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Building social networks is vital for intercultural exchange and growth

Published on 25.2.2022
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
TAMK student ambassadors
The Friend Programme helps international students to meet Tampere locals and grow their social networks in a warm and welcoming environment. Application period ends on 28 February 2022.

Over the years, the numbers of incoming international students have been steadily growing. However, the need to help international students enter the Finnish society and remain here after graduation has been understood on a national level. 

TAMK is constantly developing various programmes that assist international students in becoming comfortable in their new environment and entering Finnish society. Such a programme is the Friend Programme, which creates a welcoming environment for international students to meet the Tampere locals for mutual cultural exchange.

Through the Friend Programme, TAMK international students can immerse into the Finnish culture faster and easier. Simultaneously, the people of Tampere can experience other cultures and internationalize without traveling.

”We’ve always received encouraging feedback from both students and families participating in the programme. Especially with the difficulties imposed by the pandemic and current events, we hope the programme will bring people closer together,” comments Mirja Onduso, TAMK Social Counselor for international students.

TAMK students and Tampere locals can apply to participate by Monday 28 February 2022.
The programme starts on 14 March 2022 with the opening event for everyone to meet and begin this journey of intercultural exploration.

Read the full story on TAMK International Blog.

Learn more about the Friend Programme here.

For more information:

Ursula Helsky
Talent Boost – Study and Stay programme
ursula.helsky [at] tuni.fi (ursula[dot]helsky[at]tuni[dot]fi)
+358 40 708 8749

Mirja Onduso
Social Counselling for International Students
socialcounsellor.tamk [at] tuni.fi (socialcounsellor[dot]tamk[at]tuni[dot]fi)
+358 50 329 5224

 

Text and photograph: Dimitra Panopoulou-Huovila