Student exchange opportunities for theatre and performing arts students — Practical and helpful tips

25.3.2025 0 Like 0 kommenttia

Student ambassador Chen from the Theatre Academy talks you through the student mobility opportunities for theatre and performing arts students at Uniarts.

Among the opportunities available for theatre and performing arts students at Uniarts Helsinki, one gem I think is worth knowing about is the chance to participate in a short or long exchange with a partner university in the Nordic and Baltic regions. With the Norteas Nordplus network, you can study a course, take part in a collaborative project, or engage in another learning opportunity at a partner institution. These exchanges are usually arranged with a grant that helps cover basic costs like flights and accommodation, depending on where you are traveling to.

I am Chen Nadler, a master’s student in choreography at the Theatre Academy Helsinki, and a student ambassador, now in my second and final year of studies. Through this post, I want to share how the Norteas Nordplus network works for those interested in applying. I also hope to give practical tips for navigating the application process, sharing from my own experience as an artist who was new to the Nordic scene and found this opportunity to be incredibly enriching.

As a student that received the grant and used the short exchange option, from my perspective, what I find truly meaningful is how student exchange supports in opening up artistic perspectives, deepening critical thinking, and offering space for reflection and growth. Over time, these exchanges can create bridges for future collaborations, friendships, and artistic dialogues.

This blog is meant to give a smooth intro to those possibilities and create a comfortable platform to get familiar with this opportunity.  In my short term exchange, I participated in a course about Failure within the Iceland University of Arts. This course was held for one week where I joined another group of mater’s students in performing arts, explored new methods and concepts, and enjoyed the spectacular Reykjavik in March 2025. When I had free time, I also visited some natural sites, walked next to the ocean and enjoyed the old city. For more detailed info about my artistic and cultural adventure as part of the short exchange, you can visit the blog dedicated to it:

Practical details about the grant, important links, and tips

What?

The Nordplus network for Nordic and Baltic performing arts institutions in higher education allows theatre and performing arts students from partner universities to apply for a grant to support mobility for studies or professional placements in any of the Nordic or Baltic countries, including autonomous regions like Åland, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland.

These mobility grants are awarded for studies or work placements abroad, and the duration can be from a minimum of one week (five working days) up to two months. If you are planning a longer exchange, it is recommended to apply through the Erasmus+ program, which supports longer-term mobilities.

This platform is designed to expand your artistic network, explore potential work environments, and meet other students and artists. You also get to experience different teaching methods, meet professors and discover other cultures, landscapes, and ways of living and creating art.

There are two main types of mobility grants available for performance and theatre students:

1. Erasmus+ — For longer exchanges (over 2 months).
2. Nordplus — For short-term and express exchanges (from 5 days to 2 months):
   • Express mobility / Short-term studies (1–3 weeks, minimum 5 days): Short exchanges meant to broaden artistic and academic perspectives.
   • Work placements (1–7 weeks): Professional experiences during or right after your studies, recognized as part of your degree if done while studying. You will need a mentor from the hosting institution to guide and sign off on your learning process.

For more information about Nordplus, check out: https://www.norteasnetwork.org/

When?

Each year, there is an open call for applications for long or short exchanges under the Norteas Nordplus network. This call is usually announced via student email lists and posted on the Uniarts website, so keep an eye out for these updates!

You can also find more information on the Students’ Uniarts website.

To whom?

These mobility grants are intended for theatre and performing arts degree students (BA/MA) at Norteas partner institutions, who want to study or work in another Nordplus country.

Some key points:

• If the exchange is during your studies, it must be recognized as part of your degree (using ECTS credits and a signed learning/training agreement).
• If you are applying for a work placement after graduation, all paperwork except for the certificate must be signed before graduating.

I want to apply! What do I need to do?

First, get familiar with the application timelines and consider when you would like to travel and for how long.

Start by researching courses, projects, or institutions that interest you. You can also create your own initiative — such as an artistic collaboration with another student or in the partners from Nordic or Baltic region. Once you have something in mind, contact the relevant person or institution directly via email. If you’re proposing a collaboration, explain your idea clearly and check if they are open to it.

Important: Every mobility needs to be approved by your home university and professors, so make sure to coordinate everything on time and check with them before you proceed.

Once you have an agreement (even an informal one) with a course or institution, you can fill out the application form. It’s easy to use and requires basic information, including:

• Your personal details.
• Information about the host institution and dates.
• A short explanation of the academic and artistic benefits of the exchange for your own practice and research — why this opportunity is meaningful for you, and how it connects to your studies, artistic practice, research.

Tips :)

• Prepare in advance — Make sure you know what course or project you want to join and confirm that it’s possible before applying. This makes your application stronger.
• Ask for help — Reach out to your department’s international affairs officer for guidance. They can help clarify the process and connect you with the right people both at Uniarts and the host institution.
• Check deadlines early — Contacting partners and organizing a trip takes time, so give yourself enough space to plan everything properly.
• Use online resources — Most information is available on the Norteas website and Uniarts international pages.

Here is the Uniarts International Office email for any concerns or questions: teak.international@uniarts.fi

That’s it,

If you are thinking of applying — I truly recommend it. This is a great opportunity for artistic growth, exploration, and connection, and also, a real adventure in a new place and context! As I’m also a student ambassador in the theatre academy, feel free to reach out (chen.nadler@uniarts.fi) if you want to know more or need help navigating the process!