New Pilot Programme Supports International Students’ Belonging and Future Pathways in Finland
New Pilot Programme Supports International Students’ Belonging and Future Pathways in Finland
We are excited to share a new initiative connected to WP1 at the University of Jyväskylä that will be piloted during 2026.
TAIMI researcher Quivine Ndomo is co-coordinating a special module together with ILKHOM Khalimzoda to support international degree and exchange students in navigating university life and building a future in Finland. The programme will run as a pilot during the Spring and Autumn semesters of 2026.
One of the central components of the programme is the course “Open Finland: Society, Work, and Belonging” (3–5 ECTS).
The course combines research-based knowledge with practical engagement to support students in understanding Finnish society, working life, and opportunities for participation and belonging. Topics include migration, the Finnish labour market, and social systems, alongside discussions on networking, career pathways, and community engagement.
Through onsite sessions, dialogue, reflection exercises, and exploratory visits to workplaces, institutions, and communities, students will have opportunities to engage directly with different aspects of Finnish society and working life.
What makes the initiative particularly meaningful is its bottom-up and evidence-informed design, which is grounded in the real experiences and needs of international students.
The broader aim of the programme is not only to provide information, but also to support students in finding their place, voice, and opportunities in Finland.
We look forward to following the development of the pilot and learning from the students’ experiences throughout the process.