Would you like to get to know new people
from different cultures or offer a window into local culture? Sign in for Friend Programme!
The Friend Programme is both for…
International students
The Finnish Friend Programme does not only offer you an opportunity to experience everyday Finnish life and culture but also helps to adapt to new surroundings by connecting with a welcoming Finnish friend. You will be matched with a local from the Rovaniemi region to then share your culture with each other and spend time together.
And local friends
Being a friend of an international student is a great, low-threshold, opportunity for local students, families and friends alike to get to know and learn about foreign culture and language. Activities through Friend Programme enable e.g. an informal and individual way to practice speaking of a foreign language and getting to know each other's culture.
As your new international friend has just arrived to Finland and Rovaniemi, he/she is currently trying to build his local network and getting used to living in Rovaniemi. Therefore, it would be important that you start your meetings right in the beginning of the semester after the Friend Programme has started.
Why to participate?
As an international student get the chance to:
- make new (local!) friends;
- expand your horizons;
- get to see life from the perspective of locals;
- learn more about the Finnish everyday life and culture;
- learn Finnish or other language;
- be an ambassador of your home country;
- have lots of fun.
"I am totally satisfied with my friend family programme and would not hesitate to recommend my friend to join this programme hoping that they are lucky enough to meet a very nice family as I was." - former exchange student
As a local friend you:
- can strengthen the local culture by introducing it to a foreign/international student. Finnish and local customs can appear in a whole new light;
- practice or strengthen your language skills;
- learn new things about a foreign culture;
- might already know a local guide when visiting your friend´s home country.
Who can join?
All international students coming to the University of Lapland for an Exchange or a degree are welcome to join the program.
The Friend programme is suitable for families, individuals or friends who are willing to spend time with an international student, invite them (once in a while) to participate to ordinary, everyday life in Finland and to keep contact with the international student according to their own resources and interests.
Being a (local) friend requires nothing more than an open mind and interest in other cultures!