Many students from outside the EU want to stay in Finland after graduation. However, few manage to find jobs in the same region where they studied. Students have shared that they would like to stay, but face challenges integrating into Finnish society. It’s hard to make connections — and without them, it’s difficult to learn the language. Without language skills, finding a job becomes even harder.

The Golden Moment project (2023-2025) gave international students a chance to practice Swedish in a creative and supportive way, beyond traditional classroom learning. Students who joined the project visited local elderly care homes and prepared for each visit with the project team. Each visit involved a new activity, and students practiced useful words and phrases in advance — both in class and on their own. They received materials like vocabulary lists and helpful expressions to use during the visits. At the care homes, students worked in small groups and led activities across different departments. The residents enjoyed the variety and appreciated the break from their daily routines. These moments added a touch of joy to their day.

Project staff were present to support the students throughout the visits. The project created a safe space for English-speaking healthcare students to use Swedish in real-life interactions — without the pressure of performing medical tasks. Students found this experience very valuable. The project also helped build bridges between future employees and potential employers, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and future collaboration.