Spring forum 2026
Welcome to Xamk’s new Kotka campus in May 2026!
Finnish higher education institutions and the Finnish National Agency for Education organize the International Affairs Spring Days annually, which bring together over 200 participants. The event is aimed at people working in international affairs at higher education institutions. The program consists of lectures, seminars, workshops and roundtable discussions. In 2026, the Spring Days will be organized at the Kotka campus of the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Finland of Promises – Making Internationality a Reality’. Session proposals are accepted under the following sub-themes:
European Universities: Shared Education, Shared Future.
How do we build European education structures that enable genuine mobility and shared competence paths?
The world’s best study country – but will the competence stay in Finland?
How does Finland deliver on its promises to international students and ensure that competence also takes root in working life? How do we ensure that Finland is a reliable, responsible and visible actor in international higher education?
Education export and international recruitment – the engine of regional vitality.
Can education export be sustainable and at the same time strengthen regional attractiveness? How do we attract experts and build permanence?
International education meets working life – bridges and solutions.
How can higher education institutions support the integration of international students into the workplace and strengthen business collaboration?
Multimodal mobility – accessibility, inclusion and impact.
Student mobility is no longer just a long period abroad – it can be short, virtual, blended or internship-focused. How can mobility be truly accessible and impactful for all students, regardless of background or life situation?
Accommodation
Sokos Hotel Seurahuone, Kotka 18.-20.5.2026
Booking code: BXAMK260518
Price/night: 139.00 EUR Standard Queen or Twin room for one person
159.00 EUR Standard Queen or Twin room for two people
Room prices include a rich buffet breakfast, guest sauna, use of the hotel gym and VAT. More detailed room descriptions can be found at https://www.sokoshotels.fi/hotellit/kotka/original-sokos-hotel-seurahuone.
Rooms are available from 3:00 PM on the day of arrival. Room vacated on the day of departure is at 12:00 PM. Late arrivals after 6:00 PM must be guaranteed with credit card information.
Cancellations: The last day to cancel a single reservation made from the quota is 7 days before the arrival date.
Reservations: Everyone books their room themselves via the Sokos Hotels website https://www.sokoshotels.fi/fi/kotka. Please use the reservation code BXAMK260518. The reservation must be guaranteed with a credit card or paid in advance. Reservations can also be made directly with the hotel by phone +358 10 7821 000 or by email kotka.seurahuone@sokoshotels.fi.
Other accommodation options in Kotka include:
We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance, as there are several large construction projects underway in Kotka, which may result in a large number of people needing accommodation at the same time and accommodation capacity is limited. It is advisable to prefer double rooms among colleagues, if possible, so that there are enough rooms for as many people as possible.
Contact information
In case you have any questions regarding the Spring Forum, please send an email to kevatpaivat@xamk.fi.