ÅAU worldwide

Åbo Akademi University’s mission is rooted in its responsibility for Swedish-language education and culture, while also providing an international environment for education and research. International research, our English-language Master’s programmes and vibrant student exchange programmes provide a continuous source of new ideas and perspectives.

We are firmly rooted in our region through networks and partnerships. Our research spans a wide range of fields and is carried out in collaboration with universities, companies, industries and other organisations. We participate in national and international collaborations, including the Coimbra Group university network and the CHARM-EU university alliance.

Åbo Akademi University has cooperation agreements with universities around the world, giving ÅAU students the opportunity to go on an exchange for one semester or an entire academic year. The largest exchange programme is the European Erasmus+ programme. Each year, approximately 200 students go abroad for study exchanges and traineeships. ÅAU has a large number of exchange places available, ensuring that there are sufficient opportunities for everyone who wishes to participate in an exchange.

University Alliances

The Coimbra Group comprises 42 of Europe’s oldest universities, and Åbo Akademi University has been a member since 1995. The group works on various development projects in education and research. Students can participate in the Coimbra Group Student Exchange Network (CG SEN), which enables students from all academic disciplines to go on an exchange at another Coimbra Group university participating in the exchange network.

Åbo Akademi University has been a member of the European university alliance CHARM-EU since 2023. European university alliances are an initiative of the European Commission aimed at creating a high-quality, attractive and competitive European Education Area.

Membership in CHARM-EU creates opportunities for students, researchers, teaching staff and administrative staff to network, participate in exchanges and develop their skills in collaboration with colleagues at other member universities. Participation in the alliance’s activities gives ÅAU greater opportunities to develop joint educational programmes and collaborative research projects, among other initiatives.

Within CHARM-EU, we have a similar student exchange network based on the same principles. Students from all academic disciplines can apply for an exchange at any of the alliance’s eight other universities.

The CHARM-EU universities also offer a selection of their hybrid and online courses to students at partner universities through the Transnational Online Learning (TOL) initiative. This enables ÅA students to experience transnational learning without having to travel. Credits earned through these online courses can be recognised in accordance with ÅAU’s standard procedures.

Within CHARM-EU, we have also developed an Intercultural Preparation module, which gives all students at CHARM-EU universities the opportunity to take part in a brief introduction to intercultural awareness, consisting of three short videos.

Students can also practise foreign languages through CHARM-EU’s language tandem programme.

In addition, the alliance offers a joint Master’s programme in Global Challenges for Sustainability, with further programmes under development, including double-degree programmes.

Interested in an Exchange?

Are you excited about the prospect of going on an exchange? Find out more here and get in touch with our International Affairs team, which coordinates student exchanges: Harriet Klåvus, Katie Fagerström and Sara Joas.

For information about other opportunities, keep up to date with the latest news in Studerandenytt and visit our CHARM-EU pages on the intranet.

Harriet Klåvus

ÅAU international affairs