Friendship Programme Stories: Katri made friends for life
HAMK’s Friendship Programme brings international students and locals together through everyday experiences. Katri’s story shows how small moments can turn into lasting friendships.
This voluntary programme pairs students with individuals, families, or professionals to share everyday life—through cooking, hiking, attending events, or simply talking. These experiences help students understand Finnish culture while giving locals a glimpse into global perspectives.
More than just an exchange, the programme builds genuine connections and a sense of community for everyone involved.
Katri made meaningful relations fast
Katri Nordman joined the HAMK Friendship Programme on a friend’s recommendation and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly meaningful connections developed. Her friendships with international students grew naturally through everyday free-time activities like picnics, chatting on WhatsApp, and dining out together. She made friends especially with chinese Jing Wang, Achini Sewwandi Gunathunga from Sri Lanka and Quyen Pham, who is originally from Vietnam, but also has Finnish citizenship.
Jing studies Information and Communication Technology, Robotics, Achini Sewwandi Gunathunga is student in Sustainable Urban Design -Degree Programme and Quyen studies nursing.
One memorable moment with her friends was when her friends visited her home, and she introduced them to Finnish sauna culture and experience. Katri also mentioned that she made some cheerful, open-minded and courageous friends through this program, with whom she has built a friendship for a lifetime.
“This requires nothing more than an open mind.”
She also said that if she and her friends had more time, they would definitely hang out more and that it has been so rewarding for her to spend time with those happy young people.
Katri’s story shows how the HAMK Friendship Programme can spark connections that can last a lifetime. With just a bit of time and openness, participants often form meaningful friendships that bridge cultural differences. Whether you’re a student or a local resident, the programme is a chance to learn from others, share everyday experiences, and help build a more connected community! One conversation at a time.
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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