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3.9.2026
SuomiKamu – Your first step towards friendship in Finland
As children, teens and young adults, we often go through years of our lives with peers and naturally begin to make connections. The same does not tend to happen when we move into working life, and especially when you move into a new country. In adulthood there are less opportunities to forge those communities.To help newcomers build bridges and find their people, the Friend Program by International House Helsinki (IHH) offers activities that are catered towards making new friends. One of them is the SuomiKamu (“Finland buddy”), run by the Finnish Red Cross.
SuomiKamu connects newcomers with Finns or people who have lived in Finland for a longer time.
Participants are matched into pairs and meet independently on a regular basis, spending time together in whatever way suits them. Whether that be grabbing coffee, playing board games or just chatting. Many newcomers also hope to improve their Finnish, and having a local friend can be a great help in language practice.
Meri, a project planner at SuomiKamu, explains that the programme launched in 2016 in response to the refugee crisis, with the aim of supporting refugees as they settled in Finland. Over the past decade, however, SuomiKamu has grown, both in the number of participants and across several cities in Uusimaa. The programme continues to grow and welcomes more volunteers and newcomers to join.
Becoming a volunteer is straightforward. The only requirement is attending two orientation sessions, which together take about five hours. Beyond that, Meri says participation does not require much.
“This is a very low threshold activity; you can really come as you are. What you need is the willingness to help and an open mind to others”, Meri explains.
Strength through differences and staying true to yourself
In SuomiKamu every participant is different, and so is every friendship. Meri emphasises that there is no need to feel pressure to fit a certain mould.
The programme wants to match people who share interests and experiences and have the potential to build lasting friendships. She further explains that seeing two people who seemed like a good match on paper develop a genuine connection is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
Meri encourages everyone considering joining the programme to take the leap. Also, more volunteers are always needed.
“You should definitely join and try something new, get to know new people”, Meri highlights. “To make friends, it’s good to look outside your own bubble. You could get new insights on yourself and get to know yourself better, but of course, also make friends and expand your circle.”
Having lived abroad herself, Meri knows what it is like to build new networks in a foreign country. A certain amount of courage is required to begin making friends, but every new conversation and connection can help someone feel more at home.
She also has an important message to all newcomers: “Even though you are in a new country and trying to adapt, you don’t need to sacrifice who you are. You can bring yourself to the forefront, and that’s also a way to find like-minded people.”
We meet Tony and Markus, as well as Parisa and Elisa, at Oodi library. They are all participants in SuomiKamu.
When Tony first moved to Finland, he did not have a social network and was unsure where to begin. Eventually he discovered SuomiKamu online. Through the programme Tony matched with Markus and the pair have now known each other for a year.
“I feel welcome, people are really open. Before I moved to Finland, others told me Finnish people are reserved, but after I came here, I noticed they are friendly”, Tony reflects on his journey so far.
Markus was drawn to SuomiKamu since he wanted to help someone find their own path in Finland.
“So often you get preoccupied with your own stuff, it feels nice to be able to support someone else”, Markus says and continues with a chuckle. “Although I don’t know how much help Tony has needed, he manages really well.”
Take the first step towards a new friendship
When it comes to making new friends, both Tony and Markus agree that being active is important.
Tony shares his experiences on finding different events and community groups online, while Markus reflects on the stereotype about Finns being cold and difficult to approach. They might not be the one to make the first move, yet many are open and willing to get to know new people once someone starts a conversation.
Although it can be difficult, especially if you are shy, it may be worth it to push yourself outside your comfort zone.
“I’m Japanese and Japanese people are sometimes also shy. It feels difficult to be the one to start a conversation. After that it gets easier”, Tony shares and agrees.
The pair enjoys cooking together, and Markus has met Tony’s partner. They have also often met at cafés and libraries to practice Finnish, which has really helped Tony build confidence in using the language. Tony also enjoys Finnish nature, and Markus has joined him on forest walks.
Finding common ground
Along the way, Tony and Markus have found certain similarities between Finnish and Japanese culture that have helped them understand each other better. One example is that both cultures are comfortable with moments of silence, without feeling the need to fill the air with conversation.
Tony explains that in Japan, Finns are sometimes called the Japanese people of Europe. “We also share the love for sauna and remove our shoes inside” Tony says and laughs with Markus.
Tony and Markus both agree they enjoy spending time together and find it is easy to talk about a range of topics. According to Tony, having a Finnish friend has helped him understand everyday life and feel more connected to Finnish society.
Tony also feels that getting to know Markus has been a great way to learn about a new culture, and he appreciates his friend’s kindness. Markus, in turn, says Tony is curious and openminded, which has helped them develop a strong friendship. They also agree that SuomiKamu has been a great way to make a new friend.
“People are driven to be quite individualistic”, Markus says. “It would be good if we’d challenge ourselves a bit. Especially if you are lonely or want to broaden your social circle. It would be valuable to us all.”
Parisa and Elisa. Photo: Ella Kaverma
Building a friendship without a shared language
Parisa and Elisa were paired in SuomiKamu in January, so by the time of the interview they had only known each other for a few months.
Parisa says that she initially joined the programme to learn Finnish and gain a better understanding of the culture. Elisa had similar motivations, explaining that as a local, it is easy to end up living in a bubble surrounded only by Finnish friends.
“I wanted to broaden my perspective of the world, and I’ve also learned to communicate really well. Parisa is now learning Finnish, but otherwise we don’t have a common language”, Elisa explains.
When asked what has made Parisa feel at home in Helsinki and Finland, her answer is immediate and simple.
“Safety” she says, further explaining that it currently feels better to be here than in Afghanistan, where she’s from. She finds Finland calming, and people have been helpful towards her.
Less like a party, more focus on others
Parisa also points out that Finnish culture is very different from Afghan culture. In Afghanistan, social life is more communal, and people tend to spend time in larger groups. Meeting up with friends often feels almost like a party.
“It is livelier, there is food and desserts, and you have many friends surrounding you”, Parisa describes.
She feels that having a Finnish friend has helped her better understand life in Finland, and now she has learned to appreciate the Finnish way of spending time with friends. Rather than gathering in large groups, there is more time to connect and focus with one or two friends at a time.
Parisa encourages other newcomers to find a Finnish friend as well, whether it be through SuomiKamu or in another way.
Like many other interviewees, Elisa wants to highlight the importance of being open to new people. For her, however, an open mind also means not placing unrealistic expectations on a new friendship or person.
By allowing a relationship to develop naturally, there is less pressure from the very beginning. “You should just approach new situations one step at a time”, Elisa thinks.
Activities for every weather and season
Parisa and Elisa enjoy playing chess together, as well as other board games. They also like visiting libraries and going for walks in nature — activities they both usually enjoy independently as well.
During warmer weather, Parisa and Elisa are looking forward to having a picnic, grilling outdoors, and, of course, spending time at the beach.
In the short time the friends have gotten to know each other, they have already noticed many qualities they admire about each other.
Parisa describes Elisa as a kind person who genuinely cares about those around her. Elisa, in turn, says Parisa is easy to approach and friendly, adding that even without a shared language, it is clear that she is engaged and excited whenever they spend time together.
A little encouragement to begin your journey
Whether you are new in Finland or have been here for a while, this is your chance to make a new friend. Putting yourself out there or joining something new can feel intimidating. But it can also be the beginning of a meaningful friendship.
Luckily, you do not have to figure it all out on your own. The experiences of other SuomiKamu pairs show that there is no single way to make a new connection.
Take Tony and Markus, for example. Their advice is simple: take the initiative, be openminded and challenge yourself. Sometimes, making the first move is the hardest part, but it can also open the door to new experiences and relationships. Joining SuomiKamu could be your first step towards making a friend and expanding your circle.
Or take inspiration from Parisa and Elisa. Even though they did not share a common language at first, they were able to find common ground through their mutual interests. Shared hobbies, curiosity, humour, and a willingness to learn about each other is often enough to bring people together.
And it is also important to listen to Meri’s advice. You do not need to perform, change yourself, or be a specific type of person to join SuomiKamu. All you need to do is be yourself. Along the way, you may find a person, or people, with who you share an understanding and who make you laugh.
Article’s featured image: Meri Naski
The Friend Program
The Friend Program by International House Helsinki (IHH) offers activities and groups that are catered towards making new friends.
In collaboration with three non-profit organisations, there are chances to meet new people in three different ways; one-on-one, in a small group, or by joining a larger community.
Whether you like to focus on just one friend at a time or spend time in a group, the choice is yours. Nothing is stopping you from participate in all three either! Helsinki Friends with large group activities, Luckan with their small group Cirkeln programme and the Finnish Red Cross with SuomiKamu.
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