Elizaveta Arzamastseva
I work as an international coordinator working with students enrolled in international bachelor's and master's degree programmes at JYU. I first came to JYU as an international student myself, and now I have the privilege of supporting and guiding our current international degree students throughout their whole journey, from the moment they apply to JYU till the moment they graduate.
My role is quite diverse, but the core responsibilities are focused on helping students to relocate to Jyväskylä and settle in, residence permit matters, tuition fee and scholarship-related matters, and developing the services in these areas.
From student exchange to master’s degree at JYU
I first came to JYU as an exchange student in 2013, while studying contemporary history and international relations at St. Petersburg University. Being immersed in a new cultural environment and making friends from all over the world sparked my interest in intercultural communication and inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in that field. I considered both JYU and the University of Helsinki, where I was also on exchange, and ultimately chose JYU for its strong sense of community and the warm, welcoming atmosphere for students.
Being a degree student, especially from a non-EU country, came with its challenges, but we formed a close-knit community and supported one another through it all. I was also deeply engaged in my studies and was looking into applying the theoretical knowledge in practice. I volunteered at the local multicultural center, worked on intercultural event marketing projects, and joined the local branch of the international organization AIESEC.
Dream job at the International Office
It was when I became a tutor for new international students that I realized I wanted to work at the International Office, supporting students and helping them navigate the challenges of moving to a new environment. I was thrilled to receive a six-month internship there and absolutely loved my time in the role.
After graduation, I held two temporary positions, substituting for an international coordinator and a study secretary, until I heard about an opening for a new role at the International Office. Back when I was a student, there was no dedicated coordinator for international degree students. Now, I had the chance to bring my academic knowledge, previous experience, and the ideas and conversations I’d shared with peers to life.
I got my dream job, returned to the International Office team, and I’ve been working in this role for almost three years now.
Meaningful work with an impact on international students’ lives
My typical day involves planning and brainstorming, preparing various materials and presentations with my colleague, responding to students’ questions via the HelpJYU portal, and attending meetings with other teams, departments, and external partners. This role requires a great deal of collaboration and coordination, which keeps things dynamic and engaging.
What motivates me during difficult moments at work is thinking about the students, their stories, their journeys, and the impact this job has on their lives.
I also draw strength from the people who supported me during my own challenging times and empowered me to push through. And of course, my teammates’ wisdom and humor never fail to lift my spirits and keep me going.
I see my job as meaningful, having a direct impact on international students. It motivates me to constantly seek new approaches and think out of the box to find solutions, as there are many challenges to overcome. I also like that there are so many possibilities for development, trying out new things, building new services, and cooperating with old and new partners.
