Friendship brings cultures together – international students experience Finland from a local’s perspective
The Friendship Programme is a volunteer initiative organized by HAMK. Its goal is to connect international students with local individuals, families, and communities. The program is open to anyone interested in learning about new cultures and helping students integrate into Finnish society.
The Friendship Programme brings people together
Through the Friendship Programme, international students can experience everyday life and culture in Finland while building a support network and forming meaningful relationships during their studies.
For local friends, it offers the chance to meet people from around the world, practice language skills, learn about different cultures, and simply enjoy time together.
Hanna’s family’s experience with the Friendship Programme
Hanna has taken part in the Friendship Programme as a local family. Over time, her family has met several international students and shared everyday moments with them.
“Together we went out for coffee and kicksledding in winter, for example. International students also attended my daughter’s graduation party.”…
-Hanna van der Steen
Having been an exchange student in France herself, and with a Dutch husband, Hanna knows how valuable local connections can be in a new country.
“When I was studying abroad, having a local to guide me through the integration process changed everything”… “made me feel like I belonged, even in a place that was totally new.”
-Hanna van der Steen
Why is the friendship program important?
Many international students find it difficult to get to know Finns during their studies. The friendship program offers an easy way to make genuine connections and better understand Finnish culture.
The program enriches the lives of both, internationals and locals and builds bridges between cultures.
How to join the friendship program
If you want to join the Friendship Programme:
- Fill in the registration form on the HAMK Friendship Programme webpage: International friendship -programme – HAMK
- If the organisers find a suitable friend for you, they will contact you and let you know when the kick-off event will be held. This is when all Friendship Programme participants meet their new friends.
- After the first meet-up, you can decide together how and when you will meet. The programme is flexible and based on voluntary participation.
- For more information, contact the HAMK Friendship Programme campus contact persons.
You can watch the full interview in Finnish below:
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.
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