Features
Grades and foreign students’ admission to Finnish varsities
Today, I write about grades and how good grades can allow foreign students gain admission into Finnish universities.
It goes without saying that the Finnish educational system is regarded as one of the best in the world. It has often been admired even by other highly advanced and well-known rich countries.
Foreign students’ intake
As I wrote some time ago, a central objective of the Finnish education policy is to offer all citizens (and foreign students alike) equal opportunities to receive education and help build their future careers. The structure of the education system reflects these principles.
I do not have any figures to show how many foreign students gain admission into Finnish universities. But, I can say that there are quite huge numbers of non-European students wanting to pursue further education in Finland.
There are some English-language programmes that have become so popular in recent years such as the Bachelor of Health Care (Nursing) courses Engineering and Technology; Business and Management; Computer Science and Information Technology (IT); Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and Education and Training.
Assessing applicants from their grades
As I keep saying, the mode of assessing applicants is by checking the applicant’s eligibility based on the filled application form that he or she filled and the accompanying documents.
Although applications are strictly assessed by the university authorities based on the applicant’s quality of the application and accompanying documents as well as the results from an entrance exam (where applicable), the grades from the applicant’s previous studies may also count greatly.
A foreign student needs to study subjects in the home country that can easily be pursued in further studies abroad and have it in mind to obtain high marks or a good performance.
Both high GRE scores and graduating GPA are needed to boost your prospects of admission.
It is usually necessary for a foreign student to show his or her transcript bearing good marks.
This is where I advise that you keep a very cordial relationship with your supervisor in your studies at home and adhere strictly to his or her advice about writing your thesis (or long essay) in order to get a good grade.
More often than not, respecting your supervisor by adhering to his or her advice is important and greatly helps the student write a good thesis.
Opportunities for the future
There are, indeed, many opportunities for foreign students to gain admission. First, the fact that opportunities are being offered in the first place by Finland to potential foreign students is a big encouragement and chance for any future thoughts to further one’s studies abroad.
You only need to keep in mind that you want to obtain good grades in order to have a better chance for admission.
Moreover, gaining admission through the grades you obtained from your previous studies at home is a sure and fast way of ensuring that the applicant would, indeed, get the chance to be admitted directly into the institution.
I have previously written about the opportunity provided by the Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Finland in the UAS Pathway Studies to Finland programme (see www.uaspath.fi).
Although such a programme offers applicants a convenient way to gain admission to degree programmes in Finland, the time it takes before one gains admission may be a minus when compared with a direct admission based on your high grades.
I end here by reiterating my previous point that the fact that Finland is encouraging or trying to attract foreign students does not mean it should be a dumping ground for any low level stuff.
Thank you.
The writer is a Ghanaian
lecturer at the University
of Helsinki, Finland
By Perpetual Crentsil
I experienced something on Monday, June 15, that really frustrated me. I had to go to the ministries but I could not get up early that day so I decided to pick a taxi and get to the Tuba Junction.
When I got there I realised that Traffic had built up from the Toll Booth towards Accra. After a while I got a Taxi and it was when we got to a certain spot on the road, that I realised why there was a traffic jam.
There is a short stretch of the road where each time it rains heavily, loose material run down the hill onto the road, blocking one side of the road. Vehicles from Kasoa to Accra are then forced to move into one of the lanes of those going towards Kasoa from Accra.
The two lane road from Accra to Kasoa becomes a single carriage way. That was the reason for the traffic jam from the toll booth onwards.
This has been a perineal problem and yet, no permanent solution has been found till date. The area falls under Ga South and even though, a new MCE has taken over, the technocrats are still there and so the problem is not new to them.
There is therefore no excuse for the inability of the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly to resolving the problem on that stretch of the road. Apart from the Ga South Metropolitan Assembly, another institution that must be held accountable is the Ghana Highways Authority.
The Highways Authority cannot say they are unaware of this issue. The fact that the problem falls within the area of responsibility of the Ga South Assembly, does not relieve the Ghana Highways Authority, of their responsibility of ensuring that our highways are maintained in a motorable state at all times.
A collaboration between the Ghana Highways Authority and The Ga South Municipal Assembly is required for a permanent resolution of the problem.
There was another traffic jam at a place called Atala about 250 metres to the traffic light at Old Barrier as a result of an issue similar to the one close to the toll booth, that I talked about earlier.
When we got to Weija junction, we encountered another traffic jam. The cause of this jam was a bad condition of road about 80 metres from the traffic light at Ga South Hospital heading towards Accra.
Due to the bad nature at that section of the road, vehicles are compelled to slow down resulting in a traffic jam stretching all the way to Weija Junction.
I started wondering if that short stretch of road cannot be sorted on one Sunday when traffic is usually light. When we got to the traffic light at Odorkor, there was another issue.
When the traffic light shows green, there is a slow down because there is a big pothole or should I say manhole in the outer lane, right at the traffic light. Vehicles in the outer lane are compelled to swerve into the second lane thereby causing a traffic to slow down and resulting in a traffic jam.
It is very important to take into account the effect of traffic jam on the national economy. If we are able to assess the value of the loss to the economy of the nation, I believe the issue of traffic jam will be prioritised.
Imagine persons working at various Government Organisations like Registrar General’s Department, Ghana Ports and Habours Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, CEPS etc. and lives at Kasoa and whose job is to collect revenue for the state and is held up in traffic.
Just imagine the effect their lateness to work will have on the economy if you consider the delays in say clearing of goods at the port and as a result traders cannot sell their goods for government to generate the required taxes.
Let us deal with the traffic jams on our streets to promote economic growth. God bless.
By Laud Kissi-Mensah
Mortality is an inherent aspect of life, a universal experience that has sparked philosophical, theological, and scientific inquiry throughout human history.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of mortality, acknowledging the complexity of the topic and the diverse perspectives surrounding it.
The biological imperative
From a biological standpoint, death is a natural part of the life cycle. It serves as a mechanism for the evolution of species, allowing for the passing on of genetic material and the adaptation to environmental changes.
Evolutionary perspective: Death allows for the recycling of resources, promoting the survival and adaptation of species.
Life span and senescence: Cellular aging and the limitations of biological systems contribute to mortality.
Philosophical and existential perspectives
Existentialism: Emphasises individual freedom and responsibility in the face of mortality.
Meaning and purpose: The finite nature of life can prompt individuals to seek meaning and purpose.
The human condition: Mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, shaping our perceptions and values.
Cultural and spiritual views
Afterlife and spirituality: Many cultures and religions believe in an afterlife or spiritual continuation.
Rituals and mourning: Cultural practices surrounding death reflect the significance of mortality in human experience.
Legacy and remembrance: The impact of one’s life can transcend mortality.
Ethical considerations
End-of-life care: Ethical debates surround issues like euthanasia, assisted dying, and palliative care.
Quality of life: Balancing the value of life with the quality of life is a complex ethical issue.
Resource allocation: Societal decisions about healthcare and resource distribution involve considerations of mortality.
Psychological impact
Grief and loss: The experience of mortality can evoke profound emotional responses.
Fear and anxiety: The awareness of mortality can lead to existential anxiety.
Appreciation and gratitude: Recognising mortality can foster appreciation for life.
Conclusion
Mortality is a multifaceted aspect of human existence, influencing how we live, relate, and find meaning. Understanding and acknowledging mortality can prompt deeper reflections on life and our place in the world.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
