Smart Work 2027: International Resident Services

At the beginning of 2025, I started working on social orientation for new international residents at the City of Hämeenlinna. I used the national yhteiskuntaorientaatio.fi website as a basis, but noticed a need for a local workbook. Instead of relying solely on online information, I began developing activity-based English-language materials and collaborating with various sectors of the city, including museums and the library.

Instead of offering only verbal guidance, I wanted to provide a lasting resource that would also save staff time. Another goal was to motivate new residents to explore Finnish culture, community, and language independently. The workbook serves as everyday support and a low-threshold guide to settling into a new home city.

The result is a comprehensive 60-page workbook, available both in print and digitally. It is more than just a guide — it includes vocabulary and exercises for learning the language and local services. The workbook has already been distributed to around 50 new residents. It brings together everyday life and services in Hämeenlinna, making settling in easier.

I continue to develop the workbook together with groups and trainees. I regularly gather feedback and ideas for improvement from users. This ensures that the guide stays up to date, high-quality, and genuinely responsive to residents’ changing needs. The workbook can also easily be translated into other languages in the future.

Developer

Anna Kolata, Specialist, International Resident Services