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International House South Karelia newsletter – Happy new year 2026!

PUBLISHED 1/20/2026, 08:46

International House brand products.

The first International House South Karelia newsletter of 2026 brings us ideas for the beginning of the new year, including information on the upcoming International House events. Welcome to read! The newsletter is aimed at international residents who have moved to the area and network partners who support integration.

Upcoming activities and events

Kesäksi duuniin summer job events in January-February 2026 in Imatra, Lappeenranta, Luumäki, and Parikkala. Check our social media for some tips and read more here: Events - Summer Jobs - Job Market

International House Living Room events for locals, internationals, and local internationals. Let’s have a cup of coffee together in a cozy environment and explore topics related to life in South Karelia. Read more and save the dates: International House Living Room - event calendar

Need tips for exercise, outdoor activities or winter sports?

  • Lappeenranta: Visit the web-site Easy to Join Exercise (lappeenranta.fi) and find out more!
  • Imatra: Discover the sports services of the City of Imatra on 22.1.2026, at 1.15 PM at the Imatra Sports Complex. You can also get acquainted with the swimming and sports facilities. The information session will be in Finnish. English and Russian language support is available, if needed.

Spouse Networking on 3.3.2026, at 17-18.30 at the main library, Lappeenranta. Did you move to South Karelia region as a spouse, while your other half came here for work or studying? Come to network and share your experience with other people in the same situation. Read more and register here: Spouse Networking - event calendar

International House pop-up multilingual guidance service at Sammontori community space (EKTA). Visit: Sammonlahti pop-up guidance - event calendar for more information.

Eläkkeelle! -tietoisku on matters related to retirement: Visit Eläkeinfo - event calendar for more information.

  • Lappeenranta: 21.1.2026, at 14-15:30, Lappeenranta Government agency building (Suomi service point)
  • Imatra: 29.1.2026, at 13:30-15, South Karelia Employment area, Imatra service point

International House Network Gathering for organisations that support integration: 29.1.2026 at 14-15.30, LUT University. The language of the meeting is Finnish. Register here: International House verkostotapaaminen - lyyti.fi

Find more activities via the South Karelia hobby calendar and event calendar or explore tips on our website. See all International House events in the South Karelia event calendar: International House South Karelia

News from the Network

Finnish as a Second Language S2 at Joutsenon Opisto

Finnish as a Second Language S2 is a full academic year programme focusing on Finnish language and culture as well as working life and societal skills. Studies take place on weekdays from 9.00 to 14.00 and the scope is 45 credits. Students can start from their own level and are placed in groups according to proficiency.

A new beginner course starts on 19.1.2026 and ends on 20.5.2026 at Joutsenon Opisto. The starting level is 0 and the target level is B1.1. Registration is now open at www.joutsenonopisto.fi.

12 Week Journey of Self-discovery

Naistenkartano extends a heartfelt invitation to all women to join their peer support group. There, you’ll have the opportunity to explore self-discovery, gain fresh perspectives, and connect with fellow participants.

The group communicates in a mix of languages, and there’s no need to speak perfect Finnish or English — everyone is welcome, including Finnish speakers who want to practice their English. The only requirement is that you understand at least some Finnish or English.

Meetings take place on Thursdays at 17–19 in Naistenkartano's office (Pormestarinkatu 6 A, 2nd floor, Lappeenranta). The course is FREE.

Read more and register: Naistenkartano - verkkokurssitehdas.fi

Stay connected!


Want to share your event, course, or service with internationals in South Karelia? Our next newsletter will be published in March. Please send your materials (in Finnish and English) by 10.3.2026, via link > QuestBack

The International House operating model is part of the South Karelia Employment Area's services. Information for personal customers, employers and entrepreneurs can be found here: South Karelia Employment Area (lappeenranta.fi/en)


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