Espoo wishes its international residents a warm welcome by taking part in organising the Helsinki Region Welcome Weeks, a two-week event at the end of September. There are roughly one hundred thousand international students and professionals working in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.
The purpose of the Helsinki Welcome Weeks, now organised for the first time, is to make the region more enjoyable for international students and employees and to provide information about regional services. In addition, the weeks offer a possibility to enjoy spending time together and create social networks. The event is for new and old residents living in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.
The international population has experienced rapid growth in the entire Metropolitan Area and especially in Espoo in recent years. There are almost 3 000 international students pursuing a degree in the universities and polytechnics of Espoo alone. Last year, the number of foreign-language residents in Espoo grew by more than 2 000. This year, their share in the population of Espoo should exceed the ten percent mark, totalling more than 25 000.
During the two-week event from 19 Sept. – 2 Oct., the region presents its broad range of events and introduces its services and activities. Participants may, for instance, hop on the Culture Bus that runs between the International Cultural Centre Caisa in Helsinki and EMMA in Espoo. Venues in Espoo include the Sello and Entresse Libraries. Sello in Leppävaara hosts competitions that are unusual for a library, such as a shouting competition. In addition to fun activities and entertainment, the venue provides information about available services, such as the “In Espoo” service for foreigners. The Entresse Library in Espoon keskus introduces open-minded visitors to Finnish cuisine. The event weeks also offer a possibility to take part on a guided excursion to Nuuksio.
The event is organised by Uusimaa Regional Council, the cities of Helsinki and Espoo, Helsinki Education and Research Area (HERA) and the Opiskelijametropoli Student City Project. The event is produced by Mundus Nicole Saari Ky, BBG.fi and Jolly Dragon.
Browse the programme:
www.welcomeweeks.fi
www.facebook.com/welcomeweeks
Further information
Teemu Haapalehto, 046 877 3200, Manager of Immigration Affairs, City of Espoo