The International Voucher is a support program by the City of Lappeenranta that helps local companies hire international students from LUT and LAB universities. The aim is to lower recruitment barriers, promote diversity, and create career opportunities for students. Companies receive financial support for employing a student in a role that matches their studies, making it easier to bring in new talent.

One example of how this program works in practice comes from The Switch, an innovative player in green technology. Thanks to the International Voucher, they were able to strengthen the team and broaden their talent pool. 

The International Voucher made it possible to hire an additional summer employee

The Switch is an agile product supplier specializing in custom electric machines and power electronics solutions for system integrators and original equipment manufacturers. Their mission is to accelerate the global transition to net-zero emissions through innovative green technologies. While being a fairly international organization, the voucher supported their recruitment efforts by allowing to diversify their summer workforce.

- We received a high number of strong applications for our summer positions. The International Voucher enabled us to recruit an additional summer employee, expanding our team and providing more opportunities for young talent. Thanks to the voucher, we were able to offer summer trainee positions to three engineering students instead of two. We also felt like the application process was generally clear and straightforward, says HR & Administration Specialist Mari Puhakainen from the Switch. 

- We hope the program will continue in the future. It is especially beneficial for smaller companies that must carefully evaluate each recruitment decision. The voucher can help mitigate risks and make it feasible to hire an additional employee, says Mari. 

International Voucher doesn’t just help companies—it also creates career paths for students. One of them is Nipun, whose journey from thesis work to a full-time role shows the program’s true value.

From thesis worker to a permanent team member

Nipun Haputhanthrige, a graduated student at LUT University first learned about the International Voucher program during LUT's study orientation. As a part of the orientaition, he attented an information session organized by City of Lappeenranta where International Vouchers were also distributed to the attendees. 

Having seen the vouchers in person, Nipun became interested in applying for thesis position through the International Voucher program. The fact that the voucher benefits both the employer and the employee was a key motivating factor in the application process.

"Application process was not hard"

- I found thesis position published on Job teaser (LUT career guidance webpage) and applied for it. Luckily, I got accepted and got to do thesis work at the Switch, says Nipun. 

Through his thesis work, Nipun gained experience in applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations, which strengthened his practical understanding and problem-solving skills. He also feels that the working opportunity helped him understand Finnish working culture better, making it easier to integrate into the local work environment.

- The Switch offered me an opportunity to continue working with them following my thesis and I got a permanent contract after my thesis work, says Nipun.  

Would you recommend the International Voucher? 

- Yes, I would recommend the voucher for other students. They could use it as a stepping stone to find training opportunities, summer jobs, or thesis projects, helping them gain practical experience and build professional connections, says Nipun.

- Absolutely. The voucher provides a valuable foundation for recruitment decisions and enables us to extend opportunities to more candidates, says Mari. 

Read more about the International Voucher here

Published November 10th 2025