AI Fellowships in Finland: KTU Students’ Academic and Cultural Journey
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) bachelor’s students Deividas Žandaravičius and Justinas Juzumas recently participated in the Artificial Intelligence Fellowships programme at Tampere University (TAU). Both spent one month in Finland, where they deepened their knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and gained valuable academic and cultural insights.
Deividas and Justinas, who both study Intelligent Robotics Systems at KTU, were motivated to apply for the fellowship by their growing interest in AI. For Deividas, a computer vision module completed the previous year became a turning point, revealing a field he had not previously considered as a career path.
“Although we only covered the basics, it sparked my interest and motivated me to explore more advanced aspects of computer vision. When I learned about the Artificial Intelligence Fellowships programme at TAU, I felt it would be a perfect opportunity to deepen my understanding and gain experience with more complex computer vision concepts,” he says.
Similarly, Justinas discovered the vast potential of AI during an autumn semester module at KTU. “When I received the proposal to apply for this fellowship programme, I didn’t hesitate because I knew it would strongly improve my skills in this area,” he explains.
During their stay, both worked on AI-related projects in manufacturing. Deividas’ team focused on detecting car batteries using the YOLO algorithm (You Only Look Once), a real-time object detection system, while Justinas contributed to developing an AI tool for recognising the positioning of automotive batteries. Both projects required precise data preparation, which, as Deividas notes, “can be time-consuming but is essential for effective results.”
Cultural and Academic Insights
Immersing themselves in Finnish culture, both students quickly adapted to their new environment. Deividas appreciated the helpfulness of locals, emphasising the ease of communication, as English is widely spoken. For Justinas, the cultural differences, such as the Finnish tradition of drinking milk with meals, offered an intriguing glimpse into daily life.
“It was a bit strange at first to see that everyone drinks milk with their dinner, as it is not something I am used to, but I quickly adapted and found it quite interesting,” he says.
From an academic perspective, both found similarities between TAU and KTU, making the transition seamless. The collaborative environment also stood out. Deividas highlighted that working with peers from different backgrounds reinforced his belief that KTU students are well-prepared for global AI challenges.
“We should not underestimate ourselves. There is an abundance of information available across various AI modules, and we have the tools to explore and experiment with them independently,” he notes.
Justinas observed that, despite the university being quieter in July with fewer students and professors around, those present demonstrated how adaptable AI tools could be: “Even a small and relatively simple tool can make significant progress in a project.”
Skills Development and Recommendations
The fellowship proved invaluable in developing both technical and transferable skills. Deividas focused on mastering the YOLO algorithm and understanding the importance of avoiding biases in datasets, while Justinas honed his communication and problem-solving abilities. “I also became better at time management and adapting to new environments,” says Justinas.
Encouraging others to embrace similar opportunities, both students emphasised the unique benefits of the programme.
“Unlike a typical study exchange, there were no lectures, and we had the flexibility to decide with our colleagues when to work and set our own deadlines, allowing us to avoid a strict agenda. This flexibility gave me the opportunity to explore the city, travel around Finland, and still have enough time to focus on my work,” he shares.
Justinas highlighted the cultural exposure and knowledge exchange as key benefits, advising future participants to embrace the opportunity to broaden their understanding of AI in practice: “It is a terrific opportunity to experience different cultures and gain valuable insights from people in the field.”
The Artificial Intelligence Fellowships programme not only allowed Deividas and Justinas to deepen their expertise in AI but also enriched their academic and personal growth. Their experiences underscore the value of international collaboration and hands-on learning in shaping a global perspective on AI.