The last year for Forestry undergrad studies at Seinajoki

This was our first week of school at the Ilmajoki campus. When we (the English speaking Cal Poly students) arrived at the main school building Monday morning we were greeted by Anna Tall, the very helpful and friendly international exchange student coordinator at Seinajoki University.  She gave us our schedules for the week, explained a few trips she had planned for us around Finland during our stay and answered our questions. Throughout the week Anna has encouraged us to tell her what we are interested in doing and seeing during our time in Finland so she can work it into our schedule.  I am amazed and grateful for how accommodating the exchange program has been to the Cal Poly students’ language barrier, curriculum needs and recreational interests.

It came as a shock to hear that this is the final school year Seinajoki would be offering their Forestry undergraduate program.  When we asked Antti Pasila why such an important program (over 50% of Finland is forest land and Finland is responsible for 4% of global timber production) is being discontinued he explained how the country’s economy and population dynamics are threatening the Ilmajoki campus altogether.  Finland experienced a baby boom in 1947 after World War II and now all those baby boomers are retiring. As many people leave the work force there are not as many workers available to take their places creating a labor gap. Though there is a drive for more workers, their government and tax funded education system cannot subsidize the cost of maintaining the valuable 150ha of agriculture land and 180ha of forest learning facilities as the number of students has been decreasing.

This is very unfortunate news but Antti explained that there is a way this labor gap can be closed. Through proper management, leadership and technology the productivity of a few workers can be increased greatly. Organizing skilled labor to maximize output and investing in innovation (and education) could be a sensible way for Finland to strengthen their economy as well as their workforce. 

It is incredible that Senajoki can welcome foreign students requiring special attention during these trying times.  Since classes are all taught in Finnish we require our own class and instructor to teach us each subject; Silviculture, Agriculture, and Finnish Language and Culture.  I am very hopeful that Cal Poly will be able to return the hospitality and priceless learning experience we have been offered by accepting Finnish students in the fall of 2013.