Wendolyn Santana, Mexico

Tell us briefly about your journey to Tampere and how you ended up here?

My journey to Tampere started when I moved to Finland after a relationship with a Finn. What began as a personal move gradually became an opportunity to build my own life here. I became interested in studying and decided to pursue a new academic path in Tampere. I completed a Master's degree in Digital Literacy Education at Tampere University, together with teacher pedagogical studies.

Since then, Tampere has become much more than just the place where I live. It has become a place where I have studied, worked, developed professionally, and built connections with people from many different backgrounds. Over the years, I have also become involved in the local community and cultural activities, which has strengthened my feeling of belonging to the city.

What do you love most about living in Tampere?

One of the things I love most about Tampere is how easy it is to access nature. You can live in a city and still be surrounded by forests and lakes. I love walking in the forest, picking berries and mushrooms, and simply spending time outdoors.

I also appreciate the size of Tampere. It has many of the opportunities and services of a larger city, but it still feels manageable and relaxed. The public transportation system makes it easy to get around, and safety is something I really value.

I especially appreciate Finland's Everyman's Rights, which allow people to fully enjoy nature.

Why would you encourage international talents to move to Tampere?

I would encourage international talents to consider Tampere because it offers a combination of safety, education, opportunities and an international environment. My own experience as a student showed me how easy it can be to study in an international environment, meet people from all over the world and build connections that can last beyond your studies.

In Tampere, you can have access to education, businesses and professional networks while still having nature, lakes and a more relaxed environment close by.

What is your favorite place, and your favorite thing to do in Tampere?

It is difficult to choose just one! I love Tampere's lakes and forests, especially because there are so many ways to enjoy them throughout the year.

One of my favorite Finnish traditions is going to the sauna and then taking a dip in the lake. Rauhaniemi is one of my favorite places for this. I also enjoy visiting Pyynikki and having their famous doughnuts.

And, of course, during the right season, I love going into the forest to pick berries and mushrooms. For me, these are some of the experiences that make living in Tampere special.

How would you describe Tampere as a city, what makes it special?

I would describe Tampere as relaxed, secure, international and business-oriented. It is a city that is growing and developing, while still maintaining a strong connection to nature and a comfortable pace of life.

What makes it special to me is this combination: you can be part of an international and developing business environment, but within a short time you can also find yourself by a lake, in a forest or enjoying a sauna. I think that balance is one of Tampere's greatest strengths.

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential newcomers that make Tampere a great place to live and work?

My advice to newcomers would be to take advantage of Tampere's international community and to find out what services and opportunities are available to you. There are many ways to meet people, so get involved in different activities and communities rather than staying on the sidelines.

I would also encourage newcomers to learn Finnish and learn about Finnish culture. Don't be afraid of making mistakes when speaking the language. Be brave and use it whenever you can. Even small efforts can help you connect with people and feel more at home.

Tampere has been a place where I have been able to study, work, meet people from different parts of the world and build a life for myself. I think that opportunity to create your own path is one of the things that makes Tampere such a great place for international talents.