Ever since the implementation of the tuition fees trial was announced, Non-EU
students have raised many concerns on the issue and it’s now a subject for
discussion in every campus you find yourself. But the question is, are they
in favor or against the idea? What about the authorities?
Yes, it’s my curiosity on this issue that drove me to the various campuses to
seek the views of some students. That is why I have being silence all this
while. I didn’t want to add my voice until I am sure of what I have to say.
And indeed the “journey” I embarked has really yielded fruitful.
My dear readers, it’s not a bad idea for Finland to think of tuition fees,
that is what most of the respondent thought. Many interviewed Non-EU
students believe that the government alone as a stake holder cannot bare all
the cost of financing education and for that matter calls for cost sharing.
But many also thought that, the tuition fee will be at disadvantage to most
foreigners especially, Africans and Asians. However some Finnish students
also added that, if this happens; the multicultural environment will no
longer exist on campuses. This is because the number of students coming from
NON-EU states will go down even though they have the enthusiasm, merit and
potential to study, and to them it doesn’t promote internationalization.
In an interview with some public officials, most of them were of the view
that, tuition fee will help the universities in infrastructural developments
and also see it as a norm of EU. But to them if we think of education from
social, business and immigration point of view, it is bad for them. “If we
think of tuition fee for Non-EU students as a way to earn money for
universities, it might work for the most famous (if any) universities in
Finland. Tuition fee is a good example of short sighted and narrow minded
politics of today” (name withheld).
On the question of its effect on the future of Finnish education, most of them
agreed that if the tuition fee is moderate, it is fine for them. Yet some
also think that, Finland , in spite of its quality education, will lose
brilliant students cheaply to countries like U.K, Ireland, U.S.A etc if they
copy them blindly .This is based for the fact that language is not a barrier
in those countries, and the possibility of securing student’s and campus
jobs and scholarships are high. “U.S and UK did not just introduce fees but
the private sector helped them in achieving success which Finland is lacking
“one student lamented.
In spite of this, they still believe that it is a practical idea and it
implementation will screen those who come to Finland to seek greener
pastures. They added that, the few ones who take the challenge to “squeeze
water from stone” and come to Finland are the real students.
To Kokonsa, whether it’s good or bad, my major concern in this direction is
the fact that, companies and the private sector should be open and play role
in this challenge. I am saying this because, to some extent, the success of
Finland as EU educational destination relies partly on their shoulders .This
however brings the issue of integration. Each and every one whether blue or
yellow should see him or self as part of a society with a common goal and
destiny and do what is expected of him or her. The issue of discrimination
should be thrown out of window and face the fact. When this is done, its
effect will not be felt.
On that note Kokonsa would like to thank all those who raised concern of this
issue and allowed to be interviewed.
Let’s all unite to build a better Finland
Shalom!
