Expat stories - part 3

Being both foreigners in Finland, we like to hear stories from other fellow expats, to share and compare our points of view, fee

lings and experiences. That’s why we decided to start this series, to understand how people with different cultures and backgrounds feel about this country, but also to provide a fun and useful tool for Finns, for them to realize how their own country is seen from a different point of view.

Today we have a talk with Cornel and Alena, the former from the other side of Europe (Portugal) and the latter from neighboring Russia. What are their views and feelings about Finland?

Who are you?

Cornel: Hello! My name is Cornel, I am 25 years old. I was born in Moldova, however, on very early stage of my life I moved to Portugal. I consider myself Portuguese. I am at the moment studying in Haaga-helia Porvoo, Aviation buisnes. I Lived in several countries before (because of my previous work, I was a cabin crew for Ryanair and Norwegian Airlines) I lived in Scotland, Ireland, Sweden and Spain before moving here.

Alena: Hi,I’m Alena,I’m 25 years old and I’m living in beautiful Finland. I’m a student at Haaga-Helia University and at the moment I’m writing my thesis about social media marketing. I’m in love with sport and my passion is creativity in everything.

For how long have you lived in Finland?

Cornel: I would say I have lived in Finland “back and forth” for about 1 year. I worked 6 months in Lapland as a safari guide. Then I spent about 3 months looking for a job in Tampere (it was very difficult of course because of the pandemic) . So I started looking for a study place in a university, which was one of the goals of my life.

Alena: I came from Saint-Petersburg,Russia to Finland 6 years ago.

What has your experience been like here?

Cornel: I love Finland, if all others countries would behave life Finns in social or environmental aspects, the world would be a better place! The education here is amazing, and like it should be, free and accessible to everybody wanting to learn more, not only for people that can afford it! I have so many good things to say about Finland, I guess this interview should be only about that topic :D

Alena: I’m happy that I made a chose to move to Finland. First few years was challenging for me, different mentality, language and lifestyle, but now I’m feeling Finland is my home, where I am comfortable to live and I met here a lot of great people.😍

Tell one thing that shocked you about Finland!

Cornel: What shocked me about Finland is: “What a great country to make a life, and almost nobody in the world knows a thing about Finns!” Another thing that shocked me was the really long darkness in winter, and the long sunny hours in the summer.

Alena: Silence. In Saint-Petersburg lives 5.5 million people and it’s same amount in whole Finland. So, you can imagine how loud and busy the city is. When I just arrived, I was shocked that people live so quite, even though in bars, people talking quietly and not trying to over-talk anyone. It is so different from what I used to see back in those days in Russia.

What is the best memory you have so far?

Cornel: I have several great memories related to Finland! Seeing the Nordic lights for first time was such a good feeling, then having snow almost till the window of my house, working with -40 degrees, Husky riding, Fishing in the lake, Waking up in a cottage in the middle of the woods…

Alena: The first one of a good memories what comes to my mind is when in summer 2019 I traveled from Finland to Greece, missing travelling so much.

What is, for you, the best thing of living in Finland?

Cornel: The trust in the government and in everybody else. The free education. And also the working conditions.

Alena: I really value safety and in Finland I’m feeling safe, for example can walk outside in the late evening without any worries and fears.

What is one thing you would like to change about Finland?

Cornel: probably the alcohol selling system, but it’s hard to answer, everthing for me so far is great.

Alena: That is a difficult question, maybe one thing what I would be happy to change is Finnish language, so difficult to study it.

What is the biggest difference between your home country and Finland?

Cornel: Honesty and trust among people. People here are very hard working, and pro-active towards law and duties

Alena: As I mentioned, mentality of people and the lifestyle of people. Russians, I think, more open people, if we like something or not - you will know. Finnish people more careful, they are thinking about feelings of opponents and don’t want to harm others with their opinion.

What is your favourite Finnish word, and why?

Cornel: no ni! You can use this word for everthing, and the way you say it can be understood in so many different ways!

Alena: Kalsarikännit, this is a funny word with more funnier meaning. Meaning of this word is drinking alone at home in underwear. Just thinking about why Finnish people need an exact one word for this kind situation, crazy😅

If you had to leave Finland tomorrow, what would you bring away with you?

Cornel: my girlfriend!

Alena: My boyfriend,hamster,laptop and residence permit,in case to come back.

Here you can see the home countries of our expat stories so far! Contact us if you'd like to share your story with us! :)