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Workinfinland Silkroad Fi Moving To Finland - Fbclid IwAR28ljTMx0ThRNn8LOfBUsfynf
Workinfinland Silkroad Fi Moving To Finland - Fbclid IwAR28ljTMx0ThRNn8LOfBUsfynf
Transition
A seamless transition to a new country demands knowledge and understanding of its language, culture,
authorities, and the nuances of everyday life that vary from place to place. At Silk Road, we extend a warm
welcome and o몭er valuable insights and encouraging tips to ensure your move to Finland is an enjoyable
experience rather than a stressful one. Let’s delve into this guide to ease any potential culture shock when
relocating to Finland!
To immerse yourself in the language and culture, consider exploring Finnish literature, 몭lms, and music.
These resources not only enhance your language skills but also o몭er deeper insights into the Finnish way
of life. Additionally, you can seek out language courses or language apps to accelerate your language
learning journey. To help you out, we have also collected language learning tips in a separate article!
When moving to Finland, don’t hesitate to engage in conversations in Finnish. While it may seem daunting
initially, you’ll discover that Finns appreciate the e몭ort made by foreigners to communicate in their
language. Perfection in grammar or pronunciation is unnecessary; your willingness to try speaks volumes,
and you’ll undoubtedly be understood.
The cornerstone of Finnish culture is the country’s amazing nature. Finland is often referred to as the
“Land of a Thousand Lakes,” and this natural beauty signi몭cantly shapes the Finnish way of life. Pristine
forests, thousands of lakes, and the Arctic wilderness o몭er boundless opportunities for outdoor
enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking, skiing, berry picking, and 몭shing are more than hobbies; they are
cherished traditions that connect Finns to their environment. This leads us to a unique aspect of Finnish
culture: the concept of “Everyman’s Right” (Jokamiehenoikeus). This legal principle grants everyone the
freedom to explore nature, pick mushrooms or berries, and camp responsibly in the wilderness, provided
it doesn’t harm the environment or landowners’ rights.
Another essential aspect of Finnish life is Sauna culture. Many saunas are situated by picturesque
lakeshores, providing a setting for relaxation and re몭ection. This connection between sauna and nature is
deeply ingrained in Finnish culture. What might surprise you about Finnish sauna culture is that it’s
common to bathe in the sauna without clothing. If you feel insecure about that, don’t worry! It’s ok to use a
bathing suit as well. Another thing to note is that silence is appreciated in Finnish sauna culture.
In Finnish culture, there’s a profound value placed on silence. Initially mistaken for reserve or
unfriendliness, it’s actually a form of thoughtful communication. Finns typically avoid excessive small talk
and comfortably embrace silence during conversations and social interactions, allowing them time to
re몭ect before speaking. Communication is generally informal, and using 몭rst names, even in the
workplace, is common.
In addition to communication habits, Finns possess an inexplicable inner strength known as “Sisu.” Often
translated as determination, grit, or resilience, Sisu embodies the Finnish spirit and is a key component of
the culture. Throughout history, Finns have faced numerous challenges, from harsh winters to geopolitical
tensions, with quiet strength and determination.
Navigating Finnish Authorities: Your Passport to
a Smooth Transition
When moving to Finland, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with various authorities. The 몭rst thing to do
after arriving in Finland is to visit the Digital and Population Data Services (DVV) to report your move to
Finland. This step ensures your registration in the Finnish system and provides you with a Finnish ID
number. In our program, we include a visit to DVV as part of your local orientation. Once DVV processes
your information, you’ll receive your ID number via email. Next, visit the Finnish police to obtain your ID
card. Some police o몭ces o몭er walk-in services, while others require you to book an appointment.
Another authority to become familiar with is Kela (The Social Insurance Institution of Finland), which
provides your health insurance card. A straightforward visit to a Kela o몭ce will guide you through the
process. Remember that in Finland, healthcare is free for all o몭cial residents, funded through taxes.
Speaking of taxes, if you plan to work in Finland, obtaining a tax card is essential. You can easily order one
online, requiring an estimate of your yearly income to calculate the correct tax percentage. If you realize
you’ve estimated incorrectly, you can always order a new tax card and make adjustments. You must
provide your tax card to your employer, including any changes to your tax percentage.
When considering apartment rentals, keep in mind that rental apartments in Finland often require a
security deposit of 1-2 months’ rent paid in advance. Ensure you can cover this cost if you choose to rent
independently. If you arrive in Finland through the Silk Road program, the security deposit will either be
paid by your employer or deducted from your salary in manageable batches.
Having some pocket money (around 1500 euros) is advisable because obtaining a Finnish bank account
may take some time. Until you have an account, you’ll need funds to cover basic necessities like food,
cleaning supplies, and transportation. Your 몭rst salary can only be paid once you have a Finnish bank
account.
One important aspect of settling into a new country is networking and 몭nding friends to make the new
place feel like home. In Finland, there are numerous options available for networking! Getting to know
your neighbors and community may be easier if you volunteer at your housing association or other local
associations. Outdoor activities provide opportunities to meet people and establish connections. Finland
also o몭ers a wide range of hobbies, allowing you to connect with people who share similar interests.
Additionally, participating in various events or club activities can help you 몭nd friends from your
hometown!
Appreciating Nature with Sustainable Solutions
Finland places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Embrace Finland’s commitment to
recycling and familiarize yourself with local recycling practices to actively contribute to environmental
preservation. Recycling couldn’t be more straightforward, as basically all housing societies have their
recycling stations. Also, an excellent innovation in Finland is the bottle deposit system. Be aware of bottle
deposits when purchasing plastic and glass bottles. You’ll receive a refund when returning them to the
store, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Also take note that when buying groceries in Finnish stores, you’ll need to weigh fruits and vegetables
before proceeding to the cashier. This simple step ensures accurate pricing and reduces food waste.
Welcome to Finland!
As you embark on your journey to settle into Finnish society, remember that your experience will be
enriched by your willingness to learn the language, immerse yourself in culture, and navigate essential
practical matters. Finland eagerly welcomes you into its vibrant tapestry of traditions, and we’re here to
help make your transition as warm and enjoyable as possible. Embrace your adventure and the
remarkable journey ahead!
Are you ready to start your journey toward living and working in Finland with Silk Road? Sign up for our
free online orientation by clicking one of the buttons below!
Sign Up Now!
Very good road map. I applied for for the fast pace language training and I met all the requirements, but
it’s over a month and I still haven’t been grouped and no explanation or update given. Please kindly update
me of my current status. Kiitos
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