Originally, Finland was not on the cards for the Spanish PhD student Antonio Jerez looking for a research internship abroad. Through a series of consequences, Antonio nevertheless ended up in Tampere and at TAMK. Looking back at the three months, the research internship has reshaped both Antonio's academic thinking and his view of how technology, pedagogy and wellbeing go hand in hand. Through UNINOVIS, Antonio discovered not only cutting-edge wellbeing technology, but also a new way of working — and living.
Antonio Jerez Cordoncillo
PhD student, University of Málaga
January – April 2026
Three-month research internship at TAMK
Wellness Technologies and Systems
UNINOVIS Excellence Hub at TAMK, Finland
Dr. Arja Halkoaho
Supervisor, Professor of Practice in P4 medicine
From Málaga to Tampere via UNINOVIS
Antonio Jerez Cordoncillo, a PhD student from the University of Málaga (UMA), arrived in Tampere in January 2026 for a three-month long research internship at TAMK. An engineer by training, Antonio's academic interests lie at the intersection of technology, health and social care — particularly in how technological solutions can improve the quality of life for the elderly people, as he himself puts it. During his time at TAMK Antonio has mainly been collaborating with teachers and research staff from the fields of health care and wellbeing technology, with Dr. Arja Halkoaho, a newly appointed Professor of Practice in P4 medicine, as his supervisor.
Funny enough, Finland was not Antonio's first choice for an exchange destination. Not even second, to be exact. He had never been to Finland and knew nothing about Tampere or TAMK.
Originally, my plan was to go to Canada with my second option being Germany.
All this changed in November 2025 when Antonio attended a presentation about the UNINOVIS European University Alliance held at the University of Málaga. There he met the local UNINOVIS coordinator, Ignacio Moreno Torres, and learned about research opportunities available within the alliance, including laboratory work within emerging Excellence Hubs. It was in his discussions with Torres that Finland came up.
Choosing Finland — a decision driven by wellbeing technology
For Antonio, the decision to come to TAMK was ultimately easy. Finland's reputation as a pioneer in health and wellbeing technology played a decisive role.
It was really the well-tech aspect that wooed me. Finland is considered a frontrunner in this field, and technological solutions are widely used in society here.
Although doing an internship is not mandatory for his doctoral studies, Antonio emphasizes the importance of international experience.
If you want an international certification and a strong CV, going abroad is essential.
After discovering the opportunities offered through UNINOVIS, Antonio abandoned his earlier plans and chose Finland and TAMK. Once the process started, things moved quickly. The application included several rounds and extensive paperwork. While the bureaucracy felt overwhelming at times, Antonio praises the support he received.
"The international office staff at both UMA and TAMK were simply wonderful. Without their help and guidance, it would have been very difficult for me to fill in all the necessary documents."
Antonio was also lucky to meet some TAMK wellbeing lab staff before his arrival in Finland. Kirsi Mansikkamäki and Ida Nikkola, both representing TAMK's Faculty of Social Services and Health Care, visited Málaga in late 2025. Meeting Kirsi and Iida in person paved the way for Antonio's research exchange and through them Antonio got introduced to his future supervisor, Dr. Arja Halkoaho.
The impact of these kinds of academic visits is sometimes downplayed, but I feel they are very important. Real things happen when people are 20 centimeters apart, not in Teams or Zoom. Whether the question is about planning a common research project, joint courses or mobility programs, presence matters.
Learning by doing was a pedagogical eye-opener
During his stay at TAMK, Antonio has learned a great deal not only about research, but also about Finnish pedagogy and work culture. He is particularly impressed by the participatory and user-centered approach.
"I had read about participatory design before," he says, "but it only really clicked here."
According to Antonio, involving people in the design of services and solutions is not just theory in Finland — it is everyday practice.
Pedagogy is different here. You need to involve people when creating something that affects them.
With aspirations to teach in the future, Antonio says he will take the Finnish pedagogical models with him back to Spain.
"I now understand how important it is to get students involved and invested in learning, instead of just pouring information into their heads."
Discovering the Finnish way of life
Moving 4,500 kilometers away from home was not an easy task. Antonio had never been to Finland before, and getting to know the new culture and language felt intimidating at first. Once again, TAMK's international office played a key role. They helped to find suitable accommodation, explained how to use public transport and introduced Antonio to some extracurricular activities offered at TAMK. All this made settling in Tampere easier.
They really were my saviors. For eight hours per day, I am a researcher, but for the remaining 16 hours I am a human being who wants to enjoy Finland and explore the local culture.
To a question what surprised him most about Finland, Antonio does not have to think for long.
"People's mindset," he answers without hesitation.
Antonio describes Finns as rational, solution-oriented and practical people.
I totally get why Finland was chosen as the happiest country in the world for the ninth consecutive year. Here people and their needs always come first. I admire that.
Taking the leap of faith
Before finishing off his internship, Antonio still has one academic article to finalize. In the article he analyses the differences between Spain and Finland in the use of technology in care settings. Reflecting on his time at TAMK, Antonio is unequivocal:
I will be eternally grateful for the knowledge and experience I have gained during these three months.
Antonio's advice to other students and young researchers considering an exchange abroad is clear.
"Get out of your comfort zone. Trust the process and be brave. The bureaucracy can be overcome — you just need to ask for help. I don't regret doing it."
It is fair to conclude that through UNINOVIS, Antonio Jerez did more than complete a research internship. He has gained a new perspective on education, collaboration and wellbeing — one that he plans to carry with him far beyond Tampere.