The move to Finland is a unique set of challenges and opportunities for an English-speaking stranger. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, but English is widely spoken all over. This linguistic setting can be a help but also sometimes a burden for the foreigner tasting and experiencing everyday life, working, and socializing in their new homeland.
For a nature lover, Finland offers a lot of opportunities. There are innumerable lakes, vast forests, and plenty of gorgeous archipelagos. The northern lights visible during winter indeed present a very beautiful view. National parks like Nuuksio and Koli offer great hiking, camping, and wildlife opportunities.
Experiences in culture are not in short supply in Finland. In Helsinki, there's modernist architecture courtesy of Alvar Aalto, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, and a museum of contemporary art, Kiasma. Other towns boast historic sites, arts, and active markets, including Turku and Tampere.
Winters in Finland are ideal for skiing, ice-fishing, and sauna - a part of Finnish culture. Its long coastline and thousands of lakes make it great for boat trips, fishing, and swimming during the summer. A peculiar summer phenomenon where it doesn't get dark for several weeks is the Midnight Sun, worth experiencing.
While Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, most Finns are proficient in English, particularly the younger generations and people living in the cities. This makes everyday communication relatively easy for English speakers. Knowing basic Finnish phrases can add much value to your experience and make a huge difference in getting close to the locals.
Finns generally are known to be very reserved and respectful. Punctuality is highly regarded, and personal space is respected. One should expect a firm handshake at the moment of greeting. Even though Finns seem to be reserved, they are friendly and very helpful.
Available housing options vary from apartments in new town centers to country cottages. Big-city living can be found in the capital, Helsinki, while towns like Tampere and Turku offer a combination of town life and the natural world close by. Finland has some great hotels that are both comfortable and stylish. In Helsinki, Hotel Kämp is a good choice for a luxury stay, while St. George is perfect for a quiet escape. Casino Helsinki Hotel is also one of the best, with a casino as its main feature. But if you're not into gambling, you don't need to stay there just for the casino. You can always play baccarat in your room—it's quiet, no crowds, and no pressure from the dealer! The price for renting is high in big cities but overall of good quality. No matter which hotel you choose in Finland, you’re sure to enjoy the calm and beauty of this amazing country.
There is an effective public transport system with buses, trains, and trams. They also have a proper network structure connecting even the furthest cities like Helsinki. Getting by, therefore, without a car is no hassle. For drivers, the roads are in good condition with generally light traffic compared to other European countries."
The healthcare system in Finland is of high quality and easily accessible. As an expatriate, you will enjoy access to public health care services, often supplemented by private health care. You are expected to know local facilities and procedures within the health sector.
There are several expat communities and social groups for English speakers in Finland. Most of these could be very nice forums for making friends, sharing experiences, and finding support. So many websites and social media sites host events and meetups that create the chance to get in touch with people.
It's all about leisure activity - savoring local cuisine at restaurants or cafeterias and attending music festivals and sports. With the Finns' rich tradition for coffee culture, you'll pretty easily find plenty of cozy cafes to sit back and relax. Also, Finnish design and fashion are world-famous, with numerous boutiques and design shops all around.
Finnish speakers commonly mispronounce a variety of English words. For example, "juice" often comes out as "Jewess," as Finns try to pronounce both the 'u' and the 'i' in the Finnish style. Likewise, "guess" may turn into "Quest's," with a 'k' sound instead of a 'g.' Some other frequently mispronounced words include:
Those are words that are similar in two languages, either in writing or pronouncing, but differ in meaning. They may be misleading and confusing for English language learners, leading to misunderstandings. Here are some examples of false friends between Finnish and English:
There are a lot of idiomatic expressions in Finnish, which, when literally translated into English, often sound strange or even amusing. Such expressions, more commonly known as "Finglish," reveal the mix between the Finnish and English languages. Some examples of these expressions are:
Living as an English speaker in Finland combines all modern comforts, rich culture, and beautiful nature. In a country with such nice people, good life, and great experiences, Finland is surely a perfect place to stay. Experience the Finnish lifestyle, explore beautiful landscapes, and create unforgettable moments in this wonderful country.