What do ESN-HELGA tutors do?

An ESN-HELGA tutor is basically the first contact for the new exchange student concerning everyday life in Finland. The student has, most likely, been in contact with the school staff and HH International Services, but the ESN-HELGA tutor is one's personal contact and works towards making the new student feel welcomed to Finland. Each tutor is given between 2 and 6 exchange students. Tutoring is much more than just partying with the students, although that is also a fun part of tutoring. Tutors are there also for the bad times and problems the students might face during their stay in Finland. Be prepared and do not be afraid to ask for help.

Tutors take care of the exchange students’ needs throughout their stay in Finland. We do this by sending them e-mail already before their arrival to Finland, collecting the student at their arrival point, taking them to their new student home, answering questions and taking care of their initial needs such as arranging mobile phones, bank accounts and bus tickets.

Tutors also arrange events and help the board members in their jobs. Being an active member of ESN-HELGA is voluntary work for all of us and therefore everyone's input is needed - and appreciated!

Once all of the exchange students have arrived for the semester the activity really begins. We arrange events for exchange students that allow them to learn about Finland and its neighbouring countries while having fun and getting to know each other, and the ESN-HELGA tutors in the process.

The tutor's job continues throughout the semester, being a friend or helpful contact with the students, of course also others that just your own students. It is recommended to arrange some activities with your students only, at least twice a semester. For example you can cook some Finnish food with them or invite them to a film at the cinema (everyone pays for themselves).

To check out more detailed information, please get to know "ESN-HELGA Tutor Guide". This guide gives you information and answers to many questions which ESN-HELGA tutors might have.

The Board

As an ESN-HELGA tutor you can also take one of the positions on our board (when places are available).

The ESN-HELGA board is elected once a year in the last meeting of the autumn semester. Often, some posts become available also in the end of the spring semester as students leave the association (for example to study abroad, do a work placement or because of graduation). It is also possible to share a board position with another person. As a tutor you are encouraged to assist board members with their work.

President

The President ensures the association is run in the most beneficial way for its members by observing the operations, developing new services and chairing, among others, the Annual General Meeting. By working away from the everyday activity of the association, the President is able to handle disputes and complaints between the association and students. The President is also responsible for legal matters in the association. The President represents ESN-HELGA at ESN (Erasmus Student Network) meetings, such as the AGM, NNM and National Platforms and he/she also takes part in the Joop-meetings / other meetings which are held between HAAGA-HELIA staff and representatives of student associations.

Vice-President

The Vice-President is responsible for the co-ordination of the everyday operations of ESN-HELGA by working together with the board members. The Vice-President chairs the regular meetings of the association and reports to the President. The Vice-President also takes part in the International Strategy Team. The pick-up days are also the responsibility of the Vice-President.

Secretary

The Secretary is usually the first point of contact when getting in touch with ESN-HELGA. The Secretary's main duties are taking care of ESN-HELGA e-mail and mailing lists, working together with the President, Vice-President and HAAGA-HELIA International Services, taking care of meeting arrangements and updating information on ESN-HELGA's databases.

Treasurer

It is the Treasurer who looks after incoming and outgoing payments. He/she manages the accounts and clears them in the end of the year. It is also the treasurer who takes care of the payment system and checks that events are paid for. (The tasks of Treasurer is mainly taken care by Student Union’s secretary who assists ESN-HELGA also in other organizational matters.)

Tutor Co-ordinator

Makes sure every exchange student has a tutor, organizes tutor trainings once a semester as well as divides the exchange students among the tutors. (Tutor Co-ordinator is supported in his/her tasks by Student Union’s secretary.)

Campus Leaders

The campus leaders will be responsible for the tutors within their own campus. He or she will also be able to look after the interests of the exchange students. Campus Leader can also have another board position.

Communications

The Communications co-ordinator has an overall responsibility for ESN-HELGA's publications including the ESN-HELGA Brochure, Tutor Guide and ESN-HELGA newsletter.

Activity Co-ordinator (Cultural and Sporting Affairs)

The Cultural and Sporting Affairs Co-ordinator is responsible for organizing different culture and sports events during the semester. It is up to the person to decide what will take place, but some examples are: to go and see a ballet, ice hockey and football game and to visit museums. Also if there are any special events taking place visits to them can also be taken into consideration. The Cultural and Sporting Affairs Co-ordinator does not need to go to all the events him/herself, but can delegate them to other tutors, and if a tutor is interested in arranging some particular event he/she is free to do so.

Webmaster

The Webmaster is responsible for the web pages and ESN-HELGA Facebook group. He/she will have 1-2 persons helping with this and will also be able to delegate tasks to other tutors.

Exchange Student Representative

The Exchange Student Representative is an exchange student at HAAGA-HELIA who represents the interests of HAAGA-HELIA's exchange students by taking a place on ESN-HELGA's board. The representative must have studied at HAAGA-HELIA for one semester before being able to take a place on the board.

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