CASE STUDY

From Classroom to Workplace: Mapping the Barriers to the Job Market for International Students in Helsingborg

International students in Helsingborg face unique challenges that hinder their integration into the local job market. These include limited access to internships, language barriers, and a disconnect between available opportunities and students' academic fields. We recognized the importance of addressing these challenges through our projects with Söderscen and Mindpark, so we wanted to explore the barriers and opportunities for international students in Helsingborg. The project aimed to map the ecosystem, uncover the underlying issues, and pilot interventions to support students in navigating these challenges.

Background

Helsingborg is home to Campus Helsingborg, a key hub for students. Many of them live in the Söder district, where we are implementing Söderscen, a local placemaking project. Despite the city's ambition to establish itself as a student city, international students often face significant integration challenges, particularly in accessing the local job market.

The project sought to bridge these gaps by mapping international students' challenges, engaging local stakeholders, and testing tactical solutions that could inform long-term change.

Students are a core target group for Söderscen and Mindpark due to their significant presence in the Söder neighborhood and at Campus Helsingborg. Many students participate in events, and Mindpark's proximity to Campus Helsingborg makes it an essential resource for students.

We believe in engaging students as active participants in the community while supporting them in reaching their goals. Our role as engaged in these projects helps us serve as mediators and messengers, connecting students with businesses, public sector organizations, and other stakeholders to address challenges collaboratively.

Understanding the challenges

The process was divided into four central moments to engage the students and better understand their needs and challenges:

Dialogue Session
We initiated a dialogue session at Söderrummet to connect with students, introduce ongoing projects, and share existing opportunities through Söderscen and Mindpark.

From Classroom to Workplace Workshop
Creative Insights Studio facilitated an exploratory workshop for the Service Management Program and Strategic Communication Program students. Participants identified barriers such as the lack of internships, bureaucratic hurdles, and a disconnect between their studies and the job market. They also brainstormed potential interventions, which informed subsequent project steps.

Mapping
We completed a mapping exercise to identify key actors supporting international students in Helsingborg.

A continuous dialogue with partners
We engaged local partners and stakeholders identified by mapping through Söderscen and Mindpark. We wanted to explore potential collaborations further and gather more insights from the partners as they have worked closely with students through their initiatives.

Key Insights

  • The Service Management program lacks mandatory internships, reducing practical job market exposure (in comparison with the Strategic Communication program)

  • The long bureaucratic processes (e.g., obtaining a Swedish personal number, obtaining a BankID, etc.) cause stress and delay access to Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) courses.

  • Poor late-night commuting options between Lund and Helsingborg and higher costs separate Helsingborg from student life in Lund.

  • Many international students expect to study in Lund when applying, not knowing that their program is in Helsingborg.

  • Job fairs and networking events often cater to Swedish-speaking students, leaving internationals underserved.

  • Students living in Söder expressed safety concerns and called for better student discounts and amenities.

  • Students highlighted the importance of mentorship and networking opportunities to connect with local companies.

Tested Interventions

We selected and tested some of the feasible tactical ideas brainstormed in the workshop:

Swedish Language Workshops

In collaboration between Helsingborg International Connections, Helsingborgshem, and Söderscen, we piloted a Swedish language program targeting students and delivered by local students. The program included six workshops and tackled topics related to daily life in Sweden.

Alumni Success Stories

We hosted an event featuring alums who shared their journeys of finding jobs or launching projects in Helsingborg, inspiring current students.

Internship Program

Creative Insights Studio launched a 4-month paid research internship program. Each year, three internship rounds are available for six students or graduates. The interns will work within the Research Lab. The first cohort will co-publish a report on Helsingborg's creative and cultural industries in early 2025.

Future Steps

The project has laid a foundation for continued engagement with international students in Helsingborg. In 2025, we plan to:

  • Launch a small grants program for students and graduates to organize events through Söderscen.

  • Scale successful interventions, including Swedish workshops and Alumni events.

  • Strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to align with the city's strategy to become a student destination.

  • Explore more opportunities for mentorship and networking.