International spouses of the University of Helsinki employees are warmly invited to join the City of Helsinki's Spouse Program!
The University of Helsinki is partnering with the Spouse Program, a service that helps international spouses settle into life in the Helsinki capital region.
The Spouse Program provides international spouses with a large peer community, career support for Helsinki residents, and exciting opportunities with company partners.
The Spouse Program is provided by the City of Helsinki and is a completely free service. As part of International House Helsinki, it is open to international spouses in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, but please note that some of its activities are only meant for Helsinki residents.
The UniBuddy programme helps international staff, and their family members get settled at the University of Helsinki and the region and meet new people.
UniBuddies are Finnish or international staff members of the University of Helsinki who volunteer to help international colleagues and their spouses to settle in. Meetings are informal, depending on the interests of you and your UniBuddy.
We welcome the spouses of our newly arrived staff members to participate in selected events. The "Experiencing Finland" events, which shed light on Finnish culture and current issues for newcomers, welcome also spouses and children. In addition, you can join the orientation events of the University and explore Finnish work environments. Other community events might be open to family members as well.
Finding employment in Finland requires an active approach from the spouse. It is good to notice that learning at least some Finnish or Swedish will help you to not only understand the culture and the everyday life better, but also to improve your employment prospects.
A range of public services and other services free of charge are available to support job searching, check for example the following to get started:
The SIMHE services (Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Finland) in designated Finnish higher education institutions offer study and career guidance for skilled immigrants in Finland.
If you are looking to continue or supplement your education or need career planning assistance SIMHE can help. The services provide advice on educational and career opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition into Finnish higher education or the job market. Additionally, SIMHE services typically organise various events related to these topics. Services vary a little bit in each SIMHE institution.
Explore SIMHE services in Finland
For information on different study options in Finland, explore the Study Info portal.
The University has also put together a comprehensive online relocation guide, covering essential topics also for the family.
In the guide, you will find information on the required permits, childcare and educational options for children, as well as information on healthcare and social security for the entire family. Extensive links for useful services in the Helsinki region and Finland are also compiled for you. The website is like a roadmap, making sure you and your family feel supported every step of the way in your new journey.
Finnish universities have also compiled a national Guide for International Researchers and Their Families, available on the Euraxess Finland website.
As you embark on this exciting chapter in Helsinki, the University of Helsinki is dedicated to helping you to settle in and find your way in your new home country.
Our services are designed to support a seamless integration into the vibrant university community and Finnish life.
We're not just welcoming you to the University; we're welcoming you to a new home, a new culture, and a network of opportunities. Let's make this journey together, a journey where you feel supported, connected, and truly part of the University of Helsinki community.