Tuyen Vo, Vietnam

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

Six years ago, my friends were the reason I first visited Tampere from Hungary. I then came back four more times, in four different seasons over several years because Tampere itself gradually became a special reason for me to keep returning. As my love for the city grew, I learned more about Finland, and in 2024, I decided to move here as an international student in the master’s Programme in Sustainable Societies and Digitalisation, specializing in Accessibility and Diversity in Digital Services, at Tampere University. During my studies, I had many opportunities to integrate into Finnish society by volunteering, joining student associations, attending many local events and working. I was also proud to complete my international traineeship in the Tampere Welcoming City Program at the City of Tampere. After graduating, I am continuing my life here in Tampere and now building an IT company which focuses on solving social bottlenecks through AI products together with my diverse team.

What do you love most about living in Tampere? 

Accessibility and friendliness. From public services to the many small touchpoints of everyday social interaction, I have found that Tampere in particular, and Finland as a whole, have a well-established system that makes it easy for immigrants to handle their daily tasks and administrative matters. I have also had the chance to meet many "Tampereelaiset" (Tampere locals) and international talents, now my friends and colleagues, whose kind hearts and open minds have guided me through the integration process. Moreover, the international community in Tampere is diverse and keeps growing, bringing more visibility to different cultures. 

Why would you encourage international talents to move to Tampere? 

Because Tampere is a place where you don't just live, you grow. From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the warmth of a city that genuinely wants you to succeed. The support networks here are strong and welcoming, and help is never far away. Whether you search online or step into International House Tampere, you'll find people and resources ready to guide you through every step of your new beginning. Thanks to Finland's digitalized public services, paperwork becomes simple, giving you more time and energy for what truly matters: building your life, your career, and your dreams. If you have an idea burning inside you, Tampere is a great place to bring it to life. The startup community is thriving, and experienced founders and mentors are always willing to share advice. If you're hungry to learn, the city's universities and educational institutions will open doors you never knew existed. And wherever you come from, you'll find international associations and communities where your culture is celebrated and your voice is heard. 

But most of all, you never know until you try! Moving to a new city, or even a new country, can feel scary. Yet the moment you take that first brave step, a whole new world opens up, full of surprises, friendships, and possibilities waiting just for you. Tampere is always happy to welcome you to "come as you are." 

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

My favorite place is Hatanpää Arboretum, which has many kinds of herbs and a magnificent rose garden in the summer. I love wandering along the lakeshore in the afternoon, slowly closing my day with the glow of the sunset. Another place I would recommend visiting is Hiedanranta, which has lots of creative street art, a nice café, and beautiful outdoor views where people can relax on the weekend. Basically, whenever you go out, you might unexpectedly come across an interesting event on the street, and plenty of other pleasant things will catch your attention. 

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

The balance between urbanization and nature preservation is a big plus from my perspective. In the urban area, almost everything is easily accessible, including public services, transportation, and shopping. The city is known for its safety and good air quality, and you can see children and elderly people happily enjoying their days all around the streets. Additionally, Tampere is located at a convenient geographical hub, well connected to other cities by public transport. Besides that, forest land is distributed alongside residential areas, creating sustainable urban planning that keeps residents close to nature while still ensuring convenience in daily life. When you want some time to yourself, Finnish nature will give you a warm embrace. Lakes are always near you wherever you go, and the water carries a sense of calm. And if you want to find inner peace, simply take a walk through the forest and let the sounds of nature heal your exhaustion. 

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

Tampere is a city that teaches you to slow down and truly live. Finnish work culture values trust, equality, and balance, so your time outside of work is respected as much as your time at work. Here, it's completely normal to leave the office and head straight to a lakeside sauna, go for an evening swim, or take a walk through Pyynikki Ridge and reward yourself with a famous doughnut from the observation tower café. Tampere is known as the Sauna Capital of the World, and trust me, once you've experienced it, you'll understand why saunas are at the heart of Finnish life. Every season here brings its own kind of magic. Summer offers endless bright nights and lively festivals, autumn paints the forests in gold and red, winter invites you to try ice swimming and watch the snow sparkle, and spring brings the joy of the city waking up again. Rather than seeing the long, dark winter as a challenge, I encourage newcomers to embrace it. Cozy candlelit cafés, cultural events, and warm gatherings with friends make it a special time of year. What makes Tampere truly unique is its size. It's big enough to offer opportunities, culture, and a vibrant community, yet small enough that you'll often run into familiar faces and feel a real sense of belonging. My advice to newcomers is simple: be curious, say yes to invitations, and don't be afraid to take the first step in conversations. Finns may seem quiet at first, but behind that calmness are some of the most sincere and loyal friends you will ever meet. Tampere gave me a home, a community, and the courage to start something of my own. I truly believe it can do the same for you.