Relocation of foreign students and workers from Kainuu; suitability of Kajaani International Info's settling-in services

Abstract

Kainuu region attracts foreign students and skilled workers and to a certain extent, their families due to low cost of living, high-quality education and closeness to nature but the stay is often short-lived. It is important to understand the factors responsible for this phenomenon as several predictions confirm that there will be work in Kainuu region in the near future, and there will be a need for workers. Retaining these skilled people in the region will be greatly beneficial to the region due to shortage of skilled labour and increased competition for professionals globally. In order to optimize the advantages for Kainuu region and its economy this study seeks to understand why foreign students and workers leave the Kainuu region after a short stay, to know if the settling-in services provided by Kajaani International Info is suitable in helping them to integrate properly into the Kainuu region and to know how to improve and develop the services further to cater for areas not currently covered.

In line with the study design, a qualitative data collection technique was utilized. A semi-structured interview was employed as the primary data gathering tool with ten participants all foreigners (Master’s and Bachelor’s students, and workers) while data from past Open Kainuu events was used as the secondary data in complement to the existing theories used for the study. Having assessed and analyzed the various findings generated from the study, it revealed that challenges such as poor employment opportunities and Finnish language skills were the major reasons why foreign students and workers were leaving the Kainuu region. The findings also confirmed that the Kajaani International Info Settling-in services has a major role to play in integrating immigrants into the Kainuu region. Collaborating and leveraging on attractive education choices like KAMK, organizing international fairs for networking, providing robust recruitment, integration and diverse opportunities for students, the skilled workers and their families were part of the recommendations proffered.

The development task involved brainstorming workshop with two members of the Commissioner’s team to develop action plans and generate appropriate solutions for gaps revealed in the study’s findings. Leveraging on social media to create more awareness about the settling-in services and working more closely with relevant stakeholders like KAMK and Kainuu region’s authorities were part of the outcomes of the development task all designed to foster integration of the foreign workers and students into the Kainuu region.