The city is strongly involved in the integration of international students in Riihimäki

Up to 2024–150 international students started their studies at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) Riihimäki campus in this autumn. Students came to Finland and Riihimäki from different parts of the world. Some of the students have settled in Riihimäki with their families.

The city's integration services have cooperated with HAMK's international affairs unit. The wider cooperation has started in the fall of 2023 and has grown especially since the spring of the current year, when the city and HAMK have prepared for the arrival of new international students.

The number of HAMK's English-language training programs in Riihimäki has increased

In the past, Riihimäki has had one English-language education program, Mechanical Engineering. In autumn 2024, the number increased to three, when two new English-language education programs started on campus: Robotics & ICT and Sustainable Urban Design.

In particular, the robotics education program and Riihimäki's reputation as the capital of robotics have attracted many international students.

The school and daycare needs of the arriving families were asked in advance

The integration services sent incoming students a survey in advance, with which they wanted to know especially about the school and daycare needs of the children of students with families. Integration services have been in close contact with basic education and early childhood education, so that children can access the services as smoothly as possible.

The city wants students to feel welcome when they arrive in Finland and Riihimäki. One way to welcome the students was the airport shuttles organized by HAMK to their different campuses. The city's integration expert was involved in the transport of Riihimäki.

Riksu day introduces students to their new hometown

New international students were introduced to Riihimäki and its services for the first time at Riksu day on August 22. The day was organized in cooperation with the city's youth services and study counselors for new students. During the morning, the students could test their knowledge in the Riihimäki quiz, hear about the city's sports opportunities, public transport and the city's new student's Riihimäki web page.

In the afternoon, the students got to walk around the city and get to know the youth center Monari, Ohjaamo, the counseling center for immigrants in Kotola and the city library. The library and its versatility were especially admired and many immediately wanted to get a library card. Riksu day introduced new students to their new home and study city.

Integration services will be available during the academic year on the HAMK campus, especially in cooperation with youth work.

The goal is for the students to integrate so well in Riihimäki that they want to stay in the area even after completing their studies.