International intensive week explores challenges in child and family services
LAB University of Applied Sciences organized the international Challenges for Child and Family Services intensive week in Lahti and Helsinki from 18 to 22 May 2026. The week brought together 45 Bachelor's and Master's level students and teachers in the field of social and health care from Finland, Germany and Hungary. The intensive week is based on a long-term collaboration between LAB University of Applied Sciences and Hochschule Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
The programme combined students' preparatory assignments and online collaboration with an intensive on-site week. During the week, participants familiarized themselves with current challenges in child and family services through site visits, expert lectures, workshops and group work.
International perspectives on child and family services
One of the highlights of the week was a presentation by an expert by experience in social and health care services. She spoke about her work alongside professionals and highlighted the importance of services in people's lives. The speech sparked a discussion about the human dimensions of work and considering the client perspective in service development.
During the week, the participants were able to compare practices in different countries and identify both common challenges and national specificities. International interaction offered new perspectives on their own work and strengthened their understanding of the important role the social and health care sector plays in society.
Sisu, sauna and student community were memorable
Participants highlighted the Finnish concept of sisu in their feedback, describing it as a new way of understanding resilience, perseverance and coping with challenges. Shared experiences, such as the sauna evening in Siikaniemi, also emphasized the importance of nature, sense of community and recovery, well-being and professional resilience.
The shared spaces at LAB's Lahti campus and the focus on student well-being sparked interest among the participants. International students also shared their experiences of living and studying in Finland, which provided valuable perspectives for other students and the event organizers.
Collaboration strengthens visibility
The intensive week highlighted both the similarities and differences in social and health care work across countries. At the same time, the participants found new ways to examine their own work and develop their professional skills.
International discussions reinforced the perception that the importance of the social and health care sector is recognized and highly valued in Finland. At the same time, discussions highlighted the need to further raise the visibility of social and health care work both nationally and internationally.
Text and photos
Juha Roslakka and Marika Norta,
Lecturers at the Faculty of Health Care at LAB University of Applied Sciences