Friendship Programme Stories: Krista had a memorable dinner
Simple Connection Can Lead to Deep and Meaningful Friendship, says Katri, who participated HAMK´s International Friendship Programme.
Every year, HAMK (Häme University of Applied Sciences) welcomes hundreds of international students across its seven campuses. While studying in a new country is exciting, it can also be challenging—especially when trying to adjust to everyday Finnish life.
That’s where the HAMK Friendship Programme comes in. The idea is simple: connect international students with local residents and let friendships grow naturally.
Our backgrounds may differ, but our humanity is the same.
Krista met her new Sri Lankan friend Buddhini Shalika and her husband through the programme. Buddhini studies Professional Horticulture at HAMK. Since meeting eachother, they’ve shared coffee dates, visited winter festivals, and cooked for each other.
One dinner stands out. Her friend prepared a Sri Lankan meal but toned down the spice so Krista could enjoy it. It was a small gesture — but deeply thoughtful.
“At the end of the night, I left with a warm and good feeling. Our backgrounds may differ, but our humanity is the same,” Krista says.
Their friendship is more than shared activities. Krista helps her friend with the Finnish language and everyday tasks. In return, she’s gained new insights into her own culture — and made a true friend.
Krista believes more universities should offer similar programmes: “It supports student well-being and helps build inclusive communities.”
International Friendship Programme
- Connects local residents with HAMK’s international students
- Provides students with the opportunity to get acquainted with everyday Finnish life, culture, and local customs, thus expanding their support network in Finland.
- For those participating as local host friends, the program offers the chance to make new international friends, through whom they can explore different cultures, practice languages, or even engage in professional discussions.
