What is Vaasa International Talents?
Vaasa International Talents is a programme that wants to make it easier for international Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students in Vaasa to integrate into the region’s job market.
The Programme aims to bridge the gap between the regions’ companies and other working life actors and the talented international people studying at the higher education institutions in Vaasa.
We want to make use of our region’s already existing ecosystem of networks to help our students get access into our society and working life.
Photo Credit: Tareque Mahmud
Programme structure
The programme is built around three main focus areas, which together form a structured and supportive learning experience:
Competence development – Skills for Finnish working life
This part of the programme focuses on building essential knowledge and skills needed in Finnish working life. Participants take part in sessions that will include:
- Guest lectures on relevant working life topics
- Insights into Finnish workplace culture and expectations
- Practical guidance on job search and recruitment processes
- Personal journeys shared by professionals and alumni
- Group discussions and reflection
The aim is to provide realistic insights, practical tools and increased confidence when approaching Finnish employers.
Guidance
Supports participants’ individual professional development.
Participants take part in:
- Small‑group discussions
- Job interview simulations
With a focus on identifying and sharing about personal strengths and career goals, job search strategies and challenges, professional communication and networking skills.
This approach ensures that each participant can reflect on their own situation.
Connections to working life
A key part of the programme is creating opportunities for participants to connect with fellow students in all higher education institutions, alumni of the programme and working life actors in the region.
These connections may include:
- Company visits and employer presentations
- Job shadowing opportunities
- Informal discussions
- Guest sessions with professionals and alumni
These activities provide participants with real‑world perspectives and help build meaningful connections. The programme cannot guarantee that all participants will get any of these possibilities through the programme, since they will be dependent on the needs and availability of the working life actors and organizations. What we can guarantee, however, is that by actively participating in the programme, participants will be able to find own connections to working life actors.
Programme timeline
The programme is organised twice per academic year and runs alongside participants’ studies. There are two programme periods:
- Autumn Programme: from September to December 2026
- Spring Programme: from January to May 2027
Each round starts with a kick‑off event at the beginning of the programme. The core activities take place during the following months, combining sessions, guidance actvities and other events.
Sessions are scheduled to fit alongside studies, and activities are spread throughout the programme period.
Each programme period has a different application.
Sessions and schedule
Programme sessions are typically scheduled:
- On Wednesdays from 17:00 to 20:00
The selected dates throughout the Autumn programme (from September to December 2026) are:
- 16th September
- 23rd September
- 30th September
- 7th October
- 21st October
- 28th October
- 4th or 5th November
(Note: there might be some changes in the schedule, participants will be informed in time).
Additionally, a mandatory webinar session organized by Talent Coastline and a group discussion session will be included in the programme. The exact dates for these sessions will be confirmed later.
Participants may also have the opportunity to take part in voluntary company visits and/or job shadowing experiences, depending on availability.
The selected dates throughout the Spring programme (from January to May 2027) are:
- 27th January
- 3rd February
- 10th February
- 17th February
- 24th February
- 10th March
- 17th or 18th March
(Note: there might be some changes in the schedule, participants will be informed in time).
Additionally, a mandatory webinar session organized by Talent Coastline and a group discussion session will be included in the programme. The exact dates for these sessions will be confirmed later.
Participants may also have the opportunity to take part in voluntary company visits and/or job shadowing experiences, depending on availability.
Time investment needed
The estimated required time investment in the lectures and programme is roughly 25 hours. In addition, you will need to reserve time between the sessions for keeping a journal of your learning and for work on your job application materials and other related assigned tasks. With a few exceptions, all sessions will be held on site on Wednesdays after office hours.
All programme participants will at the end of the programme receive a certificate of participation which can be used as future reference.
Number of spots and eligibility
30 students are selected for each programme period (30 in the Autumn programme and 30 in the Spring programme).
The programme is open to international degree students at higher education institutions in Vaasa (University of Vaasa, VAMK University of Applied Sciences, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Åbo Akademi University and Hanken School of Economics).
The eligibility criteria:
- You are international Bachelor’s or Master’s degree students (or recently graduated)
- Study or have studied (graduated since September 2025) at one of the participating institutions
- Hold a valid residence permit in Finland or have Finnish citizenship
- Have completed at least the first year of Bachelor‑level studies
Each programme period has its own application period and selection process.
What is expected from participants?
Vaasa International Talents is a voluntary programme, but it requires active participation and commitment.
Participants are expected to:
- Attend and be on time in programme sessions and activities
- Be physically present in Vaasa during the programme period and sessions
- Engage in discussions, reflection and assigned activities
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Keep a learning journal throughout the programme that will be submitted at the end of the programme.
The programme is free of charge, but participants are expected to make time and effort to get the most out of the experience.
Programme rules
- All scheduled sessions are mandatory and active engagement is expected.
- If two sessions are missed without informing in advance or without a valid reason, you may be asked to leave the programme.
- If you are unable to attend a session (e.g. due to illness or other reasons), you must inform the programme coordination in advance.
- Participants must arrive on time, at least 5 minutes before the session starts, so the session can start on time.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered in the selection process.
- Participants must to act professionally and respectfully in all programme activities and interactions.