Friend Program
Have you recently moved to the Helsinki capital region from abroad? Would you like to make new friends or find people to spend your free time with? Our Friend Program is here to help you get started!
The Friend Program by International House Helsinki offers international newcomers an opportunity to meet new people living in the Helsinki area. The programme is implemented by the City of Helsinki as part of International House Helsinki’s services, in collaboration with non-profit organisations.
All activities are free to join. Signing up for events and activities is required, but you do not need to register for the Friend Program or become a member of the organising organisations.
You’ll have the chance to make friends in three different ways: one-on-one, in a small group, or by joining a larger community with group activities – the choice is yours!
Friend Program activity options and how to join
The Friend Program offers three types of activities, organised by different service providers:
- Join activities with larger groups
- Connect with a small group
- Meet one-on-one
You can read more and sign up for the activities below.
Join activities with larger groups: Helsinki Friends community
Helsinki Friends is dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community in Helsinki. The aim is to connect individuals through shared experiences, support, and collaboration, creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Helsinki Friends provides meaningful ways to meet new friends, learn new things, and give back to the community.
What is it about?
When you join the Helsinki Friends community, you can look forward to a variety of fun and engaging activities designed to help you connect with others and enjoy things the city has to offer. The community organises lively social events, cultural exchanges, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or just starting your journey in the Helsinki area, you’ll find a friendly place in the Helsinki Friends Community.
Helsinki Friends envisions a city where all residents feel valued and engaged, with strong community ties that enhance the quality of life for everyone. The goal is to empower individuals and groups to thrive together, celebrating the diversity and richness of the city.
How to join
You can find the activities on the Helsinki Friends’s website and sign up to the ones that you are interested in. You can take part in as many events as you like, but remember to sign up early, as the events may fill up quickly.
See upcoming events organised by Helsinki Friends on our Events page here
Connect with a small group: CIRKELN by Luckan Integration
Do you want to expand your social network and find people to do fun activities with? Then join CIRKELN!
What is it about?
CIRKELN is a social networking programme that is intended to encourage two way integration. Newcomers and Finns, or people who have found a home in the Finnish culture, get to meet and do activities together.
Participants are placed into a group with several other like-minded individuals. Together as a group they can then decide what they’d like to do, where to meet and when.
The CIRKELN groups have enjoyed all sorts of activities from hiking in nature to exploring the capital, from watching films and music concerts to visiting museums, practising languages or chilling in a cafe and having a good chat. The options are endless!
All the groups will also be exclusively invited to a Cirkeln Mingle where they have the opportunity to meet participants from the other groups.
How to join
Sign up using the link below. Remember to describe your interests so the CIRKELN coordinator can match you into a suitable small group. CIRKELN is here to help you make that first connection.
Read more about the Cirkeln and sign up here
Meet one-on-one: SuomiKamu Friend Activities by the Finnish Red Cross
Would you like a friend who can help you get to know your new home city and culture?
The Finnish Red Cross organises friendship activities that connect people who have moved to Finland with a local friend. These friends are trained volunteers who offer support with everyday skills, and the friendship is based on volunteering, trust, and equal interaction.
What is it about?
You and your friend can enjoy everyday activities together, such as going for a walk, cooking, or exploring the local area. You can also join local events, discover services, try hobbies, and make the most of cultural offerings in your community.
Friends get to know each other through shared activities, and if you wish, you can also practise the Finnish language together. Friends decide for themselves what they want to do and how often they meet. However, we hope you can commit to the SuomiKamu Friend Activities for six months and meet your friend at least once a month.
How to join
If you have moved to Finland from abroad, are at least 18 years old, and would like a SuomiKamu friend, you can apply to join the activities. You can find upcoming SuomiKamu information sessions on our events page fere.
For more information, please contact your local SuomiKamu friend service. A list of contact details is available on the Finnish Red Cross website via the link below.
Read more about SuomiKamu Friend Activities and sign up here
