From Language Classes to Policy Planning: Priyanka’s Role in Migrant Services in Oulu
Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns, beautiful, challenging, and transformational ones. For Priyanka Sood, that turn was love. It was her relationship with a man from Oulu that set her on a journey from the snow-dusted hills of Shimla, India, to the frosty but welcoming calm of Northern Finland.
A Leap of Faith and a Life Reimagined
With no prior research or planning, Priyanka Sood relocated to Oulu while expecting her first child. She left behind a prestigious career in India, where she served as a Program Manager for central government projects, training mayors and consulting for municipalities.
“I wasn’t actively looking to move to Finland,” she recalls, “but I happened to meet a Finn and decided to settle in Oulu as a family.”
The transition, however, was far from easy.
She didn’t know the language, the systems, the culture and had no professional network here.
But what Priyanka did have was resilience and an unshakeable sense of initiative.
Learning the Language, Finding the Way
Upon arrival, Priyanka quickly realized that without Finnish, progress would be nearly impossible. As a registered unemployed jobseeker, she qualified for the “kotokoulutus” (integration course) — something she considers a remarkable and underappreciated service.
“It’s rare to find a country that actually pays you to study its language,” she notes with admiration. “And it’s not superficial. The courses are intense, the teachers are dedicated, and they give you a strong foundation in grammar and structure which is essential if you want to work in specialist roles.”
A Career Rebuilt, One Bold Move at a Time
Armed with her background in social sciences from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai — one of India’s most prestigious institutions — Priyanka was determined to return to the workforce. She had heard about the City of Oulu’s services for refugee integration and wanted to be part of it.
So, she walked in “quite literally”.
“I told the guard I wanted to meet the boss. He thought I had an appointment and let me in,” she laughs. I handed over my CV and said, “I want to work here.” She still can’t get over the look of surprise the person had that day.
Months later, an opportunity opened up, and Priyanka applied and got the call. She began working with refugee integration, her entry point into Finland’s social sector. Over the years, her role evolved into planning and policy coordination for migrant services.
Today, she wears multiple hats, one of them as Project Manager for Oulu’s newly funded Anti-Racism initiative, a city-wide effort backed by €1.3 million in funding through 2027.
Shaping the Future of Integration
Priyanka’s 13-year journey with the City of Oulu has given her a front-row seat to how integration policies have shifted — from narrowly focused refugee services to a broader understanding of international talent, labour market integration, and inclusive community-building.
“The rhetoric has changed,” she reflects. “We’re talking about anti-racism, equity, inclusion etc., things we couldn’t openly discuss a decade ago.”
But challenges remain. She notes that while diversity is growing in Oulu, representation in leadership and specialist roles still lags behind.
Work Culture, Community, and Belonging
Priyanka sees a marked difference between Indian and Finnish work culture. Here, she values the clear boundaries between work and personal life.
“People shut their computers at 4 p.m. and go home. In India, you’re expected to be available 24/7.”
“People shut their computers at 4 p.m. and go home.“
One thing she misses, though, is the daily ritual of shared lunches.
“In India, we all bring our lunchboxes and share food. It creates this beautiful connection. I wish we had that more often here too.”
Still, she has built a strong network of Finnish friends through work, her neighbourhood in Välivainio, and her passion for art and film. She and her friends often gather in community spaces and organize events. She also enjoys walks along the river to Ainola Park, a favourite local spot.
Roots, Routines, and Rieska
Despite her demanding role, Priyanka nurtures quieter joys too. She grows tomatoes, cucumbers, and flowers each spring, affectionately checking on them like “babies.” In winter, she’s immersed in films especially Indian movies, often watched on her projector, sometime with friends as well.
She fondly speaks of her mother-in-law’s homemade rieska — flatbread served warm with butter and coffee — as her favorite Finnish food.
A Family Thriving in Oulu
Her children, now 16 and 8, attend Finnish schools and have blossomed in the safe, close-knit community. Her youngest walks to school with friends from the neighbourhood, and the sense of independence they enjoy is something she deeply values.
“Oulu is perfect for families,” she says. “Schools are close by, nature is everywhere, and home ownership is attainable. It’s peaceful. It’s secure.”
Advice for Future Expats
For those planning to move to Finland, Priyanka’s advice is clear:
“Start learning Finnish before you arrive.”
Understanding the realities of the job market is crucial, she says. Language matters. So does networking.
“People are more likely to hire someone they know, not just a name on a CV. Internships, events, LinkedIn visibility, all these helps. And don’t be afraid to speak, even if you make mistakes.”
She also believes integration services must find ways to build bridges between migrants and the Finnish community from day one and not after years of separation.
A Life of Impact
Today, Priyanka isn’t just integrated into Finnish society, she’s helping reshape it. From social work to policymaking, working at the City of Oulu, she’s proof of what’s possible with courage, conviction, and community.
