Communities for International Researchers and Their Families
At HR services, we support the integration and wellbeing of our international researchers and their families by offering peer groups and community activities that foster connection, growth, and belonging, both on campus and in the wider Tampere region. By supporting the newcomers we help you get a good start in Finland!
“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.”
– Winnie the Pooh
Network for Academics and Staff
This social community brings together international minded researchers, grant researchers and staff at Tampere University. With us you can meet colleagues in a relaxed and informal setting!
We provide peer support for newcomers at our higher education institution, help foster an intercultural mindset and provide opportunities to mingle with other internationally minded researchers. We organise social get-togethers and explore Tampere together. We’ve been to concerts, restaurants, sports games, ice skating, bowling etc. One of our focus areas is learning Finnish: sometimes we will do fun activities in Finnish and practise speaking together. Our researchers and staff are warmly welcome to join the community!
Interested in joining us? More information available on the university intranet and via email.
Curious Minds Peer Groups for Researchers
Curious minds is a peer group for new international doctoral researchers at Tampere University. Together, we explore both academic life and everyday living in Finland, from navigating research to discovering local events and communities. The group supports community building, professional growth, and integration, and offers a space to connect with like-minded fellow researchers. Curious Minds is a new initiative of ours, and it will be piloted in autumn 2025.
Interested in joining us? More information available on the university intranet and via email.
Hidden Gems Peer Groups for Spouses
The peer groups for spouses, who have followed their partners to Tampere, help navigate and plan your life and career in the new country. In the group you share experiences with people in the same life situation, improve language skills and learn about Tampere and its many opportunities. In many cases friendships are born!
Hidden Gems started as a university in-house spouse programme, and over the years, it has expanded to include other spouses who have relocated to Tampere. Interested in joining us? A new group will start in spring and in autumn.
Join us to meet new friends, improve your language skills, and learn more about Tampere and life in Finland. Welcome to our community for spouses!
We are happy to be a part of the local ecosystem to support the newcomers and their families in our region. Together we build more inclusive university, Tampere and Finland! Our activities are produced in collaboration with local organisations and associations. Examples of our partners include the Language Centre of Tampere University, JCI United, Tampere Toastmasters, Bloom Tampere and Tribe Tampere among others. We are also active participants in initiatives such as the Finnish Learning Party.
Tampere University is one of the most multidisciplinary universities in Finland. We bring together research and education in technology, health and society. The University is known for its excellence in teaching and research and it collaborates with hundreds of universities and organisations worldwide. Our community consists of about 22,500 students and around 4,200 staff members from more than 80 countries.