11 December 2025
International students praise mentorship programme
Luleå University of Technology, through the Talent Hub North project, has completed a pilot round of a mentorship programme for international students. On 9 December, the final gathering was held at Vetenskapens hus in Luleå.
Mentors and international students came together for an evening of dinner, presentations and knowledge exchange – and many described how the programme has inspired them as they prepare to establish themselves in Sweden. The programme has provided valuable insights into the Swedish labour market and its workplace culture.
“I want to thank my beloved university for allowing me to be part of this mentorship programme. It has helped me so much,”says student Jayani Peiris.
Mentoring opens doors
For many students, mentoring has been a way into local networks.
Tilan Edirisuriya, who was mentored by Emil Svanberg from RockSigma, describes the meetings as crucial:
“My mentor gave me the opportunity to learn about the local industry and to make contacts. It's different here - more informal. That has been invaluable.”
Sameera Guneratne, mentored by Johannes Granström from Cesab, has already found a job:
“I received support in reaching the right companies. Johannes works actively in recruitment, and his advice was extremely valuable. I am now working in the Stegra project in Boden through a company called Eiffage.”
Great commitment from the mentors
The mentors also highlight how rewarding the program has been.
Sara Json Lindmark, Managing Director at Luleå Science Park, describes the experience like this:
“I have gained a friend. Mentoring gives me an international perspective on what we do. More people should become mentors - it is fundamental to our success.”
Student Anushka Perera, who was matched with Sara, agrees:
“I have received so much support, and I have also gained a friend.”
Himani Naesstroem from Ditwin AB reflects on supporting the next generation:
“It feels good to help someone who is where I was ten years ago. We've had a lot of good conversations and I hope we can keep in touch.”
Her mentee Asanka Chathuranga describes mentoring as a shortcut into society:
“Getting concrete advice from someone who has made the journey themselves feels more authentic than reading online. This has been like a fast track for me.”
Guest speakers during the evening
Hela Galvis, who runs the Switch to Sweden project via Linköping Science Park, has developed a networking platform that can help match international students with business actors. Hela also highlighted some of the cultural differences that international students often need to have insights into.
Johanna Fjällblad from Luleå municipality talked about the green industrial transition in the north and the need for international skills.
Next Round in 2026
The mentorship programme is part of Talent Hub North’s initiative to connect students with businesses and the public sector, strengthening the region’s long-term skills supply.
The next round will take place in autumn 2026, with applications opening in January.
Contact
Åsa Karlström
- Collaboration Strategist
- 0920-491947
- asa.karlstrom@ltu.se
- Åsa Karlström
Marita Holst
- Collaboration Strategist
- 0920-492289
- marita.holst@ltu.se
- Marita Holst
Published:
Updated: