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!
Join Welcome to Turku programme, organized by International House Turku! The programme is aimed for skilled internationals who wish to settle down in Turku and want to make new connections and develop new skills. The programme includes various weekly activities concerning themes of Finnish culture and language, life in Turku and working life.
Read more about the Welcome to Turku programme and register!
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.
There are a variety of different Finnish courses organized in Turku.
- Simhe (Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland) of the University of Turku provides Finnish Language Clinic services only in Finnish from language level B1.
- The Adult Education Centre of the City of Turku offers Finnish language courses from beginner's to advanced levels.
- The Summer University of Turku 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.
- Linnasmäen opisto: Finnish language courses for beginners and advanced level, during the academic year. Access to courses through the TE Services (Employment Office).
- Paasikivi-Opisto: Finnish language courses, also summer courses. Unfortunately, no courses for beginners.
- Expat Finland - The Finland Guidebook
Information about summer schools and courses, online courses, as well as dictionaries and exercises.
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.