The University of Turku wants to contribute to its international staff's accompanying family settling-in well in Turku. Here you can find information and ideas on how to arrange your family-matters, and what to do in order to develop a social network in Turku.
Buddy programme is aimed to facilitate newcomers, both new recruits and their spouses, to settle in Turku. You can request a buddy who can be your first local friend with whom you can discuss and meet informally.
Read more of the buddy programme and sign up!
Would you like free advice on matters such as work-life, housing, networking, Finnish language studies and City of Turku services including child care and free time activities? Try soft-landing service provided by International House Turku! With an advisor, you can make a plan for your steps in Turku according to your needs.
You can book an appointment with an advisor when you have arrived in Turku or even you are still abroad planning your move.
As an international resident in Turku, you are welcome to take part in a coffee gathering organized by International House Turku! It’s a great chance to meet other internationals, staff from International House Turku and learn new about Turku, upcoming events and other different themes.
Check out the times and join Piispisperjantai!
International House Turku provides a programme for migrant women who are currently integrating to Turku and taking care for children under the age of 3 at home. Actitivities include introducing Finnish language and civic skills.
See more and join here!
There are a variety of different Finnish courses organized in Turku. You can find an extensive list of options here.
- Aurala Civil College: organizes different levels of Finnish language courses starting in the beginning and middle of semester.
- Finnish Adult Education Center of Turku offers Finnish language courses from beginner's to advanced levels.
- Turku Summer Univeristy organises Finnish language courses for foreigners throughout the year enabling students to study the whole year without a pause. The course selection includes courses suitable for beginners as well as for more advanced students.
- Turku Evening High School offers Upper Secondary Education for Adults. Finnish for Foreiger's courses are targeted for those who are not offered these language courses by any other organization.
- Linnasmäki college: Finnish language courses for beginners and advanced level, during the academic year. Access to courses through the TE Services (Employment Office).
- Paasikivi Institute: Finnish language courses, also summer courses. Unfortunately, no courses for beginners.
- Language café orgaized by Red Cross at the main library in Turku
- For immigrant mothers: Mother group
- For women: Daisy Ladies
- Expat Finland - The Finland Guidebook
Information about summer schools and courses, online courses, as well as dictionaries and exercises.
Special tip: download Finnish Pass mobile app developed by University of Turku and start learning Finnish whenever convenient for you!
More information online:
Kieliboosti: for self-study materials, tips for language learning at work, tools for planning and guiding language learning as well as pedagogical materials.
More information about studying Finnish language at other institutions can be found from finnishcourses.fi.
Talent Turku events
The services related to attracting, receiving and integrating international experts and their families are gathered on the Talent Turku platform and provided by Turku Business Region.
Expat Turku Network
The Network welcomes all foreigners with a higher education degree living in Turku and willing to integrate among the Turku community. After-work events are organised, such as monthly meetings, cultural activities and other leisure activities.
International Working Women of Finland ry
The association has started as a Facebook digital networking group to allow ladies of all walks of life to connect and support each other in their employment journey in Finland.
Culture and sports services in Turku
The City of Turku offers many different activities and facilities for culture and sports.
Simhe of University of Turku offers study and career guidance to immigrants living in Finland with higher education background or plans to study in higher education. Guidance can also include information about facilities to learn Finnish.