Asia Exchange
Our Concept

Asia Exchange enables students to take part in study abroad semesters in Asia. Together with our partner universities we increase internationalization and streamline student mobility in a convenient and affordable way while enabling the sharing of cultures.

ASIA EXCHANGE (AE), established in 2007 in Finland, offers students an opportunity to take part in study abroad semesters at selected partner universities in Asia. The destination countries are currently China, Indonesia, and Thailand. In each country, our partner universities are among the most prestigious. Lecturers often come from different countries and have international backgrounds. Students from over 100 universities have participated in study abroad semesters with the help of AE, and in Finland 30 % of all the student movement to Asia is done via AE. 

Universities represented by AE are ideal for students who are interested in Asia, but aren’t able to find suitable study abroad options via their own universities or are left outside the placement quotas. As the students organize their study abroad semester independently no official agreement with the host university and students' home university is needed. Students have a freemover status while attending Asia Exchange's programs. Most of the participants are students of business, technology, social sciences or tourism. Students from other fields of study also take part and are given an opportunity to take interesting minor study courses in an international environment.

Decisions about scholarships and transferring credits are made by the home universities. AE encourages students to plan their studies carefully and to include the course syllabi, which are available on the AE website, in their study plans to help their home universities make decisions about transferring credits. The services offered by AE as well as its role as a representative for Asian universities most often decrease the administrative steps of the home universities.

Asia Exchange Concept

AE was founded to complement available study abroad options so that students could study in Asia conveniently and affordably. AE has negotiated partner agreements with selected Asian universities. The courses are held in English and are included in the partner universities’ syllabi, and they include workshops as well as visits to local businesses. Students also have an opportunity to visit local and international companies charity organizations supported by Asia Exchange during the semesters.

Not only can students benefit from the study abroad semesters but also from AE's services such as useful information about the partner universities, the destinations and their culture, businesses, accommodation options, events etc. AE helps students by answering questions about the study abroad semesters and traveling (e.g. applying for visas, vaccinations, flights and accommodation), helping deal with culture shock and arranging orientations. However, AE is not a travel agency and students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, which is all a part of the study abroad experience.

Freemovers also benefit from the notable tuition fee discounts negotiated by AE. In addition, AE has made agreements about a standardized application procedure and minimized the steps in the process of accepting students.

We will be happy to provide more information about study abroad possibilities represented by AE, as well as map out steps for increasing the internationalization opportunities of students.