Anders Adlercreutz of the Swedish People’s Party was appointed as Finland’s Minister of Education on 5 July 2024. Reflecting on his experience as a former exchange student in Portugal in 1987, he highlights the importance of leaving one’s comfort zone to understand diversity and internationalism. Adlercreutz emphasised that exchange students should tolerate uncertainty, embrace differences and see the value in diversity, concluding that these qualities are more essential than ever in today’s context.  

Given the demographic changes in Finland, Adlercreutz’s advocacy for international student mobility is timely. Tuomas Kauppinen, CEO and co-founder of Edunation, is optimistic about the minister’s vision of international education and mobility and stated that his commitment is promising for the educational landscape. Kauppinen mentioned labour shortages and the aging population as key challenges in the Finnish context, leading to economic stagnation. Like many other experts’, Kauppinen stressed that international students and talent are vital for the nation’s future.  

Kauppinen concluded that in his new role as Minister of Education, Adlercreutz has the potential to foster and advocate the necessary developments in Finland’s approach to international education, fostering an environment where international education can thrive, benefitting both students and the nation.  

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