However, the university offers a number of programs for international and domestic students that are taught in English. Interested students are encouraged to visit the UM Office of International Programs to look through the course guides in order to select appropriate classes for their study abroad program. Participants in this exchange are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available to them to learn the basics of Finnish, as this will make their experience that much more rewarding. Many participants on foreign exchange to Finland have remarked upon how much the Finns began to open up to them as they made an attempt to learn some of the language. The University's Language Centre offers courses in Finnish at both the introductory and intermediate level.
Languages classes are also a great way to meet other international students.
In order to help international students to adapt to Finland, the university organizes an orientation program for them at the beginning of each semester. Besides lectures on Finnish society, culture and university life, and tours of the campus and city, the orientation includes an introductory course in the Finnish language. It consists of two semesters, the Autumn and Springs semesters. Travel Students traveling to Joensuu should first arrive in Helsinki, which is quite easy to reach by air. From Helsinki, Joensuu is easy to reach via airplane or train.