10 things to know about Finns before moving to Finland

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks for watching me rambling for nearly 15 minutes 😏.. Let me know what you think about this topic by sharing your point of view in the comments. Also if you have any questions about studying or building your early career in Finland, post a question below.

[@thotavijaykumar1551]

Jjjjm

[@pialyytikainen630]

Todella hienosti selitetty! Lähetin tän mun kanadalaiselle ystävälle..

[@2cheat1heart]

If i see you you personally and told me you are ftom Finland, i would definitely strike a conversation with you.

[@anttisaari9831]

As a Finn, the question I always find awkward is "how are you". I understand that this is a very normal greeting in many countries. But in Finland, we don't deal "how are you" as a greeting but rather as a question. So if you greet people this way, be prepared to receive an answer. Also, because Finns are honest and direct people, the answer to your "question" can also be very honest. If that person is not "fine" or "good" (as the general responses are), they will most likely tell you that.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

This is so true and its something that many foreign people arent really prepared for 😅

[@ania4995]

same in poland

[@elderscrollsswimmer4833]

They may even tell you exactly what has been wrong with their day/life so far. Then again, how else would we know who are good and caring enough to be(come) our true friends. Fake friends ted to prefer the thriving people like flies and flies are so annoying we don't want them around us.

[@shellbythesea12]

I'm Canadian and I also find his awkward. You don't want to tell the person asking the truth and the person acting does not want to hear the truth

[@GreenlifeFin]

Yeah… still after living several years abroad as a Finn, I still too often start to answer that bloody question like ”well, not so good today, because blaah blaah…” 😁😂

[@debbieprince7622]

Clearly I took a wrong turn somewhere in my journey to this planet, because it seems obvious that I was meant to be born in Finland! I'm very much enjoying your videos, by the way!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Lol 😅. Is there anything in particular that attracts you to the Finnish culture?

[@samarzaidi4792]

Same here😊

[@elisabethmeier]

I guess I was supposed to be born in Finnland as well. Everything you said, fits me like a glove :) Instead I was born in Denmark, where people often (always?) invades your space and loves chit chatting :D

[@FaithPickles]

I feel the same way Debbie, I'm very comfortable in my own space🤭🤭🤭

[@lj.3589]

I felt the same way while watching this video. I thought to myself, "I was born in the wrong country." I thought about it a bit afterwards and wondered if I'd truly be a good match for the country as my family sometimes talks very loudly--me included, and I like to sing and dance around my apartment. The extra sound proofing in apartments is SO appealing, but would it be enough, I wonder? I'd hate to be the problem tenant. :) I'm really enjoying these videos.

[@AsteriasASMR]

Finland sounds great! A paradise for introverts😊

[@RoadtoFinnish]

I would like to say so but im hesitant because id love if finns were less introverted :D

[@JarnoKai]

Seems like it at first, but eventually comes with its obvious problems. Since talking is scarce, small talk is non-existent and making friends takes effort, an introvert can easily find themselves more lonely in Finland than anywhere else (after all, being an introvert does not equal never wanting any social contact from anyone)

[@lithz602]

@@RoadtoFinnish Could this be because you are an extrovert living among the introverts? :P

[@samaralhalal6137]

Yees I was thinking the same😂. I’m growing to love more Finland ❤️

[@scruffy281]

I'm so there.❤👍🏻

[@iirovaltonen4258]

Regarding Finns underselling ourselves, Tarja Halonen (the president of Finland for 12 years) said an interview that she is not really an expert on foreign relations. Finland's president is the person responsible for setting Finland's foreign policy so she definitely is an expert on foreign policy and relations.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

This is such a great example 😅.

[@timothyxosullivan]

Finland has a great history in international relations. The way how the country survived the second world war was astounding... between the germans on one side and the russians on the other. Very impressive.

[@jattikuukunen]

@@timothyxosullivan Ended up fighting the Russians first and then the Germans. That's quite some relations...

[@madiantin]

The personal space thing sounds like absolute heaven.

[@kaishwaryak]

Finns are the best people. I made so many friends and it has just been 2 weeks. I agree I took a considerable amount of initiative and put in a lot of efforts to actually show that I care for them.

[@JarLoz]

A comment about small talk, silence and honesty. A key thing to understand about Finnish culture is that words carry weight here. When you say something, you can be sure that you are being listened to, and what you have said is being considered as the truth. This weight means that words have value, and one of the worst things you can do in a social setting is to devalue your words by lying or bragging needlessly. Also, silence is not seen as rude, or inconsiderate, it's seen as giving the other person room to breathe and think in peace, and not forcing them to spend their valuable words just to fill a space. If you have managed to make a friend out of a Finn, and you end up sitting next to them in a bus in complete silence, don't mistake this as them being mad at you. Trust me, if you are within 1 meter of them and they're not freaking out, they are very comfortable and happy having you around. This weight has its flip side of course. While Finns might be very direct and honest when it comes to their lives (Example, someone might start going off about their medical history if you as them "How are you?"), once they start to confide to you about their personal thoughts and feelings, you must understand that they trust and respect you a great deal.

[@saraghorbani70]

Woww, its really beautiful, I love your culture❤❤❤ how can I learn more about this culture?

[@comeconcon569]

It's amazing how well the Finns speak English. you sound almost like a native English speaker.

[@jenniferriggs1900]

Silence is beautiful. Personal space is respectful. Small talk is pointless, lol. Let's talk about something deep or meaningful. If there isn't anything meaningful to talk about, silence is wonderful. Every bit of this video resonates with me.

[@creativeandaliveat65]

After over 30 years abroad, I'm planning to move back to my native Finland! I'm excited to discover how the country has changed over the decades! I love the fact that there are so many more foreigners and 2nd generation immigrants living there now!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

This is really cool to hear Riitta! The country has definitely changed, as has every country for that matter. However, i think that you will find many of the changes hugely positive 👍

[@insoromanoworries7923]

I was laughing 😃 so hard thru out the video. Finland is an introverts paradise. Basically a land of introverts. I will fit right in. thanks for the vidoe

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Glad you enjoyed it! Im sure you would fit in great 😅

[@biancaolivier3319]

I resonate with Finns in a lot of ways: Silence (I sit in it for hours sometimes) Nature (Always welcome) Hate small talk I undersell myself just as much Love to listen rather than speak Would love to travel and learn about your culture Hello from South Africa :)

[@ykscami]

Great job drilling into the Finnish personality traits and habits without being cliché(ish) or overstating them. And extra thumbs up for the tips how to deal with the situations. I'll share this with others interested in Finnish culture - not just students. #FinnishExpatForDecades

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thank you very much for the positive feedback, i do appreciate it 👊.

[@donnaedwards3515]

I think my soul is Finnish - I think I would get along perfectly! Very interesting! Enjoyed learning without any reason! :)

[@vinaymulukutla358]

I am extremely reserved and introverted myself. I love my personal space and I never talk to other people unless they initiate conversation (it would be rude to ignore someone trying to talk to you). I dine alone all the time. This is not because I lack social skills or friends, I just enjoy doing my own thing. Therefore I would be just fine in Finland and enjoy my life there. Plus it is an amazing and magnificent country with such beautiful culture.

[@kirstinlarson3880]

I have just realized, from your video, that I have a Finnish soul. My favorite part was that when someone brags about their skills, they just come across as douchey. Well done.

[@arpitabhattacharjee3949]

With lots of love from India❤Lot of love for finns

[@belltowerringer]

Such a well thought-out and delivered video about us Finns. I thought this video was a great and accurate depiction of who we are and what anyone planning on visiting Finland ought to know. There was not one thing I would disagree with you. Don’t take the peculiarities personal, that is just who we are and how we do things! Well done Oliver!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks man, i do appreciate that! However, i also have to mention that i am actually Finnish myself 🙂. I dont mention that often in my videos and since i have a rather international name, it does not always come clear without a disclaimer. Regardless, i do appreciate the positive feedback!

[@JUMALATION1]

The small talk part is so true, even when just working with swedes. My colleagues from Sweden like to discuss topics a lot from every possible angle during business meetings and it takes ages for them to come to a clear decision on the issues at hand. A meeting that could have been over in 20 minutes with a more direct Finnish approach, can take up to an hour with them :D

[@thehighwayman78]

This is so true :) I'm a finland-swede, so my mothertongue is swedish (about 1/4 of a million people in finland are native swedish speakers, and the country is officialy bilingual, it was a part of Sweden for over 700 years) Anyway, I studied in Sweden and these never ending discussions irked me to no end! I would say as a swedish speaking finn we kind of mix things from the finnish culture and from the swedish, but regarding the directness we are absolutely like the rest of the finns ;) Meetings with swedes is often an excrutiating experience ;) It's nice in the beginning because they are good at small talk and making everyone feel heard but it takes FOREVER compared to meetings with people from finland. I still deal with swedes at work from time to time, so does my gf. The meeting pain is real :P

[@MissVasques]

As a Swede you described the classic off-standishness of our nordic country well. That it is about respecting personal space.

[@dotech4128]

The more of your videos I watch the more it makes sense how I acquired my personality traits. I learned from my mom who learned from my grandparents who were immigrants from Finland and Sweden. My grandparents didn’t talk much about these things though.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats super interesting to hear. Its actually been cool to hear from a bunch from people who's families immigrated to the US or Canada from Finland. Every single person has a unique story and take on both their home countries as well as the Nordics.

[@vibekehansen6362]

Thank you for these productions. Delivered so well. Im Danish and moved to Australia when I was 20, and I have realised that these "traits" you speak off are the exact reason I have never belonged here in Australia. Finns have just taken it a bit further than Danes 🤣 but this is what is so appealing. Combined with cold and darkness you have Heaven on Earth there. Thanks again.

[@sorchasilverwillow]

Just listening to you go over everything makes me realize that I apparently should live in Finland and be with my people

[@lindyworthington1651]

I am a Finnish American (2nd generation, my maiden name was Koivunen) and I identify with ALL of your things to know about Finns. So Glad you made this Excellent video. Thank you.

[@FehEh]

I am from Egypt and I have dealt with many Fins in business for years and I respect them a lot and loved your video. May be I am attracted to the culture because I am opposite person in many Fin features:)

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback and for sharing your experiences. This is so cool to hear 😄. Has there been anything particular about Finns or the Finnish culture that you liked? I really enjoy hearing other peoples experiences about dealing with Finns. It gives me a lot of interesting context and it helps me understand how people from other cultures feel about us.

[@jennifreesjourney9817]

Speaking as a Scottish person, I would choose a finnish person as a friend. I am enjoying listening to your perspective on you culture and values.

[@KittyMatador]

So interesting! My Dad is Finnish but I was raised in the US and I apparently inherited a lot of Finnish traits: I hate hugging strangers or coworkers, I LOVE silence, I hate small talk, I don't mind eating alone (and often prefer it!), and have a hard time talking about my skills/abilities. But I am not a direct or honest communicator so I must get that from my mom. ;-) I also have a giant head, which seems to be a Finnish trait also 😂

[@lindastrang6755]

Yay! I think I think I have found my people! My heritage is Swede but I am 2nd generation Canadian. But my personality sounds like that of a Finn :)

[@against1virus]

Dont ask "how are you" in finland unless you actually want to know since there is two outcomes to this question 1. They tell you everything going wrong in their life and everyone ends up slightly sadder than if the question had not been asked in the first place. 2. "Good". Thats the answer most of the time and it means things are normal or that we dont want to talk about it. The conversation will likely stop dead in its tracks after that. I dont remember a single time i have given any other answer than good no matter how badly things were going.

[@VaveeDances]

Enjoying a meal alone and zoning out for a bit is bliss!

[@ariel-4131]

Sounds like the place to be :) good video by the way! I'll check out your other videos too

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback. I know this was pretty dull cause it didn't have any b-roll or visuals, but I hope the content itself was ok 👍

[@ariel-4131]

@@RoadtoFinnish you're very welcome. I subscribed because I love to hear native Finns' opinions on living in finland, because I may want to visit sometime. And yeah, some people need that visual stuff to help them pay attention but I just want the information xdd

[@RoadtoFinnish]

@@ariel-4131 I do appreciate you saying that. Its really nice to know that people actually enjoy and/or benefit from this information. These comments are pretty much the only concrete way of telling if what im saying makes any sense or not.

[@TikiMobile]

I think everything you discussed in this video was great and I'm envious! I'm currently living in the southeast region of the United States, where talking in circles, not coming to the point and pointless chit chat is prevalent. If it weren't for my extreme aversion to the cold, Finland seems like my kind of place! :-)

[@sakurasakura7811]

I can relate to most of the things mentioned in this video as a Japanese, and also as an introvert 🙂 I feel like I can get along with Finns if I can stay there for a long period of time. Because it looks it will take quite a while to get to know each other in this place but I’m sure I can feel comfortable in this culture!

[@desertfish1460]

I'm sold! I love the humbleness, honesty, silence and personal space. My grandparents were Orthodox Mennonite, very, very much describes what I grew up with in my father..My ex mother in- law was from Finland, good description of her also. I'm wishing I could explore and live in Finland among very smart and civilized people❤️.

[@sophielove7687]

It would have been so much easier if I was born in Finnland lol I hate small talk... Who decided it's better than silence? Why can't we just NOT talk when we have nothing to say? So tiring... Anyway, thank you for another interesting video :)

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😄 im actually a bit different in this sense since I tend to feel really awkward in these silent moments. I think its partly due to my parents cause they raised us to "host" people meaning that its your job to keep up the discussion if the "guest" doesnt know what to say. So id say im more talkative than normal Finns.

[@sophielove7687]

@@RoadtoFinnish Hahaha You probably wouldn't talk to a camera in your free time if you weren't talkative lol I'd say in my experience whether the silence is awkward or not depends on how comfortable I feel around the fellow human, but generally - pointless chit chat about the weather is killer lol

[@genxx2724]

Eating alone to have some down-time as well, without other people thinking you’re strange.

[@scruffy281]

Agreed.....❤👍🏻

[@thehighwayman78]

@@RoadtoFinnish I feel this too. I find it very strange for example when riding an elevator with someone and not even saying "Hi" to them, to me it feels sort of like not even acknowledging they exist and that to me is almost rude. So I often at least say hi. I'm a swedish speaking finn and the cultural difference stereotype is that swedish speaking finns are more talkative and open - but I don't know if this is the case. I've met very talkative and open finnish speaking finns and very closed and quiet swedish speaking finns - but maybe there is some truth to the difference. It's hard to say. I live in a bilingual area so that also means that I don't necessarily know what language the other person speaks, which makes engaging with strangers a bit more complicated. When I studied in Sweden I would say I was more talkative in these situation , partly due to the culture difference but also because I knew I shared a common native language with almost everyone. (Although they thought I had a strange dialect, and often mistook me for having finnish as a native language, complementing my swedish ;) I used to thank them and also complement them on their swedish ;P ) Anyway, In more finnish-speaking areas the unknown language shouldn't be a factor though for the general finn - but for me, here on the West-coast it's something I've noticed affecting me.

[@SmartRob]

I love 💕 this! Being raised by a Finnish and Italian Family, I live a life of dichotomy!

[@uremawifenowdave]

Robbin, how the hell does/did that work??? I couldn’t think of two more diverse cultures. Your household must have been incredibly ‘interesting’ growing up.

[@SmartRob]

@@uremawifenowdave Haha, interesting that’s for sure! I quickly learned to read people. If you take the best from both cultures, you’ve got some pretty amazing people. Then there’s the physical traits, my siblings and I are clearly a healthy bunch. Sundays began with traditional Italian family gatherings with lots of conversations and food but we ended the day with the traditional Finnish sauna!

[@mariaelisa64]

I just recently discovered you and I am so happy. I’m a first generation American and didn’t learn English till I started school. I’m 57 years old and still have my aapinen. If it weren’t for the winters, I would happily live in Finland, most likely Saimaa

[@okyandfinance]

You are the best native speakers tht I have known. Please make some videos that explain more about Finland, because I wanna going to Skandinavia :')

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey man! Id love to do more videos explaining Finland but im trying to stick to topics that are most relevant for incoming university students so that restricts the topic somewhat. However, id really recommend you to check out this channel from Aleksi Himself: kzbin.info/door/uBvl8mzPolBzPU9ju4cXsA Aleksi has a lot of really cool and humorous content about Finland, the culture and the Finnish people. He has covered way more topics about Finland that I even could 😁. Btw, as a small detail, officially Finland doesnt belong to the Scandinavian countries. The countries that are most often referred to as Scandinavian are Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Island is also often added to the list, but Finland is always left our. A small detail, but people on the internet like to remind each other about this 😀

[@okyandfinance]

@@RoadtoFinnish Thanks for ur recommendation bro, I'm gonna check this channel.

[@hopefletcher7420]

I think handshakes should be taught because if you aren't any good at it no one will tell you but as you said the impression you leave can hurt you. A friend of mine from Sicily spoke at his father's eulogy about how he'd taught my friend how to shake hands.

[@SoTotallyMe]

Duuude! I’m not sure, but these Finnish traits may have a genetic component in addition to cultural. I was born and raised in the USA (the land of boisterous extroverts) but my Great Great Grandparents immigrated from Finland and I swear each one of the traits you mentioned are exactly me too. My life is suddenly making a lot more sense, lol. …Also Finland sounds like my kind of paradise.

[@yarisalmonte]

I am Hispanic, but this described my personality perfectly... I don't fit in with any of my Hispanic friends and family as they tend to be a lot more loud, invading each other personal space, etc. I would love living in Finland, definitely on my bucket list now since I'm looking into places to move to and stay for at least a year.

[@ab935]

Try Michigan's upper peninsula, just like Finland only closer.

[@sixteenstringjack]

Great video, thank you. Also enjoying reading the insights from Finns in the comments. Sounds like a culture I could definitely live with 🙂

[@anhchau8198]

I'm gonna start my bachelor degree in Aalto uni this year. I'm quite a talkative person and english is not my mother tongue as well so your video will definitely help a lot. Personally, I think either being an introvert or extrovert are great. It's just that we respect these differences. At least, now I won't freaking out if my Finns friend suddenly go silent :DD

[@jlpack62]

Having one of my best friends in Finland, and having visited him and his family several times, I completely agree with this list!

[@edlag7899]

I enjoy your videos - my heritage is 100% Finnish and I grew up in a community in northern Minnesota where lots of Finns emigrated to. My Dad always said Finns moved to northern Minnesota because they could farm rocks in the fields. So many of the Finnish traits you mention also apply to me - not necessarily understood or appreciated by many people I have been in contact with. Kiitos.

[@sammybeckett7371]

Goodness I need to move to Finland

[@gordoncheung2119]

Absolute great heads up for me, as I'm going to study in Finland soon. Great content and please keep up the good wor!!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey Gordon and thanks so much for sharing this! First of all, welcome to Finland! I hope you will travel safe and that you will enjoy yourself here 👌. Very happy to have you in this community.

[@Iddhi5]

I'm Finnish but lived all my working life abroad. Upon retirement I returned to Finland. For the most part, I'm perfectly happy here but there was one cultural shock for me. I enrolled in a language course. When entering the class, nobody would greet you. After the classes, everyone just used to leave without saying a word. I felt quite frustrated. I continued that course for an academic year (2018-2019).

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey Matias and thanks for sharing this. This is indeed something that many people struggle with after moving to Finland either for the first time or after a long time away. I think we would definitely need some of that famous Latin American sociability. Im rather social for a Finnish person and i often feel really awkward when i get into situations that you described 🤦‍♂️

[@arieswildchild]

First finn I met was a metalhead and satanist. And the most kind person, believe it or not. He loved animals, he treated me well since the very first moment, his name was Niko. He died ten years ago, still thinking of him often. Very few people in my life threatened me for who I was, not for who they expected. Finland is a beautiful country, but so deadly. Once you know it you fall in love, and it will break your heart for sure, not once or twice. It has some silent sadness that overcomes you.

[@helenwhitlock4503]

Thank you for making this video. I will now be more outgoing with starting a conversation with someone from Finland here in the US or if I go and visit Finland.

[@TaranJHook]

This reminds me of my general personality; appreciating quiet time among friends, keeping distance at first out of respect not out of disinterest, being better with genuine conversations over small talk. I’ve had a penpal in Finland (Rovaniemi) for close to 2 years now and it’s not uncommon for there to be long gaps in our emails or texts to just give each other space. My friends in the US are like ‘what do you mean he took a month to reply to your text?!’ It’s a very relaxing friendship. Guess I need to make a trip! 🇫🇮

[@lhenderson3285]

I'm a Canadian but, your description of Finnish social behaviours resonate with me more than those of my own country... I believe I'd be more comfortable living there than here.... isn't that amazing?

[@muhammadhakeem8537]

Thank you for the video.lam an American citizen who move to finland next year. This video will help to adjust to the finish culture.

[@thatveganchick668]

The concept of respecting personal space is music to my ears. I wish more people would practice this in the US. In fact, all of these points really speak to me and I think I would feel very comfortable living in Finland.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats really cool to hear! The funny thing is - these are all so obvious to most Finns, and i would also say to most Nordic people. It feels really weird even making a video about these so its always cool to hear from people (outside the Nordics) who think that these are a bit different in their countries or cultures.

[@laurakathryn4458]

This explains a lot of how I am who I am. I was raised by my mother who was raised by 2 finnish parents and most times I traveled I was visiting them. I was always labeled as anti-social but I like people this helps me see somewhat how I was raised with certain social tendencie. Ty!!

[@quinntech7254]

Okay, I must have been a Finn in a previous life, all the points you listed above fits me perfectly! I'd fit right in, except I probably have a hard time learning the language...

[@angiieexx4248]

I live far away from Finland but with this video it feels like you described my personality. I think I'm born in wrong country instead of Finland 😁

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😅 youd be welcome to move here any time.

[@Adara007]

Some years ago I came across a brilliant cartoon series by Finnish artist Karoliina Korhonen titled "Finnish Nightmares" which, as an introvert, I definitely related to. This video has made me think I'd enjoy Finland and so family members are now talking about holidaying there.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Finnish nightmares is an awesome cartoon 😅. Makes me laugh about the absurdity of some of the things that we think and do here. Nevertheless, you should definitely visit the country for a holiday! I can really recommend Helsinki in the summer. Its lovely. On the other hand, nothing beats Lapland in early spring or mid winter.

[@Adara007]

@@RoadtoFinnish I've loved the cartoon series and shared some of these on social media over the years. Thanks for your advice about holidaying in Finland for summer and Lapland in early spring-mid winter: it's much appreciated!

[@kekuskalma]

You’re so amazing. Am about to move to Finland 🇫🇮 the most peaceful land in the world that inspired me lot to go study there as well their amazing people!🇬🇲🇫🇮

[@johndewey6358]

Thank you for the great intro about Finnish norms.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey John! Im glad you liked it! Do let me know if you have any further questions about this topic and id be glad to elaborate.

[@forgetheaven]

Finnish people have something called social battery.. when it runs out we just really need a break in our minds from other people

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats actually a really funny way of putting it! Totally agreed 😅

[@genxx2724]

I need to move there.

[@greppel]

Funny you should say that. One of my favorite bands Jinjer, has a song called Wallflower that kind of deals with being introvert. One of the lines in the lyrics is: "I gotta go home, my batteries are low" and has resonated with me since I heard it. Perfect way to describe the feeling after having a lot of social interaction. link to the video should you be interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoq9o4Jtpsh_nrc

[@graciemaye6381]

DNA showed a Sami Finn woman entered our family line right around 1850 in Michigan. That info had been lost to time as we had believed we were "all Irish". Turns out my dad's maternal haplogroup is Sami Finn. I'm thinking that the two sides balanced each other out. Still don't know if she entered the family via marriage or adoption but either way somehow a finnish woman decided to trust some Irish people who likely were a lot different from her. But the Irish aren't completely different from Finns, they like to go to church and sit in silence in the presence of others just to collect their thoughts etc without communicating with the others there etc. If they were antisocial they could just pray at home. So showing up to commune together in the church building in each other's company without a lot if speaking to each within those walls, I guess you could say was a way of liking to be in each other's nonverbal company, so there was at least some cultural compatibility in the way of being able to be present with each other without talking.

[@agnesrambling]

hearing all your points, it sound like Finnish have values that some Asian have, especially people in the South-East Asia. I learn a lot from your video.

[@bettablue2660]

I’ve read several comments about, “how are you” being used as a greeting. I’m from the US, and yes this is a greeting, however, if you were to state that you are having a bad day, we would offer well wishes. I believe part of the issue with that greeting, for those not used to it, is that it’s intrusive, and your culture isn’t used to it. We do want and honest answer, if you care to share.

[@Conebrije]

Thanks for this!!! Greetings from Mexico

[@skiddledede8885]

Your communication is excellent. Very interesting series.

[@colin101981]

Finland sounds like a really lovely place. Greetings from North Wales UK.

[@jenniferriggs1900]

My great-grandma was from Ylitornio and moved to the US in 1914. I feel like a Finn at heart,though.

[@juliacarl584]

My great grant father came over from Finland to America in the 1880s. I have all of the Finnish personality traits even though my parents were divorced when I was s quite young, and I was raised by mom who was not Finnish. So, these traits must be in the DNA. 😉

[@indunilliyanage1146]

Hi. Thank you very much for your information. It's really good

[@GreenlifeFin]

Quite spot on, thanks!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

You're very welcome

[@rehabragabmahmoudhassan769]

I liked all what you mentioned about the Finnish people characteristics.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Anything in particular that brought your attention?

[@ТарасСтецько-н5щ]

I think Finland is as beautiful, as your English! Hope to visit your country and feel its calm beauty.

[@lauraferrer5021]

I identify much more with the way of being Finnish than with the Spanish! I am very direct when I need to speak something in particular with someone. Personally I prefer someone to tell me things honestly and directly. In other cultures it has been hard for me to know / guess what the other person wanted to say. But I think those moments in silence and not being able to greet people with two kisses on the cheek will be a little difficult for me. I understand that you do it as a sign of respect but when I meet someone and I only greet them with a handshake I feel that I am being cold with that person. But I am glad to know that when this is done in Finland it is because they respect me and think about my well-being. In my country we tend to get closer physically to people so I will keep that in mind when I go to Finland.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Really interesting to hear all of these perspective Laura! Especially with the physical contact - which in Finland is very much restricted. I actually have an interesting story / experience in this sense. My godmother who is Finnish, has been working her whole life in an international setting at the UN and other global organisations. She has been stationed around the world and experienced more cultures than id guess the average person would in their lifetimes. The one "international" gesture that she has taken from that travelling and living abroad has been specifically the two kisses on the cheek. I always thought that she got to that habit while stationed in France and ive never really gotten used to it 😄. So every time we meet, im a bit uncertain what to do - should I give her a hug or kiss her on the cheek or what 😏

[@lauraferrer5021]

@@RoadtoFinnish How interesting your grandmother's story !! I would tell you that the safest option is to give a hug !! The problem of greeting with two kisses is that there are some countries that greet each other with just one kiss! And well you can end up kissing without meaning to hahahahaha Sometimes it also happens that when giving two kisses both people start on the same side and it is a bit awkward hahahahaha In fact, here in Spain, the closest gesture is to say hello with a hug. I greet my family and friends with a hug, if I gave them two kisses I would be a little distant.

[@petrinisumaa4759]

This is an old conversation, but I still think I'll chime in. :) If you want to give a hug or a friendly kiss to a Finn, just ask first if they're ok with it. I'm pretty sure 99% of us will say that's fine, please do. Just don't surprise us with a hug or a kiss. It's not that we hate the idea, we're just not used to it.

[@lauraferrer5021]

@@petrinisumaa4759 Hey! Thank you for the info! That's good to know! I'll keep that in mind now that I'm here in Finland :)

[@petrinisumaa4759]

@@lauraferrer5021 Heh! I hope you enjoy your stay and have tons of fun here! :)

[@turpasauna]

Kiitos, hyvää matskua.

[@FaithPickles]

Great video Oliver 👌🏼 great info🎊

[@camilaveg]

Terve Oliver! you remind me the actor Lucas Till, who plays the new MacGyver 😀 And Ok, I think I'm almost a Finn 😂 I'm from Brazil and I do all this. Specially don't like to have visit in my home. I hate when people show up when I'm don't expecting anyone. I love/ need have my personal space and stay by myself in silence and doing the things that I like it. Finland would be a perfect country for me to live 😊 ( don't even mentioned the beautiful nature and the heavy metal the I really appreciate too!) I love the Finnish culture 🇫🇮 I loved the Chanel, I came by the Aleksi himself channel's recommendation! And you just woned a new subscriber! 👍

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey Camilaveg and thanks so much for sharing this! Its really cool to hear that people identify themselves with some of the Finnish traits even if you come (literally) from the other side of the planet. Im sure that you would do great in Finland - even if there are some things that you would need to get used to 👍

[@camilaveg]

@@RoadtoFinnish I hope be able to visit Finland soon! 😊

[@KKnits]

I think I would fit right in. You just described me 😅

[@Tadama91]

Like many before me, here in the comment section, I believe that there was a mistake in the cosmic working of things when I wasn't made to be born in Finland. Despite enjoying discussing religion and politics, everything else seems a perfect fit for me... I am starting to consider moving! Do health care professionals have to be fluent with finnish?

[@karoliin.a8674]

As a finnish person i can answer that. As a health care professional you need to speak finnish, but i can see that fluent finnish is not required, 'cause i've been so many doctor's appointments where doctor's finnish has been so bad that i barely can understand what he/she says to me 😅 Sometimes i even think that maybe i must say that "you can speak english to me, if it's more comfortable to you", because i understand english as good as finnish.

[@trevorfurlotte]

I must be a lost Fin. So many things in your videos make perfect sense to me and are similar to Canadian customs.

[@EmdrGreg]

Oliver, you are a good representative of your country, people and culture.

[@AnoraJohnson]

Thanks for making this video. I enjoy learning about Finnish culture. A tip about US culture: some women consider using "douche" as an insult sexist.

[@AnoraJohnson]

The English language has an unfortunate history of using terms related to femininity in a derogatory manner. Even medicine described women as "hysterical" (blaming illness the uterus) for a long time. That term seeped into common language...along with many others. There are plenty of insults available without that history though. I'm sure people would be happy to expand your vocabulary if you ask. 😉

[@ayurisyaadumyadififalymban619]

I really love it. Its really really same with me. I want visit Finland now!!!

[@doctorj6030]

I am a New York Italian American, we are as different from. Finns as light us to dark. We are loud, hug , very open & outgoing. I never plan on moving to Finland to live, but would love to visit. While visiting, should I be me or more reserved. I do not want to offend.

[@freyjav6055]

This video just further proves that I'm literally a Finn on the inside. In my heart, for sure 😂

[@AceVonS]

These are so true that I ended up screaming at my screen YES! THIS! many times.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😅 i thought that i heard something in the wind

[@laraoneal7284]

I love it. I’m very much concur with your POV.

[@universe830]

I liked the video soo much! It's my personality actually.. I really like personal space, less physical contact etc etc... But I'm a pure Indian 😂🤔🤔 Now I'm starting to think that I'll rlly feel comfortable in Finland!!! I hope what ever you told remains the fact till I go there!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

I think you are definitely going to enjoy yourself in Finland 👍. When are you planning on coming here?

[@universe830]

@@RoadtoFinnish I'm currently in grade 11th so... I'll have to do my 12th boards and then apply for Finland and other countries in almost a year.

[@amy444312]

I'm half Finn grew up near Duluth My full Finn Dad, Uncles etc were all quite reserved/stoic If they were being taken advantage of or used they would silently take it until they couldn't & then all hell broke loose- fighting, wrecking cars shooting at things, or self destructing often with alcohol I can relate to all of these as an introvert who doesn't like conflict, drama or unfairness Im more comfortable being taken advantage of than using someone else My Finn solution is always walk away once I identify people just wanting to manipulate you

[@leewest356]

Hello, My paternal grandparents were from the coast of Finland near Vasa, but they spoke Swedish. Isn’t it true that Swedish is also an accepted language in Finland? Writing to you from Morelia, Michoacán, México.

[@Sienisota]

A Finn here. Swedish is a second language in Finland, and you can get any social service with Swedish language, while in Finland. Vaasa has a larger than average population of Swedish speaking, Finnish folk, like your grandparents were. Good rules are: 1. In Finland, the closer you go to Russian border, the less there are Swedish speaking Finns. 2. Åland (Ahvenanmaa) speaks Swedish, and and the West coast of Finland has the best Swedish speaking skills. 3. Though every Finn is taught Swedish, there are Finns who have never needed to use Swedish, and speak far better English than Swedish. I hope this was useful.

[@oldegoatee8450]

American, and part English, Irish and French - but I think I must have some Finnish blood as well. I have all these traits.

[@ev721]

I am not a Finn, but we have a lot in common. Sounds like I'd fit right in.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Im sure you guys will ✌️

[@RedTitan5]

I'm almost like a "finn" in traits that you have mentioned.. except that I'm not direct... In telling people if i like or dislike something.. But i would appreciate if you tell straight hand the truth.. Very informative.. If i will go there.. I will try to make the 1st move, i think the finns can relate much to my traits.... In my home country traits, im quite almost opposite on what everyone in my country based on traits.. Thank you sir

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats really interesting, thanks for sharing! I hope you don't mind me asking where do you come from. Its really cool that we have such a diverse international audience and id love to learn more about you and your backgrounds.

[@RedTitan5]

@@RoadtoFinnish I'm from the Philippines sir

[@nadinebest8481]

Moi Oliver, thank you for this video. May I ask you about the current situation at Aalto. I am a bit afraid that all the exchanges are canceled for the autumn term. Especially because I have no response on my application yet. I would be happy if you could outline what’s going on right now. Greetings from Germany.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey Nadine. The current situation is very much uncertain and I really don't have any information specific to exchange students ... 😕. The situation in Finland is in general getting better. The number of new cases has come down for a while now and the country is starting to open up. E.g. restaurants were allowed to open their doors to customers yesterday and gatherings below 50 people are now allowed if they follow safety guidelines. Some companies are also starting to move back to their offices if they follow the same safety guidelines. Most companies, however, will keep working remotely. This also applies to universities which allow some of their staff to return (again, following strict guidelines). Students are not yet allowed back inside and courses are arranged remotely at least until the end of summer. I also heard that some mass lectures would be organised remotely in the autumn but smaller classes would could be arranged at the campus. So things are developing into a positive direction, but there is still quite a lot of uncertainty in the air. For now id really recommend that you contact Aalto admission services or the contact person for incoming exchange students because they have the most up-to-date information on the topic. Ill try to upload a video on this topic once I have been able to gather all of the current information.

[@nadinebest8481]

OliverR kiitos for this very fast reply. Maybe I’m a bit impatient at the moment. Hope the situation will be clearer in some weeks. But it’s good to hear that the situation is getting better in Finland and maybe there is a sparkle of hope that not everything is going to be canceled.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Agreed. Everyone just has to make sure to abide by the rules so that we arent in the same mess again in september 😒

[@RoadtoFinnish]

@@nadinebest8481 its good to keep an eye on the application and ask questions if you feel uncertain, so its all good if you contact the school to ask for an update. We are all keeping our fingers crossed here and hope that everything turns back to normal pronto.

[@ottohonkala6861]

Fantastic job!

[@kiatsommart]

I'm not Finnish. But it feels like you're describing my personal traits.

[@Mirska_]

I knew a guy for over 7 Years, we were best friends from 1st grade to 7th grade but then like he just didnt seem to care about me or seeing or answering my texts always answering no to me and then i lost interest with him, but then he wanted to be friends again but it wouldnt work out because i didnt like him anymore. we just never hanged out again, it was really sad. Now i dont see him ever. But i got new friends during middle school so it was ok.

[@eustudent6591]

Thank you for this video 😊 Learned a lot from this! By the way, i know this is off topic but is it advisable for students to have a mobile plan instead of a prepaid sim? Are there cheap mobile plans for students? Many thanks!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hey and thanks for the positive feedback 👍 . To answer your questions, if I remember correctly, this would depend somewhat on whether you are in Finland for just one semester (e.g. for your exchange studies) or for multiple years to complete a full degree. If you are here just for your exchange, a prepaid sim is the best, and sometimes the only option because teleoperators don't want to sell subscriptions services to people who do not have Finnish banking credentials. Getting Finnish e-banking credentials is very difficult for students who are here just for a while because the banks have a right to refuse a customer. If you are in the country for a longer period, you should definitely get a mobile subscription. Finland is a paradise for mobile plans because we have one of the most robust and fastest mobile networks on the planet + mobile plans are crazy cheap compared to many other countries. Im currently paying 24,90€ a month for an unlimited 150Mbit 5G plan with unlimited calls and sms. Hope this answered your question 🙂

[@eustudent6591]

OliverR yes very helpful! My study will take 3years to complete so yeah big thanks to you 😊

[@RoadtoFinnish]

@@eustudent6591 No problem. Are you planning on moving to Finland this fall or at a later date?

[@eustudent6591]

OliverR Hei, planning to move end of July hopefully. And guess what, VOAS just sent me an offer for the apartment 😁 Thankful for your all your videos, such a huge help for us future students 👍🏻

[@RoadtoFinnish]

@@eustudent6591 oh no way, that's awesome! Make sure to accept it on time 😄. Hope you don't mind me asking what type of an apartment were you offered?

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

Sooooo. Finnish people are introverts. LOVE it.