Agricultural Traineeship in North Savo, Finland
Agricultural Traineeships in Finland – Hollannista Savoon Project
A supported traineeship programme for international agricultural students
This page is part of the Hollannista Savoon (From the Netherlands to Northern Savo) project, which promotes international agricultural traineeships on Finnish farms. The project connects agricultural students with host farms in Finland and offers a structured and supported way to gain hands-on experience in Nordic agriculture.
The project is implemented in cooperation with Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Töitä Suomesta Oy, together with regional host farms. This means trainees have local support available during their stay in Finland and are not left alone if questions or challenges arise.
The aim of the project is to offer agricultural students well organised traineeships with local support in Finland. Students gain practical experience on real farms while having access to local guidance and support throughout their traineeship period.
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Agricultural Traineeships in Northern Savo, Finland
Finland offers a unique learning environment for agricultural students. Compared to Central Europe, farming conditions, rhythms and structures are different. These differences create strong learning opportunities for students who want to broaden their understanding of modern agriculture.
The host farms
The host farms are located in North Savo and represent different types of Finnish agriculture, including dairy, beef and organic production.
Each farm offers a slightly different learning environment, but all share a commitment to responsible farming, animal welfare and providing meaningful traineeship experiences.
» Farm: JÄÄSKELÄN TILA
» Farm: KYRÖNNIEMEN MAATILA
» Farm: MAATILA LIND OY
» Farm: PIRTTILAMPI OY
» Farm: RAUHALA FARM OY
How to apply for a traineeship
If you are interested in a traineeship, please contact the farm directly. The farm owner will provide more information about the traineeship, practical arrangements and availability. You can find the contact details of the farm entrepreneurs on the individual farm pages linked above.
Why Finland is different?
Finnish agriculture operates under very different conditions than in many other European countries. Farms work with lower stocking densities, strong biosecurity practices and a high focus on animal health and welfare.
Clean natural conditions, grass based feeding systems and clear seasonal variation shape everyday farm work. For students, this means learning to understand farming systems that balance efficiency, sustainability and animal welfare in challenging Nordic conditions.
A short but intensive growing season
Agriculture in Finland follows a very different rhythm than in Central Europe. The growing season is short but intensive, which means that many key farming operations take place within a limited time frame.
Field work typically begins in early May, and the first silage cut often takes place in early June. During this period, a lot happens in a short time. For agricultural students, this creates an opportunity to experience many important stages of crop and forage production during one traineeship.
Because farms in North Savo represent different production types and development stages, students can see a wide range of farming practices in a relatively short time.
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Why North Savo?
North Savo is one of Finland’s key agricultural regions. The area has a high number of active farms, including dairy, beef and organic production, as well as farms of different sizes and development stages.
Distances between farms are relatively short. This makes it possible for trainees to see and learn from different types of farms during their stay, either through visits, networks or shared activities.
For an agricultural student, North Savo offers a broad overview of Finnish agriculture in practice, not just one production model.
Hands on Learning
Real work on real farms
As a trainee, you are part of the farm team. Traineeships are hands on and practical, not observational.
Depending on the farm and your background, you may learn about
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dairy or beef cattle production
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animal care and welfare practices
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grass and crop production during a short growing season
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use of farm machinery
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everyday farm routines and organisation
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decision making in Nordic farming conditions
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The aim is to provide meaningful work experience that supports your studies and professional development.
Looking beyond a traineeship
SAFETY AND SUPPORT
You are not alone during your traineeship
The traineeships are organised as part of the Hollannista Savoon project. The project connects international students with Finnish farms in a structured and supported way.
The project is implemented in cooperation with Savonia University of Applied Sciences and Töitä Suomesta Oy.
This means that trainees have local support available during their stay in Finland. If any issues arise, trainees can contact the project partners, who are familiar with the farms, the region and the traineeship arrangements.
The goal is to ensure that traineeships are safe, well organised and beneficial for both students and host farms.
People behind the project
When applying for a traineeship, students are encouraged to contact the host farms directly. The farms are responsible for the traineeship content and everyday practical arrangements.
If you have general questions about the traineeships, living in Finland, or the application process, the project team is also available to support you. The people working in the project can help with guidance, coordination and practical questions related to the traineeship experience.
Below you can find the contact details of the project team.
mika.repo@savonia.fi
anu.tiikkainen@savonia.fi
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elina.vehvilainen-liikka@savonia.fi
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riikka.koskinen@toitasuomesta.fi
What makes North Savo special for an international trainee
North Savo offers an authentic experience of Finnish everyday life, combining agriculture, nature and a strong regional community. The region is known for its welcoming atmosphere, safe environment and high quality of life. It is easy to settle in, get around and feel part of local life.
Nature is an essential part of daily living in North Savo. The region is surrounded by lakes, forests and open countryside. Outdoor activities are accessible all year round. Swimming in lakes, hiking, cycling, berry picking and enjoying quiet nature are typical Finnish experiences that many international trainees find memorable.
Sauna culture is deeply rooted in the region. Lakeside saunas, public saunas and sauna evenings with locals are common. Sauna is not only about relaxation but also about social connection and sharing time together.
Kuopio is the largest city in North Savo and an important university city. It offers cafés, restaurants, a market square, cultural events and sports facilities. The Kuopio Market Hall is a great place to explore Finnish food culture. Even trainees living in rural areas often visit Kuopio for leisure and services.
Tahko is one of Finland’s best known leisure and holiday destinations and is located within the region. It offers skiing and snowboarding in winter, and hiking, mountain biking, lake activities and events in summer. Tahko also has restaurants, cafés and seasonal festivals.
North Savo is well connected to the rest of Finland. Helsinki and other cities are easy to reach by train, making it simple to travel during your traineeship.
Why choose Finland and North Savo for an agricultural traineeship
Finnish agriculture differs clearly from Central European farming systems. Lower production intensity, clean natural conditions and strong biosecurity practices create a unique learning environment.
Finland has one of the best animal health situations in the EU. Many animal diseases common elsewhere in Europe are rare or absent. This is based on strict hygiene, preventive practices and careful monitoring at farm level, offering valuable practical experience in responsible livestock production.
In North Savo, farming is strongly based on grass production, on farm feed and sustainable land use. Compared to the Netherlands, farms typically have lower stocking densities and more land per animal, supporting animal welfare and long term soil health.
A traineeship in North Savo offers hands on experience of Nordic agriculture, combining modern technology, high food safety standards and a close connection to nature.
About the project
The Hollannista Savoon (From the Netherlands to Northern Savo) project fosters cooperation between Dutch agricultural students and Northern Savo farms in Finland. It aims to strengthen international exchange, enhance awareness and skills, and build pathways for traineeships and work placements on farms. The project also compiles information about regional agriculture in English to support international engagement. The initiative is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Pohjois-Savo ELY Centre, with additional support from Olvisäätiö and participating farms.
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