Students from other universities and sophomores are encouraged to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis. Applications for 2010 Program now accepted! For application information, click here: Sign up page