Press release
12 Nov 2011, 7pm
Tuomas Paloposki was awarded the Best International Teacher prize of Aalto University Student Union (AYY) and Pamela Spokes was awarded the International Act of the Year prize for her work on providing health insurance for international students across Finland.
Doctor Tuomas Paloposki from Aalto Department of Energy Technology was awarded the Best International Teacher prize based on descriptions collected from students. The Best International Teacher prize is awarded to a teacher or instructor teaching in a language other than Finnish or Swedish.
Paloposki was particularly applauded for getting the Finnish and international students to work together and for his skills in using the diversity of a group as an advantage. Students also praised him for combining theory in practical exercises, initiating lively discussion, his captivating teaching manner and exemplary use of feedback to develop teaching.
The International Act of the Year prize was awarded to Pamela Spokes working in the international relations team, who acted swiftly and decisively to achieve health insurance for international students. The unavailability of a comprehensive and affordable insurance has been a major problem for many international students coming from outside the EU and EEA countries. The Finnish student movement has promoted the group insurance-based solution for several years. AYY is particularly pleased that Aalto also invited other Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences to participate in the process. This has improved the situation of international students in a number of higher education institutions across Finland.
AYY granted both prizes this year for the first time. ”With these prizes, AYY wishes to draw attention to the importance of high-quality internationalisation of Aalto students. The quality of teaching in English and the well-being of international students require continuous effort from the University”, emphasises AYY’s Chairperson Saara Hyrkkö.
The prizes will be awarded in the international celebration at Aalto Design Factory on 12 Nov, 7pm.
Aalto University Student Union AYY is the service and advocacy organisation for approximately 15,000 Aalto University students. AYY acts as the advocate of its members in academic and social affairs, in particular.
Further information:
Hanna Sauli, Specialist, International Affairs. international@ayy.fi, tel. 050 520 9446.
Doctor Tuomas Paloposki, Department of Energy Technology, Aalto University. tuomas.paloposki@aalto.fi, tel. +358 9 470 23605.
Pamela Spokes, Manager, International Student Recruitment, Aalto University. pamela.spokes@aalto.fi, tel. +358 401843391.