Tutoring is perhaps one of METKA’s most visible activities at Metropolia, both for students and staff. Tutors are one of the first people a new student encounters at Metropolia, as METKA offers support and know-how in the form of tutoring to every student starting their studies. Tutors help new students get started, are involved in team-building and introduce them to the secrets of student culture. Trained tutors work on every Metropolia campus and benefit our entire student community. Tutors play a key role in a new student’s integration into their studies and community.
Tutors are students who have studied for at least one semester and are trained in METKA’s tutor training courses. The trainings are mandatory and consist of lectures, workshops, a campus day, group and presentation exercises. The aim of the tutoring is to make every student feel welcome and to ensure that the start of a new phase in their life as a student goes as smoothly as possible. METKA’s tutoring team plans and organises the training sessions every spring and autumn.
We always look for new tutors to join our teams in spring and autumn, according to the groups in the starting fields. Spring application period usually starts in February and the autumn one in September.
Practical tutoring on the campuses is carried out by METKA’s Head Tutors, who act as leaders of the campus tutor teams. The Head Tutors are experienced tutors trained by METKA in management, science and technology skills. The application periods for Head Tutors are always held in the autumn. To apply, you must have been a tutor for at least one semester.
The METKA tutor team supports Head Tutors and tutors throughout the tutor period. The team also works on continuous development to ensure that we always provide the best possible tutoring for each student and group of students. For example, we are currently investing in developing the forms of international tutoring as the number of international student groups at Metropolia grows. We also participate in various working committees where we advocate for students and tutors.
Currently, METKA tutoring includes the following forms of tutoring.
Peer tutoring
Peer tutors tutor Finnish-speaking groups of degree students. Tutors welcome new students during the first days of studies and support their tutoring group in the beginning of their study path. The tutor helps their group to get to grips with their studies by sharing their own experiences and providing practical guidance. The peer tutor is also involved in boosting team-spirit by organising social activities outside school.
You can turn to a tutor for questions about school or studying. Tutors can help you in a variety of situations and if they don’t know the answer to your question, they have the know-how to direct you to the right person in Metropolia who can answer your question.
Degree tutoring
Degree tutors tutor degree students in English. Both Finnish and international students study in the degree programmes.
Tutoring involves international themes, but is otherwise mainly peer tutoring.
Exchange tutoring
Exchange tutors are an important part of Metropolia’s international activities. Tutors take care of exchange students and help them settle into a new culture. The exchange tutor helps the exchange student to settle in Finland and to study in Finland. The exchange tutor is responsible for introducing the student to their own campus and the surrounding area and organising various leisure activities together with other tutors.
Tutoring exchange students in Finland is a great step towards your own international goals, such as an exchange or working abroad. English is the main language of exchange tutoring, but a wide range of other language skills can be used. There is no skill requirement for English language skills – so feel free to apply!
Top-up and Tokasa tutoring
Top-up students are international students and do part of their degree in Finland. Tokasa students are also international groups of students who do their whole degree in Finland. The studies include Finnish language teaching. Students arrive in the country at slightly different times, so some tutoring is done remotely, some is hybrid and some is done on campus.
The Top-up and Tokasa tutoring model is a new form of tutoring that is still in the process of development.
Sports/Physical activity tutoring
Tutors help other students with finding a sports activity and give students tips to increase their physical activity during the day. The tutor knows the physical activity facilities on their campus and is able to introduce the Zone’s services. Each METKA tutor will receive intensive training on the tasks of a mobility tutor.
Questions or interest in tutoring? Feel free to contact the tutor coordinators in your field or METKA’s tutor team at tutor@metkaweb.fi.