Why Do Foreigners Come to Finland - Foreigners in Finland Podcast #1

[@ApocalypseRider]

Thanks guys for great podcast. You made really good points here. I'm native finn and I agree that we have still lot of work to do to make foreigners integrate easier to this society and get employed. Finnish language is difficult, but I hope everyone understands, that our language is crucial thing to this nation even exist. It has isolated us here between Sweden and Russia since the beginning of civilization and has gave us our unique state, has build our character as a nation and as individually. I'm exited to hear you more.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Such a good comment, it’s all about finding a balance! Finnish is a really unique language- we are both learning to speak it 💪

[@Futucast]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 I also liked the nuance you added, that Finland’s promise has to a lot to do with community and security. That still leads to an apprehension to reform among some, even if it might be a misguided apprehension. Also, these things change in a generational pace. Having lived both here and abroad for all of my 28 years, we’re still kind of sort of in the middle of growing out of being the distant new guy in town. But yes, you’re spot on, I think Finland can and should do more do to actively internationalize itself. Great show, a pleasure to listen to. /Isak

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks for the comment and sharing your perspective, I agree that international change is generational but only if we push for it!

[@tekshino]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 I have one question for you guys :D Would you hire a person to your company who doesn't speak or understand english at all in the States or Australia?

[@tajriaaan]

I'm thinking of coming to Aalto as an undergrad from Bangladesh next year. This is very helpful

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Can highly recommend!

[@vvwvvwvv]

Awesome! Thank you for this. Exploring moving to northern Europe so conversations like this are invaluable. Looking forward to future episodes.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Glad you found value in our conversation! Considering Finland?

[@meloctavia]

So excited for your show! 👏🏻🔥💥

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

🙌

[@aaronstavern]

Great show lads! Keep em coming, Loved it 🤌🏻

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks mate! Appreciate the support from another foreigner in Finland 💪

[@xYarbx]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 thanks for tipping us on this

[@kimmikke_]

Aaron you have a great channel also, top notch!

[@herrabeerbear5344]

Nice idea! Very Finnish problems guy has done many funny things about this foreigner life with books + podcasts and videos etc. You should listen

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Yeah that has become iconic I think 😆

[@manieczkaa]

Nice! Finally someone picked it up from our side. Would love to do sharing of experiences by foreigners on the podcast. Great idea!

[@dariatcvetkova3712]

looking forward to the next episode!

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

See you there!

[@mimik5856]

Foreigner from UK here, living in hakeniemi helsinki.looking forward to your vids

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks Mimi! See you in the next episode!

[@Pyhantaakka]

Ha, when I went to be an exchange student in a mid sized town in the US, "why did you come here" was one of the top questions.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Haha people are always curious why you end up in their home 😅

[@theloremaster1]

Great video! Looking forward to the next one 🙂

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Nice to hear! See you on the next one!

[@rainbowflash7284]

Great video! As an American hoping to move to Finland, it's always a little comforting to hear other foreigners' POV and insights. That's an interesting statistic, that most people you know of who move for family are moving to join a female partner. I'm moving for a male partner! Also hoping to get a job as a pilot. Thankfully that is an English speaking industry for the most part, so hopefully it won't be too difficult. Though I'm still trying to learn the Finnish language, it is a large barrier. I'm excited to hear more of what you guys have to say about everything there!

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Great to hear, the more the merrier 😁 having a job with mostly English is a big advantage. We are both learning Finnish so maybe we can give some tips in an upcoming pod…

[@benjamin5370]

Loved it guys! Would love to hear about your experiences learning Finnish and maybe hearing you speak some of it on the podcast 😂 it might help some people learning it. Cheers!

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks! Great idea 💡 I think we could do this soon! Are you trying to learn Finnish?

[@benjamin5370]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 I’m a dual citizen so I’ve spoken both languages since birth, I’ve just moved back to Finland from the USA though and I’m starting to learn how to read and write bc I’ve only known the language from speaking with my family

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

@@benjamin5370 Living here will definitely help strengthen your language. Just make sure to use it as much as possible, even if your Finnish friends try to switch to English! That happens quite a bit here since many Finns speak English very well.

[@Seek_Grass]

12:20 That's a great point about status, both dictated by the "non-bragging" culture and due to the high education level throughout the society and age ranges the social culture is more of a meritocracy. I don't know if you guys have been to some regular "parties" or gatherings but the most asked questions to anyone is what is your education or what is your job.

[@whaleacademic7750]

Great watch. Looking forward to seeing more of you :)

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks for watching!

[@imtiazmahmood2234]

Guys, thanks for making this wonderful podcast. It certainly shades the light on some different perspectives on the Finnish society. keep it up!

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it! Hopefully we'll see you in the next one. 😄

[@xYarbx]

In Finland you are not judged based on what you have but what you know and can do. In Finnish context this is fair to me because here you are given all the opportunities to make your self the best you can be. Where as in other countries you are quite often held back by money.

[@kerryh3833]

I'm in Helsinki, finland right now, for the first time (I'm on holiday). I've watched so many videos about it before coming here. I think i wont want to go home 😮

[@AussieFin]

Love the podcast guys 🤙

[@bobsondugnutt4445]

Nice concept and execution, well done. Keep this vibe. EDIT. almost listened to the whole thing now and I’m really impressed by the insights too. Nice natural mix of observations and takes.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

We appreciate you! Thanks for the comments!

[@janetchelimo8899]

Am coming to Finland soon for studies, thank you for the information, it is useful and finish is really difficult, kiitos

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

So glad you found this video! The Finnish language is definitely not easy, but most university have Finnish classes you can take. So be sure to use those resources if you want to learn the language 😁 welcome to Finland Janet!

[@kimmikke_]

This is so cool, please continue with it! My only complaint is that there are so few videos yet (no pressure, you make them when you feel to do so :) ), I watched all of these in a row and was both thoroughly entertained as well as learning greatly of things from experiences of immigrants from two great cultures! Sometimes one finds rarely really useful stuff from KZbin, but only sometimes ;)

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks for the nice comment! Great to hear you enjoyed ☺️

[@valhoundmom]

I love Finland!! I think I want to move there eventually. Love the podcast, but STOP telling everyone! I like that it's almost a secret place. I want to live there to get better with speaking and reading Finnish. I don't have a partner but some really truly awesome friends there. I'm a female and I love traveling in Finland alone. You should mention that if you get a PhD in Finland you get a SWORD!

[@martinnurminen7644]

Welcome to Finland!! Would be awesome to show you some rare places here. 😎

[@wilhelmsarasalo3546]

Good job! I am a Finn, but I have lived in Manhattan Beach (Los Angeles) most of my life. When I went to Japan with my client/friend, owner of a kind of famous video store, Video Archives to stay at the house where he was born in Kyoto, he needed to get a visa, I did not. I have been entertaining the idea of moving back to Finland (or Sweden), I do speak Finnish and Swedish, but after all these years, I would probably still be a foreigner. Signed a NDA with Nokia once, but the way they did business wasn't for me, they seemed interested in things other than getting stuff done, very different from California usually. BTW here in my experience it has been first name and if the first name is John or Steve or something really common then you go Steve L. or some such talking to third parties.

[@wilhelmsarasalo3546]

@Phuck KZbin censorship That has not been my experience. My experience has been that it is easy to get a job here due to the fact that they can get rid of you if things don't work out. It is less of a commitment to hire, so they do it more readily. Lots of jobs are not like that, though and they are much harder to get.

[@massukka]

Haven't ever thought about the status-thing even being a thing....clearly I'm a Finn 😂

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

It’s a great aspect of Finnish society 😊

[@jamesgarcia7108]

me and my family will soon be living in Finland for good

[@hawkeize]

Thank you for this video, I studied in Manly Sydney in 2004 from the U.K., so I know life in Australia 🇦🇺 really nice country, visiting friends in Helsinki in September, so trying to learn about Finland before visiting, I loved living in Sydney particularly Manly, so cool, Melbourne is so wet and cold 🥶😂😂, compared to Sydney my question is can you get Tim Tams in Finland ? 😂😂😂😂 you should set this program up like the Chaser in Australia, if it’s still going, loved watching that and the Wiggles 😅😅😅

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Haha no Timtams in Finland that I have found 😩 if you think Melbourne is wet and cold you better bring proper clothes when visiting Helsinki!

[@hawkeize]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 I know I’m talking a lot about Australia 🇦🇺 , but I’m looking forward to going to Finland in September, my next question is how are you coping with the situation in Russia 🇷🇺? Must be quite scary 😟, how cold does it get up in the Artic circle in September?

[@magicofshootingstar]

@hawkeize During september it's usually around +9°C in Arctic Circle (+-3 decrees depending of the time of day). But since it's Finland you are speaking it could be anything from -5 °C to +22°C (both ends have happened in last few years told to me by google) 😂 So, welcome 😉

[@lucasalvarezzarza899]

I really appreciate this podcast! Is it possible to be a physical therapist only speaking English in Finland? What do you think guys? Thank you for this video! Keep going!

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

It depends where in Finland, you might be able to manage in the middle of Helsinki or the other largest cities - but elsewhere I doubt it…

[@VampiraVonGhoulscout]

AleksiHimself says hi :)

[@Lexikeksi]

Finns are always pity people. Finns are only people in the world who are ready to pay 100€ for someone else not getting 50€. But its not like status question. We are not generally jelaous of your status. More like if you neighbour has better car even if general status is lower on that person. Its hard to explain. Thats part of our culture. But generally nobody is jelaus if you own big business and you are rich. I think we are so realistic people that we know that it needs shitload of work if you own big business (well if you didnt get it from your family). And we know that in reality if you want to be rich you need to work 247 for years and thats really nothing to jelaous of. :D

[@jerzyszmal2722]

Hello.......Poland here! Very interesting conversation. How difficult is Finnish language? I thought Polish language is also difficult language. What do you think guys? Best regards.....

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Finnish is on the more difficult side. There is no other language close to it so everyone who starts learning has to learn vocabulary from absolute 0. And the grammar isn't the easiest either! I have no experience on the Polish language, but if you're curious to know more about the Finnish language, check out this link! uusikielemme.fi/

[@samalsrei5089]

Currently volunteering in Finland. I‘m curious to know why other people come here!

[@fortuna7469]

When making decisions people tend to think perhaps from 1 to max 5 years ahead. It seems somewhat difficult to imagine one's life beyond that. But if you think about how your life will be in 20 or 30 years time, what would be the most significant megatrend affecting our lives? It is the climate change, sad but true. The Nordic cool climate and natural water resources will be invaluable then. People will be moving here because of the weather. This might be worth considering when deciding where to locate and start a family.

[@SWATSPEC1AL1ST]

As a finn I am always interested in foreign People thoughts in Finland etc. Do video about hockey and the world championships😄

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

This would be great to talk because it is such a big part of the Finnish culture. Congratulations to the Finnish hockey team and all the Finns!

[@sallasundell4351]

I listen to your podcast while I am in Helsinki Central Park with my dogs. I have to say honestly that I myself ask everyone from elsewhere,what they do here or why they came to Finland 😂? Its big question for me, i really cant understand that. I have traveled a lot myself, but in Finland I love nature. It’s really beautiful, there’s a lot of it and it’s clean. The entire Helsinki Central Park alone covers more than 700 hectares and this is practically entirely forest. Not to mention when leaving outside Helsinki. Well, maybe Central "park" is wrong word, maybe Helsinki Central Forest is better word. But park is better word for Finns, cause this is so small forest to Finns. Check Helsinki central park or central forrest (i mean all people who read this) 🦎🌲🌳🐞.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Thanks for the comment! Central Park (or forest) is such a nice place!

[@eskohakola835]

You are pretty smart and should be able to pick up the Finnish language in a couple of months

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Hahaha I’m not sure about that, you know it’s ranked as one of the world’s most difficult languages right? 😂

[@ChristianJull]

It's strange. I've been in Finland 13 years, and I regularly got asked by fresh faces why I came here from the UK. Since Brexit, no-one has asked. 🤔 Definitely language is a massive barrier to overcome in the job market. Many companies have English as a working language and that's it. However, even more have it as a working language but still insist on 'excellent' Finnish as a requirement. They often claim it's required for employee interactions and socially. However, when you ask people who work for these companies about this, they say they *always* speak English at work. 'Excellent Finnish' is job market code for 'native-level Finnish' and often means 'Finns-only' but they can't legally say that. It is not at all equal in standard to 'excellent English'.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Yeah the job market and languages are a difficult one, maybe we will do an episode on this soon!

[@MrSpritzmeister]

It’s not “Finns-only” code, it’s “I already know a guy but legally need to offer the job on the open market” code. At least so I hear from other Finns… haven’t tried getting a job in Finland tbh.

[@jmm6917]

I mean, we are in Finland, so, it´s normal that finnish is a requirement in many jobs

[@ChristianJull]

@@jmm6917 Absolutely. And that's exactly what I'd expect and want. In fact, it annoys me immensely when I encounter people who can't speak any Finnish doing *customer-facing* jobs where they will be regularly dealing with Finnish-speakers. This happens all too often in Helsinki. However, that isn't what I said. If the company's working language is English (so they deal with customers in English and English is spoken in the workplace), Finnish shouldn't be a requirement, or at least not a native level requirement. Also, 'excellent' level for a language should be the same regardless of whether it's Finnish, English, Swedish, or whatever. That simply isn't the case. The level of Finnish expected by many Finnish employers is far greater than the level of English excepted for non-native English-speakers by most employers in the UK.

[@kilik1532]

I’m thinking about going to Finland learning Finnish but it seems like there is no visa for Finnish language school students…

[@magicofshootingstar]

"Bousting about what you got, your status is seen bad" Little clarification from Finn: bragging about anything (of yours) in Finland is seen obnoxious. 😁 Not just about status. Finland has had many great athletes during the years and that is always funny to see in their interviews. Expecially older style athletes. For example (now an ex-) F1 driver Räikkönen said about his first race with Ferrari race that "it was ok" in reminiscing interview. In truth he had pole position, fastest lap time and in the end won the race. That's Finnish mentality 😁

[@magicofshootingstar]

Oh! Other thing to add is that I didn't even know most of my universitys staffs status eg. Professor, lecturer etc. It didn't matter they were there to teach us anyway 😄

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Great point! Showing off about anything is not received well in Finnish culture. Finns have a lot of humility which is a wonderful trait to have. Thanks for the great comment!

[@Starlingus]

We could improve a lot when u speak about languages. Personally, I'm bit afraid of the situation when 10 billion chinese suddenly want to come here to see how our forests look like

[@vostaserova3610]

Moi from Alex 😉

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Moro! 😁

[@TerhiE.KärkkäinenSavela]

All depends so much where are you born in, what culture are you born in and what kind of challenges life hands over for yous. Safety is as much there for one and not for the other. Might it be the country is choosing to not to place all its trouble in public awareness. US again places a whole lot for the public awareness. Where/what do it serve, do it make problem solving happen? Similarities in all worlds countries and crimes in each, how the society deals with it is different. Have a g stay in Fi, healing healing. 🙏🐣

[@urhonykvist8795]

Finland is such a difrent language so you cant use swedish or english instead of finnish. In norway you can work as a server whit small swedish and English.

[@respetaalosdemas]

Where are u based ? i m searching people to make a soccer foreign team.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Helsinki!

[@respetaalosdemas]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 Perfect, I want to build a foreigner football team, are you interested? "I m near". Is to play to help people( one match at month to start ).

[@ismoouu]

Mm. Jarrod is so handsome, smart and nice :) I think lot of people wouldn't mind if Aussies did mass-immigration to Finland.

[@Bambotb]

Any job for me?

[@liubaoying8748]

At least not asked about how like in Russia 😜

[@miikkavalimaki]

Finland, only one venomous animal vs. God knows how many venomous animals in Australia.

[@foreignersinfinland1170]

Everyone always so scared of the wildlife in Aus - no one in Australia thinks about it! 😁

[@miikkavalimaki]

@@foreignersinfinland1170 That must be coping mechanism of human brain.

[@hardrocker11969]

The Finnish passport is actually #2 in the world second only to the UAE.