Lahti University of Applied Sciences


Image of Lake in Lahti
KU Visual Art students specializing in Metalsmithing and Jewelry can study in Lahti, Finland.
Location: Lahti, Finland
Language of Instruction: English
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Study art and design in Lahti, a university town 60 miles north of Helsinki
  • Gain professional experience in metalsmithing and jewelry
  • Live in student apartments near campus
  • Classes taught in English

KU Visual Art students specializing in Metalsmithing and Jewelry can spend the spring semester in Lahti, Finland. Fall semester placements may also be available depending on studio space. Students in other areas of Visual Arts and Design are also welcome to apply, subject to the availability of studio space in the Faculty of Design at Lahti and approval of the appropriate KU academic department.

Lahti is a town of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, and it is located 60 miles north of Helsinki, the Finnish capital. The centre of Lahti lies in a bowl-like valley formed by the Salpausselkä Hills. Located by Lake Vesijärvi it is a gateway to the Finnish lake district where inland waterways dominate the landscape. The university has an enrollment of approximately 4,700 students. The university's academic emphasis is on initiative, individuality and teamwork, with active cooperation with business and industry as an active part of a Lahti degree. Interested students should contact Prof. Jon Havener in the Department of Visual Art for more information.

Lahti courses and grades will be posted as KU equivalents on your KU transcript and grades will figure into your KU GPA. The relevant KU academic department will make the final decision regarding posting of credit and grades, and their application toward graduation.

To learn about selecting courses at Lahti see Lahti University of Applied Sciences Course Selection Guide (.docx)

Students live in a 2-3 bedroom student apartments two miles from campus.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Metalsmithing/Jewelry majors with at least a 2.5 GPA and permission from the KU Department of Visual Arts. Students in other areas of Visual Arts and Design are also welcome to apply, subject to the availability of studio space in the Faculty of Design at Lahti.

Program Cost for Semester in Lahti