University of Oulu Buddy Programme

The programme helps international staff members, researchers and long-term visitors get settled at the University of Oulu and in Finland during the first three months after arrival in Finland. We aim to ease any confusion, feelings of loneliness, and other things that come with moving into a different country or culture and starting a new job.

Once matched, the new employee and their buddy are provided with a complimentary lunch to help them get to know each other, and a monthly after-work event to meet others. Sit back and wait for your buddy to contact you and arrange the lunch.

"My Buddy was just the best, she was very kind and always helped me, from before coming to Finland, answering all my questions, and then once in here she was always very nice and helpful." - Buddy Programme participant

"It helped feel less intimidating in a new culture, it was a good to know that there's a person who is there to chat with and talk to about working in a new environment. It helped reduce the feeling of culture shock by a lot." - Buddy Programme participant

Buddies are employees of the university who volunteer to provide informal support and guidance to newcomers during the first three months after their arrival in Finland. They welcome the new employees to the university and help them adapt to their new environment.

The recommended commitment is 2–5 hours per month. The programme includes a complimentary lunch for the buddy and the newcomer to get to know each other. Buddies collect the lunch tickets and arrange a convenient time to meet for lunch.

If you have any questions, please reach us at buddy-programme@oulu.fi.