Settlement services
Finnish language learning and leisure communities have been proven to help international talent to bond better with their new job and their home country.
We offer advice and guidance on settling in to the labour market for immigrants, international students and their families. We provide information on everyday issues such as housing, leisure, hobbies, benefits, study and work. We also carry out skills and integration service needs assessments and integration plans for other immigrants who are eligible for integration programmes. The service is free of charge.
Guidance and counselling services are provided through a multi-channel approach by telephone and at the Integration Services Service Point.
Contact us if you need help
- for banking matters
- housing
- everyday life
- how to deal with public offices
- leisure
You can book an appointment by phone, message/whatsapp/viber or email. Low-threshold guidance is also available through messaging services.
Integration counsellor Niko Saukkonen
Language training
In order to make work meaningful and productive for both parties, it is important to support the learning of a common language in the workplace. Local language skills are undoubtedly an important factor in both integration and integration into the work community.
The Kielibuusti.fi website provides models and tools for language learning and support for international professionals: Click on this link to access the materials that are most suitable for you.
In the Central Savo region, Finnish language training is available from educational institutions as well as from cities and municipalities.
- Varkaus City Language Club open to all at the Family Centre
- Saimaa Orthodox Parish: Language cafés | Saimaa Orthodox Parish
- Joroinen Language Café at the Old Casino
- Leppävirra language café KOTO-club meets regularly at Setlementti Ukonhatu. You can find the club's upcoming meeting dates here.
- Soisalo University offers Finnish language courses for beginners, advanced and grammar in Jorois and Varkaus. See the courses and timetables here.
- Savon ammattiopisto, Sakky: Open, free Finnish language classes in Varkaus | Savon ammattiopisto.
- Click here to see what Pieksämäki Seutuopisto has to offer.
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences offers online Finnish language courses .
Housing and leisure
You can find out more about the housing supply and housing options in the municipalities of Central Savo on the websites of the municipalities, private operators and municipal rental housing companies.
Click on this link to see the housing offer of the municipality of Joroinen.
Click here for the housing supply of the municipality of Leppävirta.
Housing in the municipality of Pieksämäki from this link.
Varkaus city housing supply from this link.
Private housing providers:
- https://www.vuokraovi.com/
- https://asunnot.oikotie.fi/
- https://kotiankkuri.fi/
- https:// skvl.fi/
- https://savontalotiimi.fi/
- https:// qasa.fi
The InfoFinland website provides information about living in Finland in several languages. Click on this link to go to the site.
There are plenty of leisure opportunities in the region. The surrounding nature and waterways offer opportunities to spend time outdoors and enjoy relaxing walks. Local sports clubs offer opportunities for recreational activities, the Soisalo College offers a wide range of courses and there are various associations to find new things to do.
Soisalo School https://soisalo-opisto.fi/fi
City of Varkaus https://varkaus.fi/fi/sivu/hyvinvointi-ja-vapaa-aika
Municipality of Leppävirta https://leppavirta.fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika/
Municipality of Joroinen https://www.joroinen.fi/liikunta-ja-vapaa-aika/
Services in nearby municipalities (Joroinen, Leppävirta and Pieksämäki)
As living is more than just working, it is important that workers feel welcome in their place of residence and that their leisure time is meaningful. City and municipal resettlement services are also there to support international talent who have moved here for work. The services are free of charge and also available to employers. Feel free to contact us!
Municipality of Joroinen: Immigration services - joroinen.fi
Leppävirta municipality: Palvelut maahanmuuttajille / Immigration services - Leppävirta
City of Pieksämäki: pieksamaki.fi/asukkaat-ja-ymparisto/maahanmuuttajat/