ESN Lapland is looking for locals and international students to join its Friend Programme! Read more about what the programme is all about and how to sign up below!

Friend Programme for international students and locals!

Lapland UAS and University of Lapland, together with ESN Lapland, organises a Friend Programme in Rovaniemi. Activities in the programme starts every year in September and February offering a great chance to meet international students and get to know different languages and cultures. For international students the programme gives a possibility to make a local friend and it offers a window into local activities. The idea of the programme is to introduce Finland, Lapland and Finnish culture to international students. The Friend Programme does not only offer international students an opportunity to experience everyday Finnish life and culture, but also helps them to adapt to their new surroundings by connecting them with a welcoming friend(s).

For who?

Everyone, who is interested in getting to know other cultures and forming (life)long friendships, are welcome to join Friend Programme!

As a local friend, you can participate on your own, with your family or friends! The most important thing is to help the international student(s) to feel welcome. After first meeting the friend(s) and the international student(s) are keeping in touch within their own resources and timetable. Friend Programme participants does not offer accommodation or financial support to the international student(s).

As an international student, you will get a chance to make local friends, learn a bit about Finns and their everyday life among many other things.

How to apply?

The registration for the autumn semester 2025 is open as follows:

  • Local friends: registration is open from 4 August 2025 until 14 September 2025
  • International students: registration is open from 18 August 2025 until 14 September 2025

Registration can be done through the links provided below.

The registration form for international students can be found HERE.
The registration form for local friends can be found HERE.

For more information, please contact:

Helmi Kuusisto
Events/Projects Coordinator
ESN Lapland
projects(at)esnlapland.eu