The programme brings together international students with Finnish students or local people or local families. The aim is to help foreign students to learn more about the Finnish culture and everyday life. In return, international students give the local friend a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures.

Meet a Local Friend/Family Programme is voluntary, which means that local friend and international students decide themselves how often they meet and what they do together. You may meet once a month or even every week. You may for example cook together, go swimming, skiing or to see a basketball game – it is entirely up to you and the local friend/family.

International degree and exchange students coming to LUT University and LAB university of Applied Sciences for the autumn semester or academic year have a chance to participate in the Meet a Local Friend/Family Programme. The application period is once a year, each autumn in August/early September.

Fill in the application form online

• Lappeenranta application form can be found here. The application period ended 11 September 2025.
• Lahti application form can be found here. The application will be open until 14 September 2025.
• Local friend / family, fill the application form in Finnish site.

The programme is coordinated by LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University and conducted in cooperation with Campus Chaplains of the Lahti and Lappeenranta Evangelical Lutheran parishes.

For more information, please contact us:

Lappeenranta: Tanja Karppinen (tanja.karppinen@lut.fi)
Lahti: Niina Koivisto (niina.koivisto@lut.fi)
 

Meet a Local Friend Guidelines

1. The Meet a Local Friend/Family programme aims to promote internationalization and knowledge of new cultures among both students and local families.
2. The Meet a Local Friend/Family programme is voluntary, and the students and families themselves decide how and when they meet.
3. The local family/local friend and international student are introduced to each other: they will be given each other's contact information and the first meeting is arranged by the coordinators in the beginning of autumn. From there on, the families and students get together at their convenience. International student should not bring any friends or family with them, if not agreed beforehand with the local family/local friend.
4. The universities and tutors help they international students with practical arrangements and everyday matters. The family is not responsible for guiding the student in such matters, but may help if they want.
5. The family/local friend has no financial obligations towards the student; studies, accommodation and recreational activities are paid by the student him- or herself.
6. The family/local friend may not use the student as workforce (e.g. as a babysitter) unless both parties consent to the arrangement and conclude a written agreement.
7. The well-being, safety and cultural differences of both parties must always be taken into consideration.
8. The students must have extensive personal insurance when they arrive in Finland. Therefore, the family/local friend is not liable to pay compensation if something happens to the student while taking part in the meet a Local Friend/Family programme.
9. If problems or questions arise, the family and student should turn to LAB University of Applied Sciences or LUT University.
10. Feedback is collected from the families and students. This will help develop and improve the programme.