News and events

When Celsa Cubar, 39, moved from the Philippines to Finland, she stepped into a completely new world. Nearly a year later, Oulu has become her second home.

Oulu has given Vanni more than a new address: it has become the place where she built a family, a career, and a sense of belonging.

Marina Galanopoulou Kettunen shares her experiences of life in Northern Finland. “It is never too late to change your country, language, and career”, she says.

Diana Temer is an international with a multidisciplinary background - the kind of profile that tends to follow opportunity wherever it leads.

Doriana, a 29-year-old Romanian, packed her bags 6 years ago and moved to Oulu in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, she knew very little about the northern Finnish city. It was Love that brings her here-her boyfriend is from Oulu.

Fiza, a Pakistani student pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at the University of Oulu, never imagined that a summer job would lead her to entrepreneurship.

Pooja Dahal is a researcher and nature enthusiast who moved from Nepal to Oulu, carrying with her resilience, curiosity, and a belief in new beginnings.

Rana Toro, originally from Istanbul, first came to Oulu as an exchange student and unexpectedly found a place that felt like home. Through her journey from student life to working in Oulu, she discovered the beauty of nature and the quiet sense of community the city offers. As she describes it, “Oulu has become a place where I breathe differently.”

What does Oulu look like when you slow down? For Bhupender Singh, the answer lies in walking – a simple habit that has shaped his everyday life.

Nusrat Shova, a media and communication enthusiast, is pursuing her Master's at the University of Oulu. She is also working as an intern at International House Oulu.

Könül Ahmadzada, 32, is working International Affairs at the University of Oulu. Originally from Azerbaijan, she moved to Oulu 3 years ago. Today, she balances a meaningful international career with family life and creativity.

Fatema Jannat travelled 6,000 kilometres to Oulu, Finland seeking challenge – and found a home where safety, equality, and curiosity shaped her new beginning.