University of Oulu Buddy Programme

The Buddy Programme helps international staff members, researchers and long-term visitors get settled at the University of Oulu and in Finland. Buddies will help with accommodating into the Finnish culture both in working life and free time during your first three months after arrival in Finland. We want to ease any types of confusions, feelings of loneliness and other things that come with moving into a different country or culture and starting a new job.

"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 volunteers who provide informal support and guidance to new members of the university during the first three months after their arrival in Finland. The Buddies welcome newcomers to the University of Oulu and help them adapt to their new environment.

The recommended commitment is from 2 to 5 hours per month.

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