Newsletter: How to Survive Winter in South Karelia?

Warm and cheerful throughout the dark season

At our “Welcome to Lappeenranta” event, newcomers learned how to thrive during the dark season: dress in layers, wear proper shoes, use reflectors, and stay active and social. Find seasonal tips also at infofinland.fi.

Autumn Highlights

Over 200 participants have joined our International House autumn events to explore career paths, local services, and leisure activities.

The events have been organized in collaboration with various actors, and a wide range of services in the region have been on display, from language training to public transport and from library to organizational activities.

Thanks to all volunteers, partners, and attendees, you are the heart of IHSK!

See photos from the August Opening from the link at the end of this newsletter. Follow us on social media for more highlights!

“South Karelia is becoming more international – and that’s a wonderful thing. We need international talent now and in the future”
– Sanna Natunen, Employment Director (excerpt from the International House opening speech)

Upcoming Events & Activities

Career Club @ Kulttuuritila Nuijamies

Oct 22 & Nov 19 | 17:00–19:00
Open to all: students and professionals alike!

Friday Babbles @ Yhteisötalo (Community house) Lappeenranta

Every other Friday at 14-16: meet locals, share stories, and learn over coffee.

See all International House events in the South Karelia event calendar.

Finnish Language Practice

Join Heikintalo group or Luetaan yhdessä sessions in Imatra & Lappeenranta

Find a Hobby

Stay active this winter via the South Karelia hobby calendar and event calendar or explore tips on our website.

Check out GoSaimaa website or VisitLappeenranta and City of Lappeenranta on social media for local tips, events, and hidden gems!

Are you new to South Karelia? Discover our Welcome service!

Meet with our integration specialist (1–3 times) to get free of charge personalized guidance. This service may be for you if you have recently moved to South Karelia and need information about the services and opportunities in the area.

Contact us via email, phone, or visit our advisory points in Imatra or Lappeenranta.

Next Welcome Event: History & Culture of Lappeenranta region

Nov 5 | 16.30-18 | Limited spots! Free of charge | More information and registrations from our event calendar (link in the end of this newsletter)

Service Point Relocation

We’re preparing to move our Lappeenranta service point from IsoKristiina shopping centre to the Government Building (Virastotalo) in December. Stay tuned for updates!

News from the Network

Easy to Join Exercise - Sports for All

Developed by the City of Lappeenranta for internationals, this program offers accessible sports and outdoor activities for adults, children, and seniors either free or at the lowest cost.

Find energy for winter with water aerobics, ballgames, gym sessions, or even women-only swimming hours. Many activities are beginner-friendly and require no registration.

Whether you're just starting or already experienced, explore all options via the local sports calendar or at the Easy to join Exercise webpage.

Connect with International Working Women of Finland (IWWOF) – Lappeenranta Chapter

Join a welcoming community of more that 11 000 women with international backgrounds from all over Finland (suomalaiset naiset, erityisesti paluumuuttajat, ovat lämpimästi tervetulleita)!

IWWOF offers support, networking, and casual meetups like book clubs and language cafés. No membership fee, just bring your curiosity and kindness.

Contact: Anna Nikitina – anikitina0404@gmail.com

Stay in touch!

The International House operating model is part of the South Karelia Employment Area's services. 

Want to share your event, course, or service with internationals in South Karelia? Our next newsletter will be published in December. Please send your materials (in Finnish and English) by December 10th.

We also encourage local actors to publish their services related to integration at the renewed fintegrate.fi webpage.

Aiheesta muualla in english

• International House South Karelia (lappeenranta.fi/en)
• International House Etelä-Karjala avajaiset 29.8.2025 (lappeenranta.kuvat.fi) (in Finnish)
• International House South Karelia (tapahtumat.ekarjala.fi)
• Subscribe to the newsletter (epressi.com) (in Finnish)
• Send your materials to the newsletter (response.questback.com)
• Facebook - International House South Karelia (facebook.com)
• Instagram - @internationalsouthkarelia (instagram.com)
• Finnish climate (infofinland.fi)
• fintegrate.fi (kotoutumisentukena.fi) 

Activities

• Heikintalo (heikintalo.fi)
• Luetaan yhdessä (luetaanyhdessa.fi) (in Finnish)
• South Karelia hobby calendar (harrastukset.ekarjala.fi) (in Finnish)
• South Karelia sports calendar (harrastukset.ekarjala.fi) (in Finnish)
• South Karelia event calendar (tapahtumat.ekarjala.fi)
• Easy to join Exercise webpage (lappeenranta.fi)
• GoSaimaa (gosaimaa.com)
• International Working Women of Finland (iwwof.com)