Be local. Be global. At the same time.

This is for all international degree students enrolled at JYU who are interested in making local friends, and vice versa!

The Local Friendship Programme has been around for 25 years, opening doors to unique cultural experiences. The goal is to bring together the locals living in the Jyväskylä area with the international students, so everyone can learn from each other. The programme is open to all adult (18+) local residents and international students studying their degree at JYU.

For locals

• It's a great way to try something new. Believe or not, anything spectacular is not required, just a basic level of English and positive curiosity. And living and doing life like most Finns.
• A JYU staff member, a native or a new Finn - you are most welcome to become a local friend, too. In fact, many international students are looking for a local friend in the same academic field.
• Interested in scouting skilled personnel in a new way? This could be it.

For international JYU students

• If you feel like it's too much for you to do on your own, just ask one or more of your student friends to apply with you! You can join together.
• If you're a student with family, you're more than welcome to bring your other half or kids too.

For Finnish JYU students

• Hey, have you ever thought about becoming a local friend to an international student? A lot of them would really like to get to know a local student.
• The same goes for you: if you're finding it a bit of a challenge to join on your own, don't worry. Bring your study mate along.