Living in Finland as a Foreigner

Hello there ♥
This video is about my experience of living in Finland as a foreigner. I moved to Finland almost 4 years ago and for this time I got to know this beautiful country and amazing people here. Hope you'll enjoy watching this episode of what's it like to live in Finland.
00:00 - intro
01:25 - the story behind my move
03:26 - Finnish people
08:50 - speed of life
12:25 - safety
15:35 - climate and lifestyle
19:16 - access to nature
20:07 - Finnish language
23:34 - attitude towards immigrants
25:49 - how Finland changed me
Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to me!
Sending you much love 🤗❤️
My Instagram - / life.by.olia
The music I use can be found here:
share.epidemicsound.com/eadkv6
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[@Bubblefairie]

Kiitos Olia for your kind words. Watching this video felt like watching a movie. Your photography was stunning, I wondered how one can even present our nature in such beautiful light. Not that our nature isn't already beautiful, but that your way of expression felt like it was made for this exact purpose. During this video, I felt like I could fall asleep and trust that your words would carry me. Every single sentence was expressed so beautifully and described so perfectly what I have been feeling and wanting to say aloud. You brought me to tears.

[@lifebyolia]

Ah wow, thank you with all my heart. Your comment is so incredibly touching and I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for your kindness and support, it truly means so much to me. It warms my heart to know that my video resonated with you on such a deep and emotional level. Kiitos, sending lots of love and all my best and warmest wishes to you! ❤❤❤

[@jonelervorths4110]

I'm a Swede, and I got a Finnish friend. I get a long with him really well, and appreciate his constant honesty a lot. Since I'm very introverted, and society in general in all places are not designed for people like me, I really really appreciate my friend's natural sense of respect and relaxed mentality.

[@lifebyolia]

Hello guys! Merry Christmas!🌲 I missed you so much ❤ It’s been a while since my last video, but I’m so happy to be back to you with my new episode. This video is special for me, as it was filmed through the years. So I hope you enjoy it and I’d really like to know what you think about it. Happy Holidays to you!! I hope your days are full of joy, love and laughter. Thank you for being here! I look forward to sharing more videos with you in this new year. Sending you so much love! 🤗🥰❤

[@forestshomer4043]

Very masterful editing. The video flows and is a pleasure to watch!

[@lifebyolia]

@@forestshomer4043 Thank you so much!!

[@Fortuna88828]

You are truly a happy person, Olia, because you see beauty all around you.

[@juhalehtinen4068]

Thank you for this video. As a Finn (much older than you), it reminded me all the good things of our country that I maybe don't come to think of so often as I should. I wish you all the best staying here in Finland🙂

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad the video made you think about all the good things here. In today's world, it's easy to get lost in the bad news and to forget about the good things around us. Thank you for your kindness. Wishing you lots of happy moments in this new year 🤗🌟

[@sliceofheaven3026]

Beautifully filmed. If you arent a documentarist this definately feels like you have a talent for it.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words 🤗

[@thejjzz]

That’s what I also paid attention to

[@mantelikukkapenkki2368]

Thank you for your kind words about us and our little country. We are honored to have you with us 🙂

[@lifebyolia]

And I’m honored and more than happy to be here. Thank you so much for the warm welcome! 🤗

[@beththomas8430]

Is the comment about bullying a few comments above yours, really true? I have never heard anything like that, so I am shocked to read it. Please respond.

[@chica7144]

This was absolutely beautiful and I really love the well-rounded picture you provided of your experience. I'm currently on holiday in Finland and your video has explained many things I noticed about the people and the culture and helped me enjoy and respect it even more. I also think you have a beautiful voice and adore hearing you speak. Congrats on finding a place that makes you this happy. You made me want to move here too. 💕

[@MK-ns6gk]

So nice comments from that young lady. Thank You. You did understand finns and Finland just thr right way. More people like you .

[@lifebyolia]

I'm happy to hear it. Thank you so much!😊

[@user-vr5qf8hg3h]

Thank you for your kind words about my home country! So lovely videos, that show the beauty of the nature here so lovely. I hope all good in your life here! ❤

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kindness and for making me feel so welcome. My best wishes to you! ❤

[@puhistagram]

Oh, man you are so good at this. Country brand ambassadors of Finland. дякую 🌻

[@lifebyolia]

Wow, that's so nice to hear 😊 thank you so much!! 🤗

[@Inkkari9]

​​@@lifebyoliaSo true. Is this your work or just a hobby? Video feels so inspiring and beautiful it makes me almost speechless

[@ulflundh5813]

As a Swede I must say that this was the best analys of Nordic mentality I ever herded ❤❤

[@lifebyolia]

I’m flattered to hear that, thank you 🥰❤

[@frednorman1]

Fascinating video and beautiful photography as always. And a beautiful tribute to Finland and Finnish culture. Finland is lucky to have you…

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! It's an honor to share the beauty of Finland and its culture 😌

[@ani9603]

Oh Olia. What a beautiful video! Merry Christmas. My grandmother was from Isonkyro. I want to go there someday. I can see all the wonderful things there thanks to you. Lots of love from Destin Florida U.S.A. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much Ani! My hope was that this video might offer a small connection to your ancestors' place. I truly wish you get to visit Isokyro one day, to feel that connection firsthand. Merry Christmas to you too! Sending warm wishes and lots of love back to Florida 🤗🤗🤗❤❤❤

[@wanhapatu]

Just "Isokyrö" as "ison" is the genetive form. Hope you can visit one day!

[@ani9603]

@@wanhapatu Yes, thank you. Typo.😊👍

[@jsigur157]

I live in the USA and I am now an "oldtimer". If I was younger, I would seriously be interested in moving to Finland. With my VPN, I can get Finnish channels though I have trouble navigating within the channel due to my lack of Finnish speaking skills, I have very much enjoyed this video and will be seeing what else you have on this channel. Keep up the good work!

[@kv6uf]

Very well done video, great photography, very well researched and intelligent. You managed to tell what a Finn would want to tell about the country. Happy new year 2024! Glad to have you here.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for such positive feedback. I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. Wishing you a happy new year 2024 filled with all the amazing things :)

[@vesakaitera2831]

A very true and powerfull personal view about the life in Finland. Congratulations to You, Olia ! If somebody wants to know, why Finland is year after year topping the list of the happiest countries in the world, he/she should watch this video. That will give the answer. I have lived 28 years in Helsinki and the last 22 years in Jyväskylä, and so I saw really many familiar places in this video.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you for your kind words about my video, they’re much appreciated. I've visited Jyväskylä several times in different seasons, and I was pleasantly surprised - the city is charming.

[@squidcaps4308]

Bicycle thefts are a problem and one of the problems is that it is still low level crime, it isn't cost effective to investigate each of them. So, they mainly focus on finding the groups that are involved, you can solve dozens of thefts in one case, and thus stop more of them happening. But, it is still a reality that you have to lock your bike really well, and also.. sadly, one of the best way to prevent bike theft is to not have the most expensive bike in the rack. Get something modest and functional, not fast and expensive as those are the most sought after bikes. Specially Trek's are on the list as there are so many of them that it is easier to sell them too.

[@Pappa_66]

❤❤❤Just found your channel, great video, thank you⛄. Bit late to say Welcome but I am glad you are happy and safe here❤. Have a great New Year and lets hope 2024 will be a better one. All the best and love also to your family and everybody in Ukrain.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words and warm wishes🤗 It's never too late for a heartfelt welcome, so I truly appreciate it ❤. Wishing you a great New Year as well, let's hope for a brighter and better 2024 for everyone. Sending lots of love and my very best wishes your way ❤️❤️❤️

[@ThomasGMcElwain]

This is a negative thing that is difficult to spot quickly and should be known by any foreigner settling in Finland. In Finland there is a unique bullying culture. Bullying occurs everywhere, but in Finland it is an institution with special qualities. Bullying takes place in schools, the workplace, churches, and in any social grouping such as registered societies and sport clubs. When it does take place, and this is the unique feature, the victim of bullying is always blamed by everyone. In schools, the teachers blame the victim and stand up for the bully. They deny that bullying takes place in specific, although they may admit it in general or outside their circle. In the workplace, the same occurs. The bully is glorified, the victim universally chastised. In other countries, there are always defenders, sometimes few, but at least enough to diminish the problem. Furthermore, in other places, persons of authority do not always defend bullies. I have seen this repeatedly over decades and it is always the same. People may privately disapprove, but in public they always meet bullying with silence or support the bully. They have just elected a president who was an acknowledged bully in school and such people tend to do so later in life as well. Finns who are bullied often leave the country or commit suicide, which is the major reason for high suicide rates in Finland. Now a foreigner is not really likely to be the victim of bullying, although it can occur. But it is vital to know what kind of society you are entering.

[@vkmsd842]

Thank you Olia for your time and efforts in making of this amazing video showcasing the beauty of this Nordic country ! There is a reason why Finland ranks at the top in happiness index every year, the fact that life is not just work and competition but to experience it in all aspects is it's true essence.

[@lifebyolia]

That’s true. Thank you so much for your kind words! Finland truly is a wonderful place, it's a joy to showcase its beauty through my videos 😌

[@steamfox]

25:45 I think that's beautifully said - no fuss, just life (in a good sense). Thank you for your thoughts!

[@maariatamminen454]

Thank you Olia for your interesting and in my opinion right on point perspectives and thoughts about Finnish people and life in Finland. Listening to you -and also watching those beautiful clips on Helsinki, Hanko and Finland - made me appriciate even more what we have and what the past generations have worked for and left for us! ❤ Thank you Olia for this deep realization, that we all Finns truly have to work to keep all these good things rolling on forward. That way we are able to pass this safety, trust to each other and nature respecting attitude also to next generations. As well as pass maybe some of it bit by bit all around the world! ❤🇫🇮🥰

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much Maaria for your kind words! ❤ I’m happy and honored to hear that you found my thoughts about life here right on point. You said very important words about passing these values to future generations. And I genuinely hope that my video can contribute, even if just a little, to spreading them worldwide. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and write this meaningful comment. It means so much to me to have your support and understanding. Thank you deeply! ❤🥰🤗

[@oskar6747]

Past generations gave us a nordic welfare state and strong unions. Current generation is destroying all that in the name of capitalism. There isn't even any point in working anymore when the salaries are so low that you can't even get a decent living.

[@timoterava7108]

​@@oskar6747 The salaries are/should be based on your productivity - not on your needs or hopes. If you want more money, work more or get a better job. If you are useless - but not elderly or sick - don't expect me to pay for your living. Stop whining like a socialist leech!

[@markogronfors3826]

. Kiitos Olia . Hyvää Joulua ja parempaa uutta vuotta 2024.

[@lifebyolia]

Paljon kiitoksia. Hyvää Joulua ja valoisaa uutta vuotta🎄

[@HannuPulkkinen49]

Thanks for a great and well edited video. You are a positive and optimistic person, but also a realist. Your videos have such a good atmosphere that I can enjoy these slightly longer videos as well. Merry Christmas and New Year 2024. Let's hope that the war in Ukraine will end soon and your home country will be able to build a prosperous one and also that your loved ones there will survive everything happily.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you deeply for your kind words! I'm really happy you enjoy my videos and find a good vibe in them, it means so much to me. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024. Let’s hope for a brighter future. Thank you for being so kind and caring ❤

[@spoonzor1]

You reminded me of something I had totally forgot about.. I think around 2016 I was in Jakobstad and I forgot my valet there.. I lived 100km from that town myself and they called me and said they found my vallet. Not only that, they came personally to where I live to give it to me. That was insane

[@lifebyolia]

Wow, that’s an incredible story!

[@timoterava7108]

Thank you for your excellent and beautiful video. Also your voice is music to ears. Some clarifications for the Everyman's Right: It’s NOT allowed to… - disturb people or damage property (As a thumb of rule - if you see a house, you are too close) - disturb reindeer, game, breeding birds, their nests or young - let pets off leash - cut down or damage trees - collect moss, lichen, or fallen trees from other people's property - light open campfires without permission, except in an emergency - disturb people's privacy by camping too near them or making too much noise (- also camping is limited to 1-2 nights only) - leave litter - drive motor vehicles off road without the landowner's permission - hunt without the relevant permits - fish with nets, traps, or a reel and lure without the relevant permit In national parks and many nature reserves, special regulations can additionally limit activities such as camping, hunting, using motor vehicles, and moving through sensitive areas during the nesting season.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words about my video. I really appreciate it. Also, a big thanks for writing these clarifications. They’re very helpful and important to know 🌿🌲

[@slebbeog]

Your pronounciating and accent is just lovely to listen to. :D

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you ☺️

[@slebbeog]

@@lifebyolia Ole hyvä.

[@creativeandaliveat65]

Thank you, Olia! You show so beautiful scenes and insights of Finland! I am a Finn, but I have lived in Canada for a long time. Now I'm studying Ukrainian. I want to go to Ukraine and see, if I can do something worthwhile there. It warms my heart that you have found such a connection with the Finnish nature and way of life.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you, Riitta, for your heartwarming words! Your decision to go to Ukraine during such hard times is incredibly brave and kind. I genuinely admire your courage. It's also so incredibly touching to hear of someone abroad interested in studying Ukrainian, even though it’s not the easiest language. Wishing you safety and strength on your journey. ❤❤❤

[@creativeandaliveat65]

@@lifebyolia Dear Olia, this is what we share in common: We are touched by the idea that someone outside our own culture would put the time and effort to learn our language! I feel the same about you and anyone, who cares to acknowledge my culture in that profound way!❤🌍🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵🟡🔵 Slava Ukraïni!

[@timoiiskola7676]

Olia, that was so well edited as far as the video is concerned, wonderful footage. But more importantly You really touched upon some universal truths here. Moving to another country is always hard and takes so much effort and attitude adjustment. And in the end you have to make your own happiness, no matter how much your new home country might provide for you. What would be the point if everything was exactly the same as it was at home? Life is about experiences and meeting new people and environments. I'm so glad you have found a safe and happy place for your family in Finland and wish you all the best. Hyvää Joulua! Merry Christmas! :)

[@lifebyolia]

These are very wise and kind words. Thank you so much for this. I feel like you really understand what the whole experience of moving to another country really is. And you are so right about that - building your own happiness is the key. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and all the very best in this new year. Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta! 🤗✨

[@domidero7004]

Hmmm, i must say im very impressed by this video due your wisdom and kindness... You are a wonderful human being Olia... I wish you all the best from Romania 🤗

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Greetings back to Romania! Lots of love and warm wishes to you from frosty Finland! 🤗❄️

[@orphicsonnets]

hey olia, i absolutely adore this video. it made me feel purely safe. thanks for that you showed us your perception about finland. i also want to move there for master degree's, hope i'll achieve that. loves from turkiye (:

[@lifebyolia]

Hey there :) happy to hear you enjoyed this video. Wishing you all the best on your journey toward your master's degree in Finland, I hope you make it happen. Sending love right back to Türkiye 🤗

[@hannuloijas1249]

Thank you Olia and have a peaceful Christmas 🎄

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas too ✨🤗

[@Adxan17]

Your English accent sounds so beautiful❤️😊🦋

[@Y-42]

Thanks for sharing your story, I am from Canada and I want to move there eventually.

[@aricsoderbloom323]

Loved your videography and your compassionate insight!

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! They're appreciated.

[@Juhani96]

merry christmas! This video was so nicely filmed and edited :o Great to hear, u are having some good time here :)

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kindness! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this video. Merry Christmas and happy holiday season to you too ❤️🤗

[@mauriciokayser798]

Amazing video! Merry Christmas from the south!🎄🎅 Have a great and blessed holiday and be safe out there young lady❤🙏

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Merry Christmas to you too from the north! 🌟 Wishing you a wonderful and blessed holiday season filled with joy and happiness. Stay safe and take care! 🤗❤️

[@elainabex]

This is such a detailed and beautiful video!

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you! ❤🤗

[@jooseppib1082]

You guys are very welcome. Hopefully we in Finland will get to experience some Ukrainian culture too😊

[@lifebyolia]

It's so nice to hear that, thank you kindly for the warm welcome ❤

[@mercurialmagpie3298]

Olia, this is one of your best videos yet. I've been watching your videos for a while now and I really appreciate all that you share about Finland. I once applied and interviewed for a job there, and while I didn't get it, I came close to moving to Finland. I'm still tempted and this video really tempts me more. Thank you again and please keep sharing your wonderful videos!

[@lifebyolia]

Getting interviewed is already a huge step. From personal experience I can say that if you apply outside of Finland, it can take long months and some rejections to get a job offer. But if you keep trying, I'm sure you'll make it happen. Wishing you best of luck with this!! Thank you so much for watching my videos and for your kind words, I'm happy to hear you find them interesting 😌

[@NdayambajeJacques-pn4mj]

Thanks for helping us to know wei Finland,the happiest citizens in globe .we appreciate their culture if kindness

[@sulosky]

I wish you and your family all the best. As a Finn I hope Finland is able to give you a home you deserve and maybe one day you're able to go back if you want so.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kindness ❤

[@SamiNami]

I am happy Finland has treated you well.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you! ❤

[@calvin9436]

That's the most beautiful video I've seen in a long long time. I love everything about it. You make me feel Fernweh :')

[@lifebyolia]

Ah, that’s so nice to hear! Thank you for your sweet words, they brightened my day 😃

[@calvin9436]

@@lifebyoliaI binged the whole video. It's straight art the way it's filmed! And you're voice over is so soothing. It's hard for me to thing about something you could improve on, because I think that it's already on THAT level! Okk fangirl mode deactivated.. long story short: I don't want you to change the style, it gives me peace.. o, I am doing it again.

[@williamwallace4879]

I want to visit Finland someday, Thank you for the excelled video.

[@oskar6747]

5:30 Yes, it's common to answer:"Nothing worse than misery", if you don't want to explain everything.

[@1saskarKeturi]

Nice video clips from so various places. 🙂

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you!! 😌

[@koch75ify]

👍🇫🇮Todella hienosti tehty video! Hyvää joulua ja onnellista uuttavuotta 🙂 👍🇫🇮Really nicely made video! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🙂

[@lifebyolia]

Kiitos paljon mukavasta kommentista! Hyvää joulua sinulle ja lämpimiä toivotuksia tulevalle vuodelle! 🤗🎄

[@pedrotorreras]

What a wonderful video, it sounds like you know the finnish way of life very well. Keep it simple and remember to enjoy the small details in your everyday life.. this way you have plenty to be happy about and will have a happier life. Terveisiä Tampereelta 😀

[@lifebyolia]

Your words are truly beautiful! It's so true that finding joy in the simple things can bring so much happiness. Thank you so much for this message. Kiitos paljon. Terveisiä Tampereelle! 🤗

[@Keinapappa]

Merry Christmas!🌲

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you!! Merry Christmas to you too 🤗🌲

[@NiW709]

Such a great video, thank you for making it. I think it’s also good for us Finns to get a reminder about the things that many people here take for granted but are very important for a well-functioning society. Like trust for instance and lack of corruption. Was also very nice to see clips of Jyväskylä - the town where I used to live over 20 years ago 🙂 I would love to visit Ukraine as well and hoping it will soon be possible to go there to see the country myself. Finland and Finns will always support Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@lifebyolia]

Happy to hear you enjoyed this video, thank you! 😊 I truly hope that one day you’ll be able to go to Ukraine and see the country. Thank you to you and to all the people of Finland for your support of my country. It’s so heartwarming and it really means so much to all of us ❤

[@mr.silver7651]

Another fantastic Video wich reflects everything and all about your new homecountry.nice filming and wonderful impressions ,it reflects your life there. The more i watch, the more i want to pack my bags and wanna say goodbye germany 😆😊😉all the best 4 u and your husband and of course a happy New year,greets tom😊

[@lifebyolia]

Hi Tom, happy to see you here and I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed this video as well 🙌🤗. Right now it's a heavy snowstorm here in Helsinki, so if you're thinking of packing up - take a lot of warm clothes, he he 🥶😁. Thank you so much for such a nice comment🙏. Hope you’re doing well. Sending my best wishes to you and your family 🤗🌟❄️

[@angelsmagick]

I'm so happy to have found your channel. I'm a Finnish older lady living abroad and missing my home country ❤

[@lifebyolia]

And I’m so happy that you’re here ❤

[@liv0003]

Really interesting video with wonderful images too👍. Finland seems like a very fascinating country with unspoiled nature. I would love to visit Finland one day

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I really hope you get the chance to visit Finland one day and experience its beauty firsthand.

[@liv0003]

@@lifebyolia thanks 🤞

[@wanhapatu]

That was a very all-inclusive and accurate video on the subject. And a lovely accent. :)

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you! 😊

[@avari6167]

amazingly good video and you hear it from Finn kiitos paljon 🙏

[@lifebyolia]

happy to hear that 🤗 paljon kiitoksia!

[@user-ie9ox9vs9l]

I was trying to find your channel. Watched many videos before.

[@louvetteuy208]

The scenery are amazing

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you ☺️

[@mehdinasrallah9360]

I saw it for the second time, 😅, Nice video, I like the way how you say the words !

[@lifebyolia]

Haha 😅 Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video 😊

[@Keinapappa]

Merry Chrismas.🌲

[@KasperiVonSchrowe]

Thank you Olia for the great and very professional video of Finland. I wish you and Ukraine all the best. We Finns love our country and way of life and you managed to tell that part of us excellent. That is also something that affects our immigration policy. Many of us think that uncontrolled immigration policy is danger for our culture and surroundings. Through that, as you told, we like foreigners that come here not to bring their culture here in full force, but to join and integrate in our culture. We like them to try Finlandize themselves, work for their earnings, pay taxes, spend holidays and pass time like we do. That's the most of the "racism" that we have here.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for this comment. I'm happy to hear that, as a Finn, you think the video is professional. Your expectations for foreigners coming here are very reasonable. Indeed, it is very important to protect Finnish culture and keep Finland as safe as it is now. From my perspective I would expect the same from people who come to live in Ukraine. So your points totally make sense to me. Thank you so much for your support and for taking time to write this comment. Best wishes to you!

[@YogieAnanda-sw1is]

Ahhh..... Europe, I often dream of starting a new life there. But what can I do, I don't have the financial ability.😔 Merry Christmas, Olia. May God bless you and your family.🙏

[@lifebyolia]

Never stop dreaming, who knows what the future holds :) Thank you so much for your kind wishes. Merry Christmas to you too! Wishing you blessings and hope for your dreams 🙏🌟🎄

[@karihilska4966]

Olia, you are great women. That is not a KZbin video. Its a real document. Well done and filmed. And you know what you say. You are the person what we need in Finland. Welcome❤ Kari Hilska, Turku

[@lifebyolia]

Kari, your warm welcome fills me with joy and I'm honored to hear such beautiful words about this video. Sending you a big hug and a warm thank you for your kindness 🤗❤️

[@safeaiornot1519]

I felt from several seconds that you are a Ukrainian too 🤗 I'm Ukrainian living in Spain 2d year and going to relocate to Finland or Norway. I miss depth of the conversation and respect of personal space 😅. Spanish people are amazing, but I do need this Nordic spirit

[@lifebyolia]

Happy to see a fellow Ukrainian here 🤗 If you're looking for respect of personal space - you’ll definitely get it in Finland 😁. It's interesting how, as Ukrainians, we're somewhat alike to Finnish people in being a bit introverted too. Best of luck with your future move ❤

[@zoolkhan]

Let me be crsytal clear here, as a finn - if you dont learn the language, you will always be a citizen 2nd class which becomes painfully evident when you try to find jobs outside of large multinational companies, or when you move out of helsinki. People willing to deal with you in english, dwindle away dramatically on the countryside. Also i would interpret it as lack of respect towards a host country, and refusal to integrate with the native society if you just stick around other foreigners and refuse to reach a proficiency level with the language that enables you to engage with the native society. I lived abroad, and i have always spoken the native language with the natives, i expect the same from any immigrant who want to settle for good in finland. I have no doubt olia can speak my language, but many english speakers feel far too comfortable in their "foreigner community" same goes for germans and other groups - they all have the perhaps natural tendency to stick with each other (to help each other with inital life in the country) - the problem is, they stay in that bubble and dont disengage ever. And that is when i feel it is a problem. Ghettos are bad, it does not matter if it is an arab ghetto, or a german ghetto. ---- So, all foreigners - be ready to mingle, no matter how hard it may appear in finland - you need to have some sisu, to come here to the land of sisu :) ps: beautiful fotography olia, but you need to get out of the city some more... helsinki is not finland, helsinki is just another city - just like kyev is not representing all of ukraine, or moscow all of russia. The real people, are outside of cosmopolitan student bars :)

[@democracyalways9801]

100% True. It is maybe Hard words for some, but hopefully helpful

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you for sharing your perspective! I absolutely agree with you that language is very important and it’s crucial to engage with the natives. But please don’t interpret the lack of Finnish language skill as a sign of disrespect to your country. Just give foreigners some time. Finnish is hard to learn and sometimes people are shy to speak it just because they are afraid that their skills won’t be enough to support the conversation, when in reality they’re trying so hard to master your language. Also consider that when people come to Finland to work they naturally have much less free time for language studies. If a person lives here for 10 years and still doesn't speak Finnish then that’s the question of course :) Yes, the video is based on my experience in Helsinki, but I try to explore Finland outside of the capital region as much as I can. I visited other cities (Tampere, Jyväskylä, Oulu, Vaasa, Hanko, Turku) and some smaller towns as well. I agree that Helsinki does not represent all of Finland, but a quarter of the population in Finland lives in the capital region. That’s quite a lot. For example in Kyiv it’s only 8 percent (by rough statistics before the war). But I understand that my experience in Helsinki doesn’t show the complete picture of Finland. And I am always happy to hear the point of view of native people who live here. Thank you kindly for your comment :)

[@democracyalways9801]

Kiitos vastauksesta!! To me You are important and I like You a lot even though You May be not speak finnish. But generally speaking it is very difficult to deeply understand society and culture without counties own language. I feel your voice is one of the Best In the world😍

[@lifebyolia]

@@democracyalways9801 Kiitos paljon tästä kommentista ja kauniista sanoista. Olen täysin samaa mieltä kanssasi kielen merkityksestä. Siksi yritän opiskella suomea joka päivä muutaman tunnin ajan. Lisäksi suomen kieli kuulostaa minusta niin kauniilta. Vaikka en vielä puhu suomea kovin hyvin, toivon todella, että jonain päivänä voisin puhua tätä viehättävää kieltä yhtä sujuvasti kuin kantasuomalaiset. Kiitos vielä kerran ja kaikkea hyvää sinulle! 🤗♥

[@maariatamminen454]

I must say I was surprised HOW MUCH Olia had clips from different places, when I think her financial means must be relatively limited. Ofcourse she could show us clips from beautiful Satakunta, Kainuu, Pohjanmaa, Savo, Karjala..and Lappland, but as we Finns do well know, it is not cheap to travel around Finland in the more remote areas. Well, you might find sometimes affordable bargains for buses, trains or flights, but then you are mainly still "landing on" an urban area or in a "tourist attractive" areas. You still need a car (or a bus connection) to get to the nature or small villages and towns, where you see "the other type of finnish lifestyle". And if you don't have relatives or friends accomondating you, it becomes very expensive. So, if YOU think Olia should be able to see the way of life and enviroment in the finnish countryside and you have means or possibility to offer her and her loved one an accommondation/place to spend couple of nights or even a week, please, I urge you to do that. 🥰❤ I am sure we would all enjoy so much her footages and insights of the finnish life, mentality and sceneries "somewhere there". 🤗❤ And I must say, the mentality/personality of finnish people DO DIFFER distinctively/widely, depending if you are in a bigger city, a small town or village, where everyone knows each other..or if that village or town is in Karjala (Carelia in eastern part of Finland), in Savo, in Pohjanmaa, in Kainuu, in Häme, in costal areas of Finland..or in Lappland. So, lets show Olia and her viewers those all! ❤😊

[@lrebsten7155]

Americans feel the same way. So many Americans make their real friends in elementary school, high school and college and it becomes hard to make friends after that. So many Americans that move often find it hard to make friends after college. And many do not consider work colleagues as friends. And not to mention when long time couples break up or people divorce - sometimes one person ends up with no friends. It is hard to meet true friends in the USA - like the same kind you had in childhood or teenage years. There are those people who are born in a small town and stay for life and keep their same friends for life. But then you are stuck with gossip about what you did when you were 6 years old or anything you did in high school or anything a family member did marks you for life in a small town. It seems like a wide world problem. But some Latin, Arab, Eastern countries may be different.

[@Thevikingcam]

Welcome to Finland :D

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you! 😊

[@redojun]

Thanks a lot Olia. By Mr. Zwe, from Myanmar.

[@martindohnal55]

Stunning video, Olia. I want to move to Finland soon. Can I ask in what city did you film it? It looks really beautiful there.

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you! Most of the footage was filmed in Helsinki and a few in other cities 3:05, 9:04 - Jyväskylä, 11:02 - Pori, 13:54 - Turku, 19:11 - Hanko, 27:16 - Oulu I hope everything goes well with your plans to move here!

[@martindohnal55]

@@lifebyolia can I ask what camera do you use for filming? And also, which city is more beautiful and better for living if closeness of nature is important to me? Tamperere, Jyvaskyla or Oulu?

[@lifebyolia]

Canon eos m50 and GoPro hero8. I'd choose Jyväskylä. Ever since my first visit, I've been thinking about moving there.

[@lifebyolia]

@@martindohnal55 * but I’d like to upgrade my m50 to something that actually has autofocus in 4k and can shoot 60fps in 4k

[@avari6167]

You seem very sweet humanbeing. All the best for you and may God bless you 🙏

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes ❤️ All the very best to you too 🙏

[@avari6167]

@@lifebyolia thank you very much

[@iskal6790]

👍❤

[@jarmosalonen2068]

Your videos are so nice to watch as you show our country as an immigrant sees, though I see you also have become already part of us Finns. I especially this time enjoyed your analysis of our language. It might be yes harder for English speaking people than you as they get by without, and are not as used to making mistakes in other ones. Out of interest I studied the grammar of Hungarian. To my surprise the similarity to Finnish one was great in structure. I can only imagine how hard it is to learn, despite almost same grammar basis even for a Finn as me. So I do sympathise with English speakers. I am a supporter of Nordic multiparty social democracy. It includes also our current government in its right wing. Elections change power in ways that you or me maybe don't always like. It is all part of democracy. Changes. Sweden has had lots of problems with integration of Muslims. And Europe in general. In that sense I somewhat have to agree with current tightening in immigration, but I am mainly politically a social democrat.

[@lifebyolia]

I forgot to mention that there’s also spoken Finnish, which differs from written. And I’ve heard that there’s also many different dialects. So yeah, the Finnish language can be very confusing for foreigners. Indeed the rise of problems with integrating immigrants in different European countries is concerning. So I totally understand why Finnish people voted for the current government, as it’s very important that Finland remains as safe as it is now. Thank you for your kind words about my videos, I truly appreciate it.

[@martsinArt2022]

you almost sold me Finland😅 thanks for the great video 🤗

[@lifebyolia]

he he 😅 Thank you!! 🤗

[@obiesiyapi-tz4vx]

Given an opportunity i would like to live in this country for the rest of my life

[@devajitbaruah]

Greetings from India...❤❤❤

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you! Greetings back to India 🤗❤

[@user-kn4mm8tx6y]

Sweet olia...nice content much love, hearty welcome.shamim zahuri from bangladesh 👫 🤝 💏 🇧🇩

[@FinsaneLorist]

hyvä video

[@lifebyolia]

Kiitos, kiva kuulla 😊

[@mikeaguilar2557]

Chi kitos ms olia. See u in Finland soon . I will study there in Lahti fin through family ties

[@mikeaguilar2557]

See u there kitos

[@bakeraus]

attitude towards immigrants = because you have not experienced any racism or descrimination doesn't mean it's out of touch with the findinds. I see daily it because I work online, i'm nearly at the point where I don't think a lot of Finns even know that they are being racist/descrimative to others because if they are educated they should know better.

[@mehdinasrallah9360]

I work as a medical technologist, I would like to immigrate to Finland! (It's a dream for me ) is there any websites that It can help to get information! P.s : you did a great video!

[@lifebyolia]

Hi! Maybe these will help you: 1. www.infofinland.fi/en/moving-to-finland 2. migri.fi/en/i-want-to-apply I really hope your dream comes true and I’m wishing you all the best on the journey to achieve it!

[@mehdinasrallah9360]

@@lifebyolia Thanks Olia, wishes all the best!!

[@pateensimmainen2394]

4:27 Sebastian Tynkkynen

[@oskar6747]

4:50 Yes. I hate people that come too close. It's really discomforting. And I can't stand people who try to touch with other hand when shaking hands. My disgust would probably be seen from my face and I would try to get away from that person immediately.

[@mattf.2449]

Video of a migrant invited to research at university in Helsinki and she was upset that there were so many Finns in Finland. She then went to onto say that is okay and will be changed as more immigrants are coming. Not everything that glimmers is gold. People will use tolerance and freedom to undermine tolerance and freedom. Globalization ultimately helps only Multinational Corporations. Do not be naive.

[@SnowLion74]

You are absolutely right!

[@lifebyolia]

People who come here actually to work have nothing to do with “undermining tolerance and freedom”. And about benefits from immigration, let's take, for example, agriculture. Every year, thousands of my people come to Finland for seasonal work in fields and forests. Yes, corporations benefit from this, as well as local farmers and ordinary people who use the product of their labor. And by the way corporations pay taxes, immigrants pay taxes, and the product of their labor is also taxed. The taxes are later used for building schools and hospitals for local people. Things aren’t black and white.

[@MathNerd365]

It is important that places like Finland remain as wonderful as it is today. I hope you all find a solution to immigration that allows you to keep your culture and still remain welcoming to foreigners. I am American and many of us are leaving the country due to gun violence, political intolerance, and cost of basics needs like housing, health care, and education. In this video, Finland looks and sounds like a great place to start a family. I hope it is always this way.

[@avari6167]

But video was made good and nice to hear good things about us from a person who just moved here.

I'm a Finn & saw the clip. She was complaining about the lack of multicultural life. If coming from Paris, Berlin or London it's totally understandable. Anyway, Finland has been multicultural since the last Ice Age. Time to accept it.

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

Thank you for a nice video. i am finn and i love Ukraine and people of Ukraine. You are more than welcome. I find most of the things you said are very much true. But the political part that you told, I must say i do not agree with you my. Most of finns never have been with globalism and multiculturalism. I know people in Helsinki are more global minded than rest of Finland, but the current government is actually much closer to finnish mindset. We dont hate foreigners, we are not racists as you have noticed. We just dont want fake refugees and immigrants who are only after women and selfish life. But you people of Ukraine you have very good reputition here. I am from rural area of finland and every summer we have had many people from ukraine comming to work. We respect people who are working. We just dont want immigrants doing nothing but crimes and we do not want to follow the way of sweden. Any way very nice video, and may God give peace to Ukraine. By the way if you are orthodox christian like myself you are more than welcome to finnish orthodox church sometimes we have liturgies in church slavonic. May God bless you

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you for writing this insightful comment and acknowledging me about what people outside of Helsinki think, as well as clarifying it to other people who will watch this video. I guess I was affected by the fact that Helsinki is more open-minded, and also by the news that highlighted this topic in a quite controversial light. I can see it more clearly now, and I definitely should have opened this chapter more. I totally agree that multiculturalism is not a good thing. In ukrainian we have a saying that directly translates like: “you don't go to someone else's house with your own rules”; I think in english there's an analogy “do in Rome as the Romans do”, and I totally stand by it. I'm also glad to hear that people here see the difference between those who actually came here to work and “fake refugees”. Therefore I’m happy to hear about your positive experiences with people from my country. Thank you for your kind words about my people. I also want to explain a bit why I touched on the topic about the new immigration policy and why many working immigrants were worried about it. The thing is that one of the changes was that if you get laid off and fail to find a new employer within three months you have to leave the country. And this three-month time frame is a little bit problematic, because sometimes the recruitment process can be very long, especially for a high-skilled position, which means that you may not be able to even complete all the steps of recruitment within the three months time. So people just got a little bit scared to lose what they have here. Because for many, the moving process was quite long and stressful and they don’t want to repeat it all over again. Besides, as you can tell this particular change in immigration policy will not fix the problem with “fake refugees”. Thank you for the invitation to the church and for your kind wishes. That’s very nice of you! Sending warm wishes your way. Hyvää Joulua ja onnellista uutta vuotta!

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

@@lifebyolia thank for your answer. Yes i got it now more clearly what you meant. I think you are right about that. I think that the government should help working foreigners in everyway. Its true that sometimes finnish laws are harder for foreign people trying to work and build good life in finland while some so called refugees without papers are allowed to stay without doing nothing. I agree what you are saying i got in now. дякую і вітаю з Різдвом Христовим та Новим роком

[@safeaiornot1519]

Thanks for your kind words! As a Ukrainian living abroad 2d year, I can tell that it's si pleasant to hear that! Looking forward to know Finnish people 😊

[@rabenvaddatv]

where are u from?

[@lifebyolia]

Ukraine 01:25

[@answerthedamnquestion1604]

Merry Christmas to you pleas take care of yourself okay pleas

[@lifebyolia]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas and happy holiday season to you too🤗

[@user-fs5jr1ft7b]

I have been dreaming to do my masters degree there in Finland. I am yet to achieve that but one day my dream will come true. I will appreciate any guidance and help. Greetings from Kenya, Africa.

[@markoitmard]

You can even trust the police, that was fun point😊😊

[@Ethnarches]

Very glad to hear that you enjoy Finland, us and our culture. It seems like you have found a place that is suitable for you, that's great. I do have to unfortunately say that all the positive things you mentioned about Finland are currently eroding, Finland has changed massively in the last few decades and unfortunately mostly not for the better. Immigration is one of the biggest reasons, but certainly not the only one. I'm myself only half Finnish so a son of an immigrant, I get it, but it certainly causes issues. There's still lots to love here, but it's not quite what it was before. I don't want to get into the politics and I'm certainly not a supporter of either of the parties in power, but most Finns do want less immigration as is always shown by elections and polls. Sure there's demonstrations the other way, but that doesn't represent the majority of us. Doesn't mean we have anything against any individual foreigner, you are right that kind of racism is very rare in Finland, but we are as a whole critical of this level of immigration we have currently. There's no way this level of immigration won't change Finland totally, that means that everyone, including the immigrants who love Finland, will lose it. The videography was simply wonderful, together with your narration I think I could experience a bit of what Finland looks like for a foreigner, that's a wonderful experience and helps to appreciate what we have.

[@fsdff6386]

Having a stricter immigration policy is not "racism." We are not a 5 star hotel for people to come in here and live off the tax payers money. It's not "racist" to obligate a language exam for immigrants who want to become permanent residents. Especially compared to most other nations in the world, we are the most welcoming. However if you are a immigrant willing to work, then we do respect you. We are just tired of wasting billions on *non-working* immigrants who have no interest to adapt to finnish culture and society. And also just to add, we are not open to being massively multicultural. That was seen in the elections, people are against it. "Multiculturalism" is not a black and white thing as to if you are against it = "you are racist". It's fine to have a homogeneous society just like countries like Japan and South Korea are, no one says they are racist. But when Europeans want it, then its "racist".

[@gabrielgabriel5177]

I am finn from rural area of finland and i tell you that most of people here hated the last government. This new government represents most finns much better than last one. I know helsinki is much more open minded than rest of finland. Its common saying among finns that helsinki should be cut out of finland since it so globalist and lgtb minded. We are nott racistscbit we want to stay finns not turn multicultar cultureless and playground of immigrant criminals as sweden is

[@NiW709]

I think you overanalysed the content. She didn’t say that the government or their policies are racist. Mainly that it’s getting more difficult for foreigners to get the Finnish citizenship for instance - which is true.

[@timoterava7108]

​@@lifebyolia We should stop talking about the "immigrants" and "foreigners" as a one, solid group. Some foreigners and immigrants are totally welcome - some others absolutely not. The ones like yourself we welcome with open arms - the ones, who are ready, willing and able to blend in, work and accept the Finnish culture and values. The stricter laws are for the other ones, which we try to avoid/get rid of. Multiculturalism as a leftist cult is something to be avoided. We don't mind other cultures - as long as they do not threaten our own culture.

[@timoterava7108]

​For some reason my post was deleted. Perhaps criticising multiculturalism is forbidden... Well - I'll try again: We should stop talking about the "immigrants" and "foreigners" as a one, solid group. Some foreigners and immigrants are totally welcome - some others absolutely not. The ones like yourself we welcome with open arms - the ones, who are ready, willing and able to blend in, work and accept the Finnish culture and values. The stricter laws are for the other ones, which we try to avoid/get rid of. Multiculturalism is *censored*. We don't mind other cultures - as long as they do not threaten our own culture.

[@NiW709]

@@timoterava7108 Having people in Finland come from eg Ukraine is multiculturalism as well. And obviously eg grouping people based on their skin colour for ”welcome” and ”unwelcome” groups is racism.

[@ristovirtanen6396]

Typical Finn always thinks twice before he says nothing.🤐

[@nemesis1970]

not being racist but you need our language in everyday life and especially with children

[@lifebyolia]

Yes, that is true

[@TheUffeess]

Finland is now what Sweden once was. I would have moved there, if it weren't for the language and that Finns hate big and strong Swedish men...

[@timoterava7108]

"Big and strong Swedish men"... 😂 That's not the image the Swedish men have in Finland...😉 You are quite welcome to Finland. The language is totally learnable, if you are ready to put some effort to it. For historical reasons Swedish is the other official language, so you can also survive with Swedish only - if you are willing to live in that small (5.2%) bubble only.

[@leptir7110]

HLADNO ,SKUPO ITD

[@oskar6747]

6:35 I was proud to be Finnish. Not so anymore. I'm ashamed of our government and if Halla-Aho becomes president I would like to get Danish citizenship and get the f out of here. 🤦‍♂

[@timoterava7108]

Halla-aho is the best candidate for president by far!

[@oskar6747]

@@timoterava7108 he is a fucking joke just like Trump.

[@harjad9546]

Tervemenoa!

[@oskar6747]

I hope Finland stays as a good country for everyone. But the current government doesn't give me much hope. People are voting for openly racist Perussuomalaiset and not so racist Kokoomus which only serves the interests of the wealthy and want to destroy our Nordic welfare state. If we don't change this we are on the way to become like the American society. I'm already at the point of starving and losing my home because of this stupid government. And I promise I wont accept that. I will start to steal from shops and sell items to pay for my rent. And I have never in my life stolen anything, but my child needs a roof over her head and food on the table.

[@timoterava7108]

Excuses of a wanna-be criminal. If you are poor, get out of the social media and get a decent sleep. Then get a job - or a second one.

[@oskar6747]

24:30 I'm really ashamed of our new racist and capitalist government. I'm so sorry. We're not all like that.

[@timoterava7108]

The best government for decades!

[@EjazKhanmughal-oo1lh]

Ok nice video thanks 🙂👍