Newcomer, Make Your First Months in Finland Feel Like Home
Friendly support, local tips, and warm chats await for you.
or
Volunteer as a local Buddy — No Superpowers Needed
Just your time, kindness, and local know-how. Make settling in smoother for someone new.
The Buddy Programme supports international staff members, long-term visitors, and their partners in settling in at the University of Turku and in Finland. A buddy is a volunteer – usually a university staff member, graduate student, or a friend of the university – who is willing to help newcomers during their first few months in Turku.
There are three buddy seasons, one in each autumn, winter and spring. Each period lasts approximately three months and typically begins shortly after the newcomer’s arrival.
Buddies offer informal, friendly support and may assist with practical matters such as:
showing where to buy groceries,
exploring the campus,
meeting up for a coffee, or
sharing local tips and information.
The nature and frequency of the meetings are flexible and decided by the buddy and the newcomer together.
Who Can Take Part?
Newcomers: International staff members, long-term visitors, and their partners can sign up and request a buddy, even before arriving in Finland.
Buddies: Anyone familiar with the University of Turku or the Turku region and interested in other cultures can volunteer as a buddy.
How to Join?
You can sign up for the Buddy Programme here. Please be careful when answering the first question concerning your role (a newcomer, a spouse or a local buddy). You can sign up anytime and you will be paired at the beginning of next season.
More information
The Buddy Programme is coordinated by Centralized HR Services.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to contact us at kvhr-tuki@utu.fi.
See also: