Brother´s tip led Sofia studying Tourism in English at SAMK
Sofia Hilli studies Tourism in English for the second year in the degree programme of International Tourism Management. One of her future dreams is entrepreneurship.
Sofia´s route to studies in tourism started by a tip given by her brother. Sofia´s previous education includes waitress´s vocational qualification, massage therapist´s vocational competence and personal trainer´s education. However, tourism became number one. Sofia has experience in the field all the way from South Africa, where she worked in a travel agency in Cape Town.
Applying for studies was easy as the entrance exam was online, after which she got an invitation to the interview. In April 2018 the student place was confirmed. Sofia feels that the studies have been challenging in a good way and she has especially liked the combination of concrete and written assignments. A good example of this is the experiment of St. Olav´s route (Pyhän Olavin reitti) carried out last autumn, with a report written on it later. The studies contain plenty of distance working and individual studying.
Interest in entrepreneurship
At SAMK students have a possibility to get help to establish their own enterprises by support from Enterprise Accelerator.
– We already have three entrepreneurs in my family, so that may the reason for my positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, Sofia tells us when pondering her future plans.
Practical training is included in the field, and Sofia would like to do it either in South Africa or somewhere in Europe, with Italy and Spain as possible countries. Doing practical training makes sense because language skills are very important in tourism.
Sofia recommends the degree programme for all interested in tourism.
– Challenge yourself to study in English, Sofia encourages everyone.
Find out more about Tourism education 
Who? Sofia Hilli
Degree programme: International Tourism Development (nowadays International Tourism Management)
Dream: Entrepreneurship
Read more
Read more
Our students will be employed: Ridma Senanayake’s Path from Sri Lanka to Nursing in Finland
When Ridma Senanayake first thought about leaving her established career in Sri Lanka, it wasn't an easy decision. But the idea of lifelong learning and the possibility of starting a new career at any age in Finland sparked her motivation. – Nursing was on my priority list, she recalls
Our students will be employed: Jichen Lu’s Journey from Tourism Studies to Marketing
When Jichen Lu watched Frozen 2, she never imagined it would inspire her to choose Finland. What began as a fascination with snowflakes, Santa Claus and the Northern Lights soon became a life-changing decision, leading her to SAMK, a degree in International Tourism Management and a career in marketing.
Application period begins on Monday – SAMK offers a wide range of degree programmes in Finnish and English
The application period for universities of applied sciences will take place from 1 to 11 September 2025. At SAMK, applicants can choose from a diverse selection of degree programmes in both Finnish and English. Studies will begin at the start of 2026.