On 5 December representatives Sara Sternberg and Maija Koivunen from Finland’s Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) visited the Faculty of Medicine of Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI). During the visit, representatives of both higher education institutions shared insights and discussed a very important issue – the possibilities and expectations of a double diploma in the Oral Hygiene study programme.

Kauno kolegija HEI and Tampere University of Applied Sciences have been cooperating for a long time. The institutions share ideas and insights, and Tampere University of Applied Sciences is a partner institution of Kauno kolegija HEI, with which we aim to further strengthen and develop cooperation.

One of the main strategic goals of the Kauno kolegija HEI is to increase the internationality of the institution’s activities, therefore, to strengthen and develop international cooperation, the Department of Oral Health of the Faculty of Medicine is interested in offering students enriching, relevant and extensive experiences to achieve a high-quality and unique study experience in both institutions.

With representatives from Tampere University of Applied Sciences, the advantages of the double diploma in the Oral Hygiene study programme were discussed, the nuances and compatibility of the study subjects were combined, the differences were distinguished, and other issues related to the double diploma programme were resolved.

The Faculty of Medicine of Kauno kolegija HEI became familiar with the possibilities of double degree study programmes in 2022 when a double degree agreement was concluded with the Finnish XAMK University of Applied Sciences in the General Practice Nursing study programme. Vilma Rastenienė, head of quality development, also participated in the meeting with representatives of Tampere University of Applied Sciences regarding the preparation of a double diploma in the Oral Hygiene study programme. She shared her experience and meaningful insights she accumulated while preparing for the double diploma of General Practice Nursing study programme.

Daiva Mačiulienė, head of the Department of Oral Health, does not hide that the implementation of the double diploma of Oral Hygiene study programme is not only a happy but also a responsible decision. “We aim to prepare and offer students unique experiences that open up a wide range of options after graduation. We look at the preparation for this responsible step with our partners as an opportunity that will deepen the study programme not only from the point of view of science but also from the experience side,” says Daiva Mačiulienė.