International House Oulu: What they did for me and what they can do for you

As a student in the Learning, Education and Technology Master’s Programme, I needed to complete an internship. To support this, an internship fair was organised in collaboration with International House Oulu. Eager to contribute and showcase my skills, I volunteered to help organise the fair – creating promotional videos for my programme and assisting with setup on the day.

That extra involvement helped me stand out from other applicants. Not only was I visible behind the scenes, but I also came prepared: during the fair, I pitched myself to companies and handed out business cards linking to my CV and a video introduction. I wanted to show initiative and make a lasting impression. That effort paid off as I was invited to an interview with IHO, where I shared my skills, my reasons for moving to Finland, and even gave my Finnish a try. Something must have clicked, because I was offered a 2-month summer internship, which later was extended for a further 3 months.

Looking back, I believe it wasn’t just the interview or the fair that helped me secure the position. Networking plays a huge role in working life in Finland. Earlier, I had attended the Mega Matchmaking event, where I first met the IHO team. I introduced myself and joked that they should remember me because I’d be applying to work with them and apparently, they did!

I also participated in IHO events, getting to know both the organisers and attendees. These more informal interactions helped me build relationships and become a familiar face. While it’s hard to measure the exact impact of networking, it certainly doesn’t hurt and it’s a great way to enjoy events while making connections.

Once I started the internship, I quickly realised how dynamic and hands-on the role would be. IHO runs a variety of events and maintains an active social media presence, so I was involved in many different tasks, including:

• Planning and hosting events
• Writing social media posts (IHO Facebook, IHO Instagram, IHO LinkedIn)
• Designing posters and graphics
• Creating informational articles for the website (E.g. Sauna Article, Recycling Article, Bus Services Article, Nature Trails Article)
• Website maintenance
• Giving presentations about IHO services

There was always something to do, but coffee breaks and conversations were just as valued. IHO fostered a supportive environment where collaboration and rest were both appreciated.

Beyond the professional experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for the services IHO provides. International House Oulu is here for the international community in Oulu. Whatever it is you might need as an international person living in Oulu, IHO can help you. Their services include:

• Guidance for new residents to help you settle in
• Community-building events to help you connect
• Training and workshops to boost your employability
• Support for employers to promote international talent

During my internship, I saw firsthand how much of a difference these services make. Whether it was helping newcomers navigate settling in, creating spaces for people to connect, or offering training that boosted someone’s confidence in the job market – IHO was there. For me, it wasn’t just about gaining work experience; it was about being part of something that genuinely supports people. IHO helped me feel more at home in Oulu, and I saw it do the same for many others.

You can find out more about the services on offer by visiting International House Oulu – Oulu