International coding school kood/Sisu opens new hybrid campus in Finland –Application for free coding education starts in July
International and free coding school kood/Sisu has opened its new campus in Kuopio, Finland. The hybrid and business-driven school collaborates closely across the Baltic Sea with the Estonian Coding School.
The school's new campus covers over 650 square meters, specifically designed to meet the needs of software developers. The campus is open to students around the clock, and it has various workspaces, a large kitchen and event area, and a separate zone for visitors from the school’s partner companies.
kood/Sisu, established in Finland in 2023, offers intensive studies in close cooperation with companies, in an international environment, and in diverse teams. kood/Sisu stands out from traditional educational institutions as the studies are conducted on an online platform where students solve practical project tasks independently and collaboratively. Learning is self-directed, with no classes, teachers, or classrooms.
Studying at the coding school is free of charge, and studies can be completed remotely, or on-site in Kuopio, or hybrid.
"I definitely plan to study on-site. I like the ability to co-operate with other students and the school premises fit that idea very well. While it's often nice to avoid the commute, it's difficult to study with a cat settling on your laptop,” laughs Stef Van Carpels, a student who moved from Belgium to Finland eight years ago.
"The campus turned out to be as versatile as planned. They support both focused work and more relaxed interactions and teamwork. We warmly welcome companies here as well. Our partners can work and network with students in the Business Lounge. Together, we also organize workshops where students can develop their skills in various areas. In the Kood/Talk sessions, we delve into inspiring career stories," explains Laura Nykänen, Head of kood/Sisu.
International Collaboration with Estonian Coding School
kood/Sisu shares a common learning platform and brand with the Estonian coding school kood/Jõhvi. The cooperation between the schools is part of the expansion of the //kood group.
"We see kood/Sisu as an important member of the //kood community on our road to an international network of regional coding schools. Both schools are launched to bring innovative coding education and new career opportunities to people in regional centers, driving interest and elevating economies. The cooperation potential, even in Europe, is tremendous,” says Taavet Hinrikus, one of the founders of kood/Jõhvi.
Multicultural Student Group Supporting Each Other
The first group of students at the coding school began their studies at the end of March. The group was selected through a two-phase application process and consists of 150 students representing 19 different nationalities. The students' age range is wide, with the youngest being 19 and the oldest 59 years old.
"We have a great group together. The students' motivation is very high. They have already established a student association that advocates for student interests, organizes leisure activities, and acts as a link between our team and the students. Some students have even moved to Kuopio because of the school, although it is possible to complete the studies remotely," says Nykänen.
Registration for the Next Sprints Begins in July
The next group of students will start their studies at the coding school in January 2025. To apply to the coding school, candidates must first pass an entrance test available on the school's website year-round. Those who pass the test will enter a three-week intensive selection period called a sprint.
The next sprints will be held in October and November at the school's campus. Registration for the sprints opens on July 12, with limited spots available.
"The Sprint was an incredibly diverse group of friendly people, all eager to learn, work, socialize and grow together. It was an eye-opening experience that showed me I'm capable of a lot more than I've ever thought. Coming from a background of sitting at home playing video games 14 hours a day, to having successful co-students compliment your work/performance is a humbling experience,” Van Carpels says.
Contact info:
Laura Nykänen
Head of School
laura.nykanen@koodsisu.fi
kood/Sisu, established in Kuopio, Finland in 2023, offers intensive studies in close cooperation with companies, in an international environment, and in diverse teams. kood/Sisu stands out from traditional educational institutions as the studies are conducted on an online platform where students solve practical project tasks independently and collaboratively. Learning is self-directed, with no classes, teachers, or classrooms. The language at the coding school is English. Studying at the coding school is free. Studies can be completed remotely, on-site in Kuopio, or hybrid. The founding members of the coding school include Istekki, Normet, Novapolis, Kuopio Region Chamber of Commerce, Osuma Personnel Services, OP Financial Group, Ponsse, and the Savo Consortium for Education. The South Savo ELY Centre funds the Koodi/Sisu – Coding School to Northern Savonia project from the European Social Fund (ESR+). www.koodsisu.fi
