'Foreign students who are resident in Oulu aged between 15 and 16 are entitled to summer work experience with a company, with their salary paid by the city,' Janne Heltunen, the city's Summer Work Co-ordinator told 65DN. Apparently, their Finnish-language skills are not necessarily a factor in this. Indeed, some firms are specifically looking for English-speaking school students for work experience placements.

Heltunen also insists that lacking Finnish is not necessarily a bar to international students at university or polytechnic looking for summer work.

'There are a number of places – for example Nallikari (the beach complex) – who are looking for people who can speak English and even other languages such as Italian. As long as applicants can speak English there should be no problem.'

Around 4000 students are on the lookout for summer work. 'There are about 1800 places,' continued Heltunen. 'Those in search of work apply through the City of Oulu Summer Work Centre. And on 21^st March employers will look at all the applications and make their decisions.'

Heltunen strongly encouraged international students to apply for summer work. 'I'm happy for them to ring me and talk about it and I can explain more about the process,' he said.

Janne Heltunen can be reached on 044 703 878. Summer Work applications can be made at

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