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Study & Stay Christmas party brought a warm atmosphere to the campus

Published on 12.12.2022
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Students during TAMK Christmas party.
Picture by Dulkith Hettiarachchi
At the Study & Stay Christmas party students made Christmas cards, decorated gingerbread, and got to know fellow students in a relaxed atmosphere at the Puolikuu hall of TAMK's main campus.

On Monday 28 November 2022, the Study & Stay programme coordinators in Tampere University of Applied Sciences organised a Christmas party for both international and Finnish students. This type of event was organised for the first time in 2021. This year, a team of students from TAMK's Social Services studies, who were interested in learning about event organisation and student wellbeing, was also involved in the process and received study credits. 

The event included festive food, live music performed by music students from TAMK, a chance to try the Spanish lottery tradition, and also Santa participated in the festivities. Over 100 students participated in the event giving positive feedback. In addition, there were visiting volunteers from the Finnish Red Cross and the Marhaban Center

“Such events are liked and needed as they help students grow their social networks and get familiar with the Finnish culture,” comments Laura Sairanen, Project Specialist and member of the Study & Stay project team. 

The Study & Stay Christmas event made it possible for international and Finnish students to meet.  

“As a hostess I gave the students one task: make one new friend. Networking is crucial for international students in terms of employment and establishing themselves in a new country. Creating social networks can lead to professional networks that help with future opportunities,” explains Ursula Helsky, Project Specialist and member of the Study & Stay project team.

Students during TAMK Christmas party.
Picture: Ursula Helsky

 
Study & Stay focuses on wellbeing and professional growth 

The Christmas party also ended the series of Study & Stay activities of this year. The Study & Stay activities will resume in 2023. For example, the Finnish language Club meetings will start again in February. Details will be shared on intranet and social media. 

TAMK’s Study & Stay is a part of the Talent Boost programme which offers activities and services for all international degree students. The aim of the programme is to support international students to study, live and work or start a business in the Tampere region. 

“Wellbeing is holistic and includes body, mind, spirit and social aspects. In Study and Stay programme we see international student wellbeing as such and do things with passion. It’s important that the international students in TAMK do not feel alone,” emphasises Ursula Helsky.  

There are numerous activities planned throughout the year. Some focus on professional development of the students and others are social events that introduce Finnish language and culture to the international students. 

“Amongst the various workshops and happenings, we have been organising the Finnish Language Club with weekly meetups and different social activities, and Career week. There is also a non-stop online orientation course coming up soon,” explains Laura Sairanen.  

If you are interested in cocreating and planning social events for TAMK international students with the Talent Boost, do not hesitate to contact the the Study & Stay project team: 

Ursula Helsky, ursula.helsky [at] tuni.fi (ursula[dot]helsky[at]tuni[dot]fi) 
Laura Sairanen, laura.sairanen [at] tuni.fi (laura[dot]sairanen[at]tuni[dot]fi) 

 

Text: Dimitra Panopoulou-Huovila 

Photos: Dulkith Hettiarachchi and Ursula Helsky