Our peer groups
International spouse, are you curious about building connections and finding your own path in Finland?
Discover Hidden Gems peer groups and our mix of information and community building activities: networking, peer group mentoring and professional development.
Our group members share an interest in making new friends, growing professionally and discovering their options in Finland. All you need is positive curiosity and an open mind.
Together, we reflect on skills and strengths, explore both life and career opportunities and support each other in shaping the life we want to build in Tampere.
What
In the group, you will share experiences with people in the same life situation. You will find encouragement and practical support for navigating life and career in a new environment, plus tools and techniques to help you discover your own path or direction in Finland.
It’s a closed group so we will have the same people present every time, which fosters psychological safety and gives room for reflection and dialogue.
As part of the programme, you will also get access to a beginner’s Finnish course.
Who
i) We welcome spouses of researchers and staff at Tampere Universities Community (TAU and TAMK).
ii) We also welcome spouses whose partners work for companies in Tampere or are start up founders based here.
iii) If there is room, we welcome spouses whose partners are pursuing a Master’s degree at Tampere University (TAU).
When
We organise groups twice a year. Autumn group runs from September to November and spring group from March to May.
We have weekly meetings in person. We warmly encourage active participation and commitment to building a supportive community.
Apply for the spring 2026 group by 15 Feb!
I created my first set of friends that helped me fight against isolation.
– Hidden Gems alumna
I found the activities overall very useful. Flexibility was provided regarding the goals participants could progress toward, while the pathways leading to those goals were scaffolded through specific techniques.
Insights related to Tampere and Finland were provided, and additional sessions, such as coaching and Finnish language support, were organized with contributions from other stakeholders.
– Hidden Gems alumnus
Starting over in a new country isn’t just about logistics – it’s also about identity. Leaving behind my career and community in my home country, I found myself asking: Where do I begin again?
I joined Hidden Gems, and for three months, I spent Monday afternoons with a group of smart, supportive, globally-minded people, learning, sharing, laughing, reflecting.
Thank you for creating this space with empathy, intention, and care. To anyone who has ever followed a partner abroad and wondered where you fit into the picture, start here.
With shared stories. With new connections. With korvapuusti.
– Hidden Gems alumna