Slavica originally arrived in Finland in 1996 and lived in Rauma and Helsinki before moving to Kalajoki.

– My first visit to Kalajoki was on a team day with my colleagues. It was a beautiful autumn day, and I was mesmerised by the colours of autumn, the long sandy beach, the beautiful houses and friendly people. When the day was over, I knew I wanted to live here.

In her free time, Slavica enjoys the offering of her new home town.

– My hobbies are fishing, hiking and swimming. On the weekends I like to visit the Irish bar to have a drink and enjoy live music. I also enjoy visiting the spa hotel and the city’s swimming hall.

New apartment by the beach

Settling in a new town is hard, and finding an apartment is not one of the easiest tasks. However, Slavica was positively surprised by the comprehensive re-location support she received from the city of Kalajoki.

– International Affairs Coordinator Susanna Leiviskä had reserved two days for showing me the potential apartments and the city. She welcomed me with a warm smile and made me feel welcome at once. Such a relief! I felt things would get sorted out after all.

Slavica’s apartment is almost new and located right by the beach. Renting the apartment was quick and fluent, everything was ready in a few hours.

– I said, jokingly, to Susanna and the real estate agent, that the location is perfect: right behind the Irish bar, on the sands of Kalajoki. Seriously speaking, I could not hope for a more perfect neighbourhood: it’s beautiful, there’s a lot going on all the time, a lot to do, lots of entertainment, and of course nature, right behind your door.

The city of Kalajoki’s warm welcome

Slavica says she may not have been able to arrange the move at all if the city had not met her halfway and helped her with everything she needed to know and do.

– They helped me find the right websites and brochures, and things just started to move forward very naturally, from my perspective. I did not expect to get the apartment issue solved on my first visit, but Susanna and Integration Services Manager Anne Tullila really arranged this big welcome surprise for me.

Slavica got a tour around the city, showing her the most important sights and services.

– I have never met such organised, motivated and friendly people. Everyone was willing to help with any matter that came up. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped me with my wishes and requests. I want to send very warm regards to everyone I met at the city hall, and especially Susanna and Anne!

Read more about living in Kalajoki: homeinkalajoki.fi