Peer group
This season, new Gems will start their journey of settling in Finland with the support of peers. The group offers a welcoming space to share experiences, build social networks and explore opportunities. Group meetings are facilitated by a mentor/coach, and there will also be informal social meetings.
In the group, we will share ideas and inspiration to help you explore your life and career options. You will gain practical tools and reflective exercises to support your professional growth and prepare for employment in Finland by identifying your unique skills and strengths. In the group, you will get mentoring to create an action plan or a development plan for the months ahead. You will also have the opportunity to attend a Finnish self-study course.
Commitment and active participation
A peer support group is most rewarding when everyone is committed to supporting each other. We warmly encourage active participation and commitment to attending meetings in person on a weekly basis. Together, we aim to create a friendly environment where everyone feels seen.
Practical details
The group meets in person at Tampere University (TAU) city centre campus in March–May 2026. Meetings are usually held on Mondays at 15:00-17:00. The working language is English. Participation is free of charge.
Who can apply?
We warmly welcome applications from
i) Spouses of researchers and staff at Tampere Universities Community (TAU and TAMK), including doctoral researchers and grant holders (TAU).
ii) Spouses whose partners work for companies in Tampere or are start up founders based here.
iii) If there is room, we also welcome applications from spouses whose partners are pursuing a Master’s degree at Tampere University (TAU).
We have limited seats, and priority will be given to spouses of Tampere Universities Community employees (TAU and TAMK) and spouses of doctoral researchers and grant holders (TAU).
Sign-up
Submit your application here Application deadline is 15 February 2026. Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered.
Future steps
We will carefully review applications, paying special attention to your motivation and commitment to join our weekly meetings. We can accept approximately 20 participants. All applicants will be informed of the results by 20 February 2026. Selected participants will receive an invitation to the first meeting on 2 March 2026.
If you have questions, please email us at hiddengems@tuni.fi. You will find guides and resources for newcomers in the Guides section.
After the Hidden Gems peer group, we hope you will continue your journey by joining events organised by Tampere based associations and the International House Tampere.
We reserve the right to make changes.
Community building, networking and professional growth
Networking
Creating a welcoming space for spouses to start building social and professional connections in Finland. The aim is to encourage networking and relationship building as sources of peer support, professional contacts and information about life and career opportunities in Tampere.
Peer group mentoring
Encouraging spouses to reflect on their life and career path options and to identify their strengths, skills and abilities using guided techniques and tools. The aim is to provide supportive and flexible mentoring, turning skills and strengths into a source of personal and professional well-being.
Professional development
Familiarising spouses with options in Finland and introducing tools to create an individual action or development plan for the months ahead. Furthermore, the aim is to offer an opportunity to begin learning Finnish.
Hidden Gems is the spouse programme by Tampere University (TAU). Initially designed to support the spouses of our university researchers, the programme has since expanded to include other spouses whose partners have been hired to work in Tampere. Over the years, the Hidden Gems initiative has organised a variety of services and activities related to networking, mentoring and professional development, as a key for talent attraction and retention within Tampere Region. In the academic year 2025-2026, peer groups are the activity offered.