INGENIUM’s Senior School helps participants build European networks, develop working-life skills, and identify their personal strengths

Professional development

During the programme, we explored environmental research conducted both on the ground and from space, as well as the impacts and drivers of climate change. The event consisted of lecture days and visits to various measurement stations. I was particularly impressed by the environmental monitoring stations on the island of Crete. At one station, for example, greenhouse gases had been measured from the air using the same methods for decades.
We also worked in small groups with participants we had not met before. The aim of the group work was to develop a research idea with potential commercial applications. As I work with sustainability-related themes, I found the trip professionally very enriching. Based on previous experience, I also knew that international visits to universities and new environments are excellent opportunities for networking and gaining valuable experience.

Getting to know local life

The accommodation and travel arrangements were well organised and practical, as we stayed right in the centre of Heraklion. I was impressed by the work of the University of Crete, as I had no prior experience of Greek higher education culture. The university’s facilities were clean and functional, and on several days we enjoyed meals on a beautiful campus balcony overlooking Crete’s stunning natural landscape. The programme also included numerous delicious meals at local restaurants, which suited me perfectly as Greek food is excellent. Some of these occasions were accompanied by organised activities, such as a traditional dance performance.

Inspiration for international engagement

I believe that what I saw and learned during the trip broadened my understanding of the themes covered. I also made new connections, which is always rewarding. Getting to know new cultures and people is consistently interesting and inspiring. Participating in the Senior School reminded me how meaningful and enriching international cooperation can be. If possible, I would like to help organise something similar myself in the future. I encourage everyone to apply for similar experiences. Even though meeting new people and entering unfamiliar situations can feel intimidating, I believe most participants are grateful afterwards that they took part.

Each group was given a topic. Our theme was artificial intelligence in future technologies, which did not directly align with our field of study. However, we were expected to bring our own disciplinary perspectives into the work. As service designers, we focused on the core principle of asking the user. We gathered research, articles, and current insights from our individual and cultural perspectives. During the week in Oviedo, we had dedicated time to work together, synthesise our material, prepare a presentation, and divide presentation roles. We all presented our work as a group and received feedback from mentors and some of it very direct and honest.

Beyond studying: full evenings and meaningful connections

INGENIUM weeks make full use of time. The days are long and mentally demanding. When the study sessions and group work ended, networking began. We explored the city, joined tapas evenings organised by University of Oviedo students, or went out for pizza or dinner with fellow Xamk participants. Bedtime often came around midnight, followed by an early start the next morning as we headed back to the university together for the first lecture. The week was intense and exhausting, but incredibly rewarding. That’s why I can confidently recommend the experience. It wasn’t overwhelming; it was simply part of the spirit of the programme.

Showcasing our own and Xamk’s expertise

Our Finnish group certainly gained confirmation of how well things are done in Finland. We have many hidden strengths that don’t always surface when we stay comfortably at home. But when given the chance to demonstrate our skills internationally, our language proficiency, organisational abilities, leadership, and teamwork skills really stood out. Our Xamk group was amazing! True professionals in their own fields and highly competent across the board. It felt great to be proudly Xamk‑affiliated. We were also fortunate to have an excellent mentor, Perttu Noponen, Senior Lecturer in Social Services at Xamk. Many thanks to him for guiding us throughout the week.

We developed data cards and model cards and practised how to describe a model’s purpose, limitations, subgroup performance, and safeguards in a way that is understandable to both end users and authorities. At the same time, we explored different levels of explainability and transparency. When meeting company representatives, they shared that their biggest challenge is building trust among users, as many people approach AI solutions with caution. This concern is well founded, as we learned during the week. AI systems involve serious issues such as data protection (GDPR) and the identification and correction of bias. Since LearnMate is a ChatGPT-based large language model (LLM) designed for children, parental consent for data use, bias detection, and proper use were critical factors. We therefore identified the product as a high-risk AI system.

Expert lectures provided valuable perspectives

Alongside ethics, a strong psychological perspective emerged during the week. Trust in AI does not develop by chance—it is built through the quality of interaction, clarity of explanations, and perceived reliability. The lecture “Psychology of AI” by Teodor Răileanu‑Olariu (PhD) offered valuable insights into the effects of AI use. While there is still much we do not know about AI’s impact on our minds and behaviour, the lecture strongly emphasised the importance of responsibility.

Your language skills improve and you make new friends across Europe and among people from Xamk

During our free time, we were able to explore the local culture through shared evening activities. The week was intensive, but I feel that I gained many new experiences. I got to know students from various countries, and I still keep in touch with a few of them. I’m really looking forward to seeing Mia again – she is my new friend.

Strengthening my language skills was one of my goals for the trip, and during the week, using English in everyday situations and group work became easier. In the future, I hope to participate in international projects and perhaps even work abroad. The week reminded me especially that learning often happens outside of comfort zone.