Why You'll Hate Living in Finland (7 Reasons)

[@rubyfisch5077]

On communication: I'm American, but my dad's side of the family is from Finland. The big joke I heard growing up was, "He loved his wife so much that he almost told her." lol

[@ChristopherX30]

😅😅😅😂

[@AlfdisGoodman]

😂😂😂

[@rubyfisch5077]

@@victorytothepeople3426 lol

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

It is the same in the UK. They would lick your butt-hole but would not hold hands with you. It is all very cerebral and mechanical ... like visiting an adult worker or a medical doctor.

[@umerahmmesoma4010]

Lol...😂😂😂this is hilarious 😂😂😂

[@AleksiHimself]

Many people are writing negative comments against me because of this video. I want to remind you that the whole point of the channel is to promote and share useful content about Finland. While Finland is a great country, it's not perfect and it is possible to have negative experiences here. The goal of this video is bring potential negative aspects to your attention.

[@aimcuk]

Its perfect for me, you have my attention.

[@雪のキツネ]

suomalaisena löysin tän aika saatanan hyvänä huumorin lähteenä. kaikki mitä sanoit on totta

[@nylesgregory2120]

Aleksi - in fairness to you and in balance of all things virtuous on Finland (esp. owning the top Happiness slot year after year) - when something is worthy of merit and value - that thing is treasured, cherished and also worthy to defend. You can't blame the Fins for wanting to defend their cultural spirit and National treasure. You did good. Don't cave to the Haters. You were just being objective and no one can fault you there. Terrific job. Keep posting. You're doing just fine 👍

[@warriorkoaanuenue]

USA is much better than Fin’. Deal with it.

[@dubaiproperty5028]

You can come back to your scotostan and stay live in the shit.

[@kennethfrank2663]

1. Difficult to make friends 0:20 2. Challenging to find a job 2:11 3. The Language 3:56 4. High taxes 5:09 5. Winter 6:36 6. High Prices 7:48 7. Awkward Communication Culture 8:52

[@marknewton6984]

Thanks...I'll stay in Florida.

[@neverbesinglenoway6611]

no the biggest reason is：stingy man！

[@neverbesinglenoway6611]

for me1 ：man so stingy 2： women same man not too much emotion just hard worker 3：food is shit 4 ：family culture is horrible,if you get marriage with them you will know 5：weather 6：language. 7high prices and people change to stingy...8 vicious circle

[@EEcem-ht6dn]

Thank you.

[@UltraCasualPenguin]

Then go to US where you can give away even more of your pay check, unless you want live without health insurance which is "free" in Finland. Or just go to Bermuda. 0% income tax. Just don't complain about how expensive it is to live there.

[@marlenaeva3813]

I lived in Finland for 11 years. I left in 2019 because of unemployment and lack of friends/cold culture. The first reason was tougher for me than the second. Back in my country, I used to work and never depended on social benefits. But in Finland, especially if you're a foreigner and don't know the language perfectly, it will be harder for you to get a good job (not any job eg a cleaner or part-time restaurant worker-although these jobs are respectable but who wants to do this forever?) once you become unemployed. Personally, I felt bad being on social benefits and needed to do something useful. The thought of not working for years was too much for me so I had to leave. However, now I find myself missing Finland a lot. There are many, many benefits of living there. One that is unique to Finland is the seriousness and lack of corruption. My country is deeply corrupted and people love working around rules or manipulating them to benefit them. People are also very sincere. They will tell you exactly what they think, no embellishment, he he. Then there is the isolation of nature. You have so much space that's full of forests and waters. Walking in nature is amazing for your mental health so this helped me a lot when I was there. The Finnish winters were really tough for me. The cold, coupled with the darkness made me quite depressed. I was thinking if I wanna move back there but perhaps the downsides will again be too much for me. Maybe I'll visit the country for a few months and see the places I couldn't see while living there. (there are so many) It is true what a commenter here said. You need to adapt to the culture and accept it the way it is and not try to change it. Finland is such a different country all onto itself. There's nothing like it. You need to live there to understand it. Cheers!

[@andr_sh]

Spot on with unemployment. I have a degree in AI and a few years of industry experience yet on benefits.

[@andr_sh]

Feels like I could ve built a better career in Russia. Who's gonna reimburse these expenses to me?

[@thecultivatingcactus5640]

@@andr_sh wow Finland must really suck!!..lol (You're speaking AMERICAN ENGLISH) ..when you should be speaking Finnish

[@andr_sh]

​@@thecultivatingcactus5640 really? why? In a city where I live most people speak English well

[@thecultivatingcactus5640]

@@andr_sh Huh? Wtf are you talking about? ..that has absolutely nothing to do with what I just said, obviously you dont comprehend real English well.. I see

[@herika006]

My solution when I was learning Finnish and people would reply in English: I simply continued talking in Finnish - avoiding telling them what to do. It worked, they eventually switched to Finnish as well.

[@AleksiHimself]

That's a great move! 😃🙌

[@holoholopainen1627]

If You never use Your suomi - You never learn IT ! Minä olen ulkomaalainen ja puhun vähän suomea... The KEY words !

[@rsamom]

Well seeing that the fins are so spares on words I say you saved them😂

[@imati7319]

If I don't understand what you're saying well enough, and you refuse to speak in a language we both fully understand, I would walk away. Fuck that bs

[@aaronstavern]

I remember first time I visited here, About 2 years before I moved here permanently, Sitting in a bar waiting on my Girlfriend, dude walks in sits on the table next to me, I see he's wearing a Mercedes F1 tshirt, I notice he's about the same age as me 30ish, I just turn around to him and say " Valterri it's James, Would you like a drink?" I got a good laugh from him and we then went on talking about F1, and happy to say now we get together here in Oulu when F1 is on watch the races in my place or his ✊🏻👌🏻

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff man! Thanks for sharing this.

[@SaikSaketh]

Bwoah, cool

[@DaBeezKneez]

Better love story than yours and your gf

[@entain889]

Khoti da bacha

[@mistersniffer6838]

Who is the batter and who is the catcher??

[@MarssiKaivo_Melanrez]

Finland is the best country for introverts. If you like making friends, but you are not extravert, you will have friends sometimes, but not fast.

[@AleksiHimself]

True!

[@riddlezastra1496]

Well that is heavenly for folks like me.

[@suja605]

i found a country that I would like to live. i always knew i was born in a wrong place. this place is too loud. nah not for me.

[@roxanaquiroga311]

Minä olen ekstrovertti ja minä olin onnellista Suomessa. Se riippuu mistä Suomen kaupungista sinä asut. Esimerkiksi minä tapasin ekstroverteja suomalaisia Kuopiossa, Tampereella, Jyväskylässä, Rovaniemellä ja Lappeenrannassa

[@neverbesinglenoway6611]

but if you agree have sex with them,they can come very fast,even in frist day！

[@jorgepiresjunior]

I'm a Brazilian who has moved to Finland about 3 years ago, first six months I attended to Finnish classes, but as soon as I've got my residence permission I started working and never gave it another try. I've never had the illusion of finding a job here, so I have never applied for a job. I knew if I want succeed I'd have to have my own business, and within 3 years I haven't got rich, but I face no financial problems and make way more money than I was used to make back in Rio de Janeiro. Taxes are high, but I gladly pay my taxes as I know exactly where it goes. Here, what you want isn't cheap, but what you need is cheap. But, I agree about the winter. Every morning when I have to shovel the snow around my car to go work, every time I have to wear those nails under my shoes, when it's 08:00 am and still dark, these are times when I almost regret moving here. But by the end of the day I love 🇫🇮

[@AleksiHimself]

Such a great comment! Thanks a lot!

[@bakeraus]

I'm on that projection now, it's so hard to find a job here as a foreigner so I thought I'll just start my own business in the international market. Congratulations on your business and future prospects :D

[@Ice_barrage]

Well said that what you want isnt cheap but what you need is cheap, as a finn i hadnt really even thought of it that way, always taken health care and such for granted

[@yves.dantas]

Opa Jorge. Puts, sou de Natal e trabalho pra Nokia, às vezes penso em tentar ir pra aí mas cada dia q passa desânimo mais. Seguridade social incomparável mas o frio e as relações interpessoais tbm são relevantes

[@jorgepiresjunior]

@@yves.dantas rapaz eu trabalho aqui com construção, basicamente reforma de apartamentos e principalmente casas antigas de madeira. Da pra viver muito melhor que no Brasil. Aqui eu foco no trabalho, relações interpessoais so com minha esposa, enteado os pais dela e alguns poucos mas bons amigos. Quando o assunto é amizade o que conta é a qualidade, nao a quantidade. Eu fui e sou muito bem recebido aqui, nunca tive problemas com preconceito, ao contrario, o povo aqui quando nao adimra o brasileiro é simplesmente indiferente, nao tem bronca da gente.

[@Murp_]

“Hard to make friends.” Me, an introvert: perfect 👌

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@sallyedwards3872]

ahhh the good life 🎉

[@Paxmax]

"Finally my time to shine!" 😁

[@aakka-p]

A perfect place to be alone in

[@theskilllessgamer5795]

So, you dont want to have any friends at all? Because "hard to make friends" = hard for extroverts and impossible for introverts. He even said that in the vid, advising to be an extrovert on steroids to get any contacts.

[@1977ajax]

We had a Finnish film crew come to Australia working in the studio building opposite us. They arrived, blocked out all the windows, and never came out. Never even got to say 'Hello' to any of them. Quite weird, actually. They say that if you are talking to a normal Finn, he/she will generally look at their own feet. If you are talking to an extroverted Finn, he/she will look at your feet.

[@livinginthetropics8470]

I think that's normal for film crews, I once worked in an industrial area and there was a vacant warehouse opposite. Over night they moved in to film and had security to keep people away. We never found out what was filmed or who the stars were. They came, filmed and left as suddenly as they had arrived.

[@1977ajax]

@@livinginthetropics8470 No, not really. I've worked in film for decades, and this was unusual within a studio complex.

[@meredithsui9532]

bahahahh mate the last part got me

[@ChristopherX30]

😂😂😂😂

[@nineteenfortyeight]

That wasn't a film crew

[@CesurYapayDünya]

I once met with a man from the Finnish embassy here in Turkey. We had quite a lot of jokes in a short time. He was quite fun even we talked only a few hours. He even told me a joke that when the Fins and the Turkish were migrating from Asia to Europe millennia ago, they saw a road sign writing To South:Sunny, hot and joyfull vs. To North:Cold, Dark and boring. He said your ancestors chose the South and my ancestors, well you see what happened. :)

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@holoholopainen1627]

I Dont like +40c - Even at sauna !

[@bokohara620]

Finns are geneticly basically balts not ugric turanids, its only the language thats ugro finnic ..

[@CesurYapayDünya]

@@bokohara620 It was not a serious talk. We were just making fun!

[@holoholopainen1627]

Finland IS The Only country on Europe - that has fewer and fewer People ! Many say that They just Cant learn The Language !

[@kieranbrooks8216]

Points 1 and 7 are interesting. I have a friend from Espoo who I met during my first year at university here in Scotland, and he is about as far from the stereotypes as you could imagine. One of the most outgoing people I’ve ever met, very friendly, a great laugh, did tons of extra curricular activities and can talk for ages. I wonder if those Finns who choose to go abroad to university are naturally more socially outgoing than those who remain at home? Interestingly he never intended to go back to Finland to work and settle down after university, he preferred life and career in the UK. But after about 8 years here, a couple of years ago returned to Finland permanently, got married and now has a child. Completely agree that if you manage to make friends with a Finn, you’ll probably be friends for life. Great people.

[@AleksiHimself]

I agree 100% that the outgoing people go abroad. I have the same experiences as you.

[@Slindi81]

Absolutely, and the same works the other way around. Exchange students who come to Finland are usually very outgoing, I guess they'd stayed at home if they weren't

[@jorgepiresjunior]

Also it's easier to be open act a little bit more silly when out of your own environment. All "boring" AKA serious Europeans are way more outgoing when they arrive in Brazil, as an example.

[@bakeraus]

"who I met during my first year at university here in Scotland" Ya I met some great Finnish guys snowboarding just over the border in Sweden, hilarious guys but they had travelled which I think helps break the introvertedness (not sure that's a word)

[@Unknown1355]

I remember we were told before going to Erasmus from a Finnish uni, that it is a researched fact that exchange students have different brain patterns that most of those who never do an exchange. I would say from experience that people definitely are outgoing and this might also cause the "exchange student bubbles", where they only socialize between themselves and not with the locals. Which also seemed quite common, I emigrated out of Finland due to never fitting in. Never really figured out why that happened, but don't really ponder it now. People say Germans are stiff and hard to befriend, I find the total opposite even in beginning when my German was nowhere near fluent.

[@vilidious]

As a Finn, I'm glad we got some proper negative stuff about us out there. I feel comfortable Finnish mentality (at least to me) is best described with the lyrics of an old Ismo Alanko song: "Työnnä positiivinen ajattelu hanuriisi, kierrän kriisiryhmänne kaukaa". Loosely translates to "Shove your positive thinking up your butt, I'll steer far away from your help group". Nothing like proper doom and gloom to make you feel like home. :)

[@AleksiHimself]

Haha good stuff Vili! :D

[@mistersniffer6838]

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice!!! Is there a reason you dont think positively??

[@vilidious]

@@mistersniffer6838 well, it's probably hard to explain. It's kinda like excessive positivity feels hypocritical and fake. You know, people giving fake smiles to keep things full of sunshine and to appear like they want others to see them. Or this constant need to sugarcoat everything and be peppy and full of energy just for appearances and to avoid, god forbid, hurting anybody's feelings. It kinda feels disgustingly fake... like you don't see people for who they really are. It's also like looking straight into an irritatingly giggly sun all the time... when you know life sucks, the last thing you want is someone to tell you to "turn that frown upside down" *giggle*... being miserable together feels much better. Sadness, melancholy, disappointment, sarcasm, dark humor, etc. are also an equal part of what we humans are and make me feel that I'm interacting with real and honest, imperfect and crude, people. So it makes me feel more at ease. I don't feel that (only) positive praise is trustworthy or even necessary. Or something like that anyway. :)

[@mistersniffer6838]

@@vilidious - What if I am a generally happy person and like people to laugh and smile around me, so, I am somewhat peppy and happy all the time, or try to get people to be the same. What if I want my new Fin woman to smile all the time (because smiles are nice) and try to be positive to have what I have? Dont get me wrong, I have my times where I am dark and gloomy, but, most times I am happy and bouncy. Is my Fin love/friendship life doomed??

[@mistersniffer6838]

@@vilidious - "It's kinda like excessive positivity feels hypocritical and fake. You know, people giving fake smiles to keep things full of sunshine and to appear like they want others to see them." Welcome to America. I might actually like Finn people then, as I sure dont like the fake Americans!!

[@claudiograssi1037]

I'm italian, I've been in Finland 2-3 times as vacation or business trip. I've never been resident for a significant period of time. Well, it's different from South Europe but, frankly speaking, I've never had problems in the relationship with the finnish people. Which are the main differences? 1) what we call "movida", i.e the habits for us to "live more on the streets, in restaurants and pubs". 2) the dark winter. 3) the relationsip with alcool (that for a souther european is a mean to be together and not to drink alone). A curiosity: the two languages, finnish and italian, have nothing similar, not any historical connection. Nevertheless when I hear finnish people speaking on the road, the sound could be similar to italian.

[@petskup4]

Historical connection is that same side in the WW2. 😄👋

[@mpc_bismarck]

Analisi interessante. Ci torneresti in vacanza? Andresti mai a viverci per tutta la vita (o quasi)? Inoltre volevo dire che probabilmente il consumo di alcol fatto da soli in Finlandia (ma alla fine un po’ in tutto il nord Europa) è dato dal fatto che in tutti i paesi freddi si tende a bere di più, un po’ per riscaldarsi, un po’ per far passare i giorni freddi più velocemente, un po’ per non annoiarsi; almeno questo è ciò che ho pensato

[@holoholopainen1627]

IL Solo Italiano - has been recoded by KARI TAPIO - as Olen suomalainen ! Toto knew this - that His Song was Real Popular in Finland !

[@claudiograssi1037]

@@mpc_bismarck A viverci non andrei, in vacanza sì. Il loro rapporto con l'alcool (come in tutta la Scandinavia) non mi piace molto: è individuale e non "sociale" cioè divertirsi assieme ad amici.

[@claudiograssi1037]

@@holoholopainen1627 I've just listened: so nice the "joint-venture" Italian-Finnish!

[@johnaashmore]

My mother, an Australian, found the Finns distant and not willing to talk to her until they found out that her grandfather was a Finn merchant marine, who migrated to Australia, then they were willing to chat in a friendly manner to someone who did not speak Finnish.

[@knivessurvives]

Lmao

[@suvireijo]

Storytelling makes finns listen. It's our cultural pass time in the old days. Now days it's 100% maked up gossip about other people. Old folk are more interesting than any finn born after the 80s.

[@reasonerenlightened2456]

Nazi? or just nationalists?

[@suvireijo]

@@reasonerenlightened2456 weeell your case a court jester🤣 Good luck with the classism, wokeism what ever h*ll -ism your sprouting. My finnish ingermanlander grandmother use to say: Shove it to your b*tt hole! Hopefully you do it literary. Good day jester🥰

[@Teuwufel]

@@reasonerenlightened2456 That is the most dumb question I've ever heard. Finns (mostly older ones) need to have a reason to give you their attention, that's all. It's not nationalistic to be distant or cold, that's how people living in such cold countries tend to behave(which is a stereotype and younger Finns are more outgoing), it's a cultural thing! And it definitely does not make someone a nazi! Learn what that word means and be ashamed, cause you definitely don't know the severity of this word!

[@clemencelair1455]

I met three Finnish guys last week in Paris at a concert, and they actually came right to us and started by saying "Hey we're from Finland what are you guys doing after the show?" So they definitely didn't seem super shy and introverted to me! They actually were willing to go across Paris just to spend the evening with us! And they were the sweetest, most sincere and interesting people I've ever met and we're planning on visiting them in Finland next year! I truly think Finns can be your best friends for life! Also a funny thing happened; you know how in France we do "la bise" to say hello and goodbye to friends or family, like we basically kiss the person on each cheeks. So when we were with the Finns, on of my friends didn't think twice and kissed one of them on the cheeks (cause you know, it's no big deal to us and it's totally normal) but if you saw that guys face 😆 his soul was leaving his body

[@AleksiHimself]

That's great! Some Finns are like that! And we definitely don't do the cheek kisses here so I understand the reaction. :D

[@moniho6907]

Most act different than how they act in their home country

[@Anticipat0r]

did u smash?

[@suvireijo]

Or they are from Lapland or Savonia😅

[@ventsislavpendjurov5563]

It is interesting what would be the reaction if you go somewhere in Finland and do the same what these guys do???

[@gigigiooo]

I spent 5 weeks in Finland, which messed with my mental health. I do have to say that if I had more accurate information about the coldness in the culture and other specific details from my particular situation I would've been prepared so I would advise anyone going to visit for a long time or move to Finland to really do your research and assess if it will be a good place for you. I got depressed after only five weeks there but I know people with a similar background who love being in Finland. It really depends on people's personalities to fit into the country because the coldness is crushing. However, I will say that I did meet sweet Finnish people in my school, they are shy but sweet when you get to know them which is hard in itself.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Did You learn anything ? As 5 weeks IS a long Time with Friends and FAMILY ! How Much did You watch KZbin videos - before Your journey ? I am sure If You had seen some SALMIAKKI Videos before - You would have had - 2nd opinion - handy to ready ?

[@FnafSL_BonBon]

For people that are not Finnish, Finland can be a little different, and you need to learn more about the finnish culture and that stuff.

[@holoholopainen1627]

What I meant - Those 5 weeks - to Be Away from Your FAMILY and Friends !

[@mrolympia2774]

You got depressed in 5 weeks because of a country? No. You need help. You were already depressed. Try to fix this. Hope you can find your way.

[@FnafSL_BonBon]

@@mrolympia2774 :)

[@mdrow100]

Some of our Finnish family said university education has been too aggressive so you end up with people who have higher learning degrees that can't find jobs. The other half showed that you could essentially live off government benefits as a long-term student so some stay in university for like 10 years. Of course that's a huge waist because no real skills are gained. I had heard Finnish government was pushing for trade schools instead of engineering degrees because there are simply too many engineers.

[@SilentEcho9194]

I heard there are 3 types of jokes in Finland: Swedish jokes, Russian jokes and Engineer jokes. Not sure how true that is though 😉.

[@AleksiHimself]

It depends entirely on the fields of the degrees. Engineers find jobs but a person with a degree in History will have a tough time. Nowadays, the student benefits are capped to around 7 years. In addition, the benefit is around 500€/month so you can't do much with that.

[@Faoijhfr4rsgioi]

After watching many videos and reading comments about how "Finland is not actually good" "we are not the happiest country in the world" all i understood is that Finland IS great, there are so many people who make videos about how it is bad but all the reasons just show how good it is. It's like you completely don't know how it is in other countries cuz you are complaining about the things that we dream about

[@northgirl77]

@@AleksiHimself how about architects and interior designers is it hard to find a job as a foreigner?

[@jadedequeljoe3283]

I am a professional tattooist,American,living in Holland. Before the pandemic,I used to go frequently to Finland to work at my friends tattoo shop or at conventions. I always had a great time and made good money. People drink a lot in Finland,but that’s true in all of Scandinavia and Europe in general. I don’t really have anything bad to say about Finland.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@thetuoppi2]

I find it weird when people say Finland is a great place for introverts because individuals there don't tend to socialize with newcomers and make friends. I would argue it's one of the worst countries for introverts. If you move to Finland with no friends and you are an introvert, it is up to you to step out of your comfort zone and actively try to meet and connect with people who aren't usually open to making new connections. Being an introvert doesn't mean you are antisocial; it just means your social battery drains more quickly, and you don't feel like going out as frequently. It would be far better to move somewhere where people are very social and extroverted, so the introvert can be more passive about making friends and is not required to exert so much effort. In a place like this, the introvert only has to politely draw boundaries regarding hanging out with people and can choose to socialize when he or she feels like it.

[@micheladerry5681]

i totally agree with you.

[@gianlucagiusti6174]

Problem is, social friendly countries (Southern Europe I suppose) have shitty government and economy. You must give something to have something 😂.

[@yoni-in-BHAM]

@@thetuoppi2 I guess that I'm a shy, antisocial-introvert then... 🤔 Animals and nature. 👍 🌳🧗‍♀️🐄🐅🐇🐈🐕🐓🐔🐄🐐🐑🐤🐫🐬🐦🐭🐧🐴🌿. ✔️ People, not recommended! ❌ 👎🤣

[@beckyanderson1297]

You're completely right. I went to Finland in 2011 to study university. At that time things were good and I will be forever grateful for what Finland offered me. I got free tuition, a lot of discounts and money incentives as a foreign student. Some of my friends decided to reside in Finland, they moved to Helsinki and work for international companies now with good salary and amazing benefits. I think Finland is good for families with children because of the free education and child support. But for those who are single and introverted, maybe Finland is not ideal.

[@RossTFarnsworth]

I lived in Finland in 1989, Yes I loved it, but it was hard also, but once you get to know the people, (which can take some work) you will find them to be some of the greatest people you will ever meet and they will effect how you see the world for the rest of your life.

[@onemillionpercent]

how did they affect you?

[@kotare86]

@@onemillionpercent They Finnished him off

[@ro--M]

That is like the kindest compliment for us Finns I've heard. Really nice of you. 🙏

[@yuyu8267]

Watching this video is my first step towards moving to Finland. I'm hella scared but will give it my best to get a job there while being in Colombia. I'll keep posting my progress on this video as things begin to unfold. Wish me luck lol

[@chrisj8764]

Good luck!

[@Lumperi65]

Velcome. Everything will going tsust fine. 😊😊

[@trishadebbarma9097]

Good luck!!

[@bhutchin1996]

One of my Russian professors was Finnish. One day in class she said something in Russian and when I asked her to say the same thing in Finnish, she did. The language was different but it had a nice sound. Her husband was a Finn too. He said it would be ideal to spend winters in Texas and summers in Finland.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@remohor]

I live in Texas and were getting snow too but im sure Finland is 100000xxx way different. 😍

[@anesidora3084]

Im a finn who uses written language as spoken language too. I personally like it. Tho few times when i have gone to doctor (from reasons i dont remember) they have thought it is so quirky that they mention it in my patient description as well. I find that really funny.

[@xuli3311]

I really appreciate that you dared to mention the true reason why it is difficult to make friends with Finns it is because Finns value their time, which I completely agree and laughed! Because most of people would just say because Finns are shy.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@marilyncoyne4034]

Europeans Ireland and Italy seem a bit stoic and private. I see that in first generation Americans from Europe jere in US. It’s not a bad thing

[@McScara]

It also depends on the personality like some may be shy and others not

[@catkittycatcatkittycatcat3227]

I would say they kinda got used to it cause in Finland the population is pretty small and they probably don't make much relationships. But it's just my take on this. It's probably not that true but that's how I would excuse Finnish people.

[@xuli3311]

@@catkittycatcatkittycatcat3227 I get used of this too. Actually I have integrated this Finnish friend-making style into my own life. By making less fewer but more genuine friends, I appreciate and value new friendships much more than before.

[@Aidan_Au]

Happy for your Albanian friend. It's a much better love story than Twilight. Thank you for sharing the story. Also, as always, I appreciate your comedic effects and the skits. Hope that your "fall in the show" didn't hurt much

[@AleksiHimself]

Glad you enjoyed it! Didn't hurt. :)

[@brentlocher5049]

Aleksi, I like your videos that are done in this format (kind of your old style). They are entertaining and informative.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Brent! Trying to up my quality. :)

[@Demons972]

Been in Finland for about a year now and here is my insight: 1. It is kinda difficult to make friends but really depends on the person, i've been a couple of Finns that i can really call my friends but they match my energy and talk a lot like i do and the times that i've hang out i feel rather uncomfortable since people is forced to speak with me in English but they communicate with each other in either Swedish or Finnish and i have no idea what they are saying. 2. yes if u don't speak the language will be difficult to find a decent job and even people who speak Swedish and Finnish work at places like Mcdonalds or supermarkets, since i come from a third world country the salary i get from a restaurant is not bad but i had a colleague that told me once that the salary is crap. 3. the language here we go, for people who speak Romance languages is rather easy to learn Swedish mostly spoken in Ostrobothnia but Finnish is a pain in the neck and it will take you years of extensive study to master it, i can saw a few words and seeing how the face of Finns light up when they hear me trying to speak Finnish is really rewarding and motivates you to keep learning. 4. yeah taxes are high but nothing you can do about it, i make about 18k a year but i only see about 13k the only trick i know so far to avoid high taxation is either working for the forest or farmers industry since the govt offers lower taxation to them or at least that's what i've been told. 5. winter is a lot of fun but it can be sh*t also, is good to invest in anti slippery shoes so you don't wreck or sh*t and good clothing, my advice to save some money is to go to a second hand store, they always bring new stuff and you can find really good quality clothing at a very cheap price because buying from a department store is really expensive. 6. everything is expensive the trick is to create a budget and avoid spending money on stuff you don't really need, again is a good practice to buy second hand stuff, clothing, furniture, appliances etc and also supermarkets usually discount items that are about to expire so you can use them asap to cook ur food for the day and get them cheaper. 7. most Finns do hate smalltalk so it's better to find an interest in common to start a conversation, cars, music, food or even sharing something about your life with them they would rather hear you talking about your life than just start a random smalltalk about something they are not interested or never heard before but be careful as to not offend anyone try to be straightforward and ask if they are ok talking about an specific topic because the issue with Finns is that if they get offended or they are angry at you they would never say it to your face.

[@Demons972]

@@Americaisgreat35 i mean even if i'm a foreigner i understand, no one wants to give their money away to an stranger but i guess you can try and pursuit your pilot career in the USA, that's what my stepfather did because he is an helicopter pilot but that was like 2-3 decades ago, i also have a handful of Finnish friends that have moved to Spain and developing countries in the last year or so, try to do some research but personally as someone coming from a developing country i wouldn't change Finland's stability (economically, socially etc) i reckon that in case the world goes to sh*t Finland would be one of the best countries to be in.

[@wuhtevah3840]

​@@Americaisgreat35 "I have earned my money, i dont want to give half of it to strangers" "Im abusing the fuck out of this free education and then leaving to somewhere" noice...

[@Americaisgreat35]

@@wuhtevah3840 sounds nice

[@bambae7669]

Noticed the nr. 4 about taxes. Your taxes were way too high, if you really only received 13k out of 18k, i'd estimate the proper net income to be about 16500. I think the disparity is caused by the tax agreement Finland has with your native country. This comment was pretty old, so i hope it fixed itself, but if you didn't get a refund, you can always ask the Finnish tax office. Even if they can't reimburse you due to the tax agreement, they might be able to explain to you how to receive a tax refund from your government.

[@Demons972]

@@bambae7669 nope is even worse, they increased my percentage to 29% and even took more money than needed until i noticed and had to fix it on the tax website to lower it, I barely earn 1.8k euros before taxes and last month they took 500 euros wtf is that bs? And tax agreement or refund from my country? Nah bro i come from a fvcking sh*t hole country in Central America they ain't returning me sh*t, as much as i like here i'm seriously planning to move to Norway or somewhere else the taxes are just ridiculous.

[@SoloTravelStory]

Loved your straight points and honesty about living in Finland. I just got back from my first time visit to Helsinki and fell in love. But videos like yours help me to stay grounded. It's not all roses and sunshine for sure. I appreciate the insights you've given esp on the winter situation and job search for internationals. Whilst I don't mind the introverted culture, the cold and harsh winters would destroy me. I also noticed the job situation and that many internationals love living in Finland but they work mostly in cafes, cleaners, shops...(no offence to these jobs but you can tell internationals aren't present in career jobs). That would frustrate me. Finnish is pretty hard. I will continue to learn it and hopefully can make some more efforts the next time I come for a visit. I vibed really well with the introverted nature of Finns (I'm German) and I'm the same. Keep to myself, not really someone who starts talking to strangers and making sure I don't bother others. I prefer real authentic people over the fakeness that some anglophone nations have.

[@HeavenSpectrum]

I think I would be quiet happy living on Finland. Learning the language is quiet hard, but it's a wonderful language. I'm lucky my language teacher is focusing on speaking finnish, we learn a lot about the spoken finnish as well as the written. I love the way Finns are in general ❤

[@AleksiHimself]

Finntastic! 😃🙌

[@noobonmobile419]

I can be your teacher

[@HeavenSpectrum]

@@noobonmobile419 Kiitos, mutta mulla on jo opettaja ;-)

[@catkittycatcatkittycatcat3227]

@@HeavenSpectrum you learn Finnish in school? 😲 Lucky where are you from?

[@HeavenSpectrum]

@@catkittycatcatkittycatcat3227 no, I don't go to school. I learn it with an online course via Zoom

[@erkkiboy]

The finnish smile, love it. That's me in all photos unless I'm drunk or something 😁so many truthful stereotypes here. From my five years living in Finland I definitely recognize most, haha. Very good video, I laughed a lot 😁

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@theodorelaurence1790]

So, basically Finnish people respect themselves and their culture and don’t unnecessarily put their society at risk? I think their are many other European countries that are regretting terribly NOT having taken this course of action.

[@mrpickles-hb6zx]

They're rapists and animals don't have basic rights.

[@aaaaaaaniiie2993]

I've lived in Finland for more than 1 year. Agree with the comment above about the Finnish language. Originally, I am from Ukraine, I had been a psychology Bachelor's degree student, so I wanted to continue my education, but I found out that in Finland it's almost impossible as they do not have an international degree in psychology, I ask what about If I study the Swedish language, but they said that psy degree is one of the most competitive degrees here, and even locals can't get in. Contrary, in the Netherlands, Italy, or Lithuania I found programs for international students in psychology. So I drew the conclusion that education is a bit closed here for international students... I also started to study the Swedish language, as my bf is Swedish-speaking Fin, although it is an official national language, locals didn't understand it well. However, I would like to stay here if the situation with language and education was better because Finnish people are one of the nicest I've seen. They always will help, are polite, and are supportive. Also, social equality is very visible, every Fin has access to education, health care, and work opportunities! If you want to live in Finland you should really concentrate on learning the Finnish language. I guess only a job in the tech field will be suitable for people who do not know the Finnish language (as it is more flexible).

[@shelanfernando1647]

Hi i'm also planning to migrate to finland and I have a diploma in Psychology and planning to do bachelors' in psychology. What is the best option for me ? Please help 🙏

[@Slindi81]

And remember that the spoken language is different on different areas, for example where I'm originally from, the eastern Finland, minä = mie. So you might learn how to speak in Helsinki and communicate efficiently there, but if you move to other areas, you might find out that you don't understand much :)

[@AleksiHimself]

Good point!

[@cinderellaandstepsisters]

I come from western Finland and been in eastern Finland many times (I love the place). I had no difficulties to understand the dialect.

[@ollihamina9720]

Another important regional difference seems to be that in the Eastern Dialects area (Karjala, Savo, Kymenlaakso) people are a lot more outgoing and making friends is not as difficult there. It is still common that people just start talking with strangers for no reason. Unfortunately, this seems to be fading away with the younger generation.

[@ollihamina9720]

Oh, and while talking to Savo people, you have to remember that none of what they say is to be taken literally. Rather, you should treat their talk like you were to interpret biblical metaphors or a philosopher's enigma ;)

[@jounisuninen]

Aleksi mentioned that Finnish is not an Indo-European language. He did not mention that Finnish is not a Slavic language either. Finnish is a rather unique language except that there are small groups in Russia who speak Finnish-related languages.

[@SNegrea]

Isn't Finnish related to Hungarian though?

[@SoloTravelStory]

It's an ugric language and originates in the Ural/central Asia region.

[@henkvandervossen6616]

You forgot about Estonian and Hungarian

[@caribcarib4337]

@@SNegrea yes and Turkish

[@caribcarib4337]

Mongolia - @@SoloTravelStory Finns are originally Mongols - they originate from Mongolia - you should see a photo of my Finnish great grand mother - looks like a Mongolian - short - slanty eyes- flat and round face - dark hair

[@Arkiasis]

One thing about friends is sure in like the US or other hyper extroverted cultures it seems "easy" to talk and make "friends" but really 90% of those people are acquaintances, not friends and sometimes it doesn't feel genuine really. People don't really talk about their true feelings and it's very very easy for them to simply stop talking to you. Having a long term friend for life is very very difficult to actually do. Many here see that as normal to lose friend groups and lose contact with people but it's also disheartening too. You have work "friends", school "friends" etc. It's mostly friends out of location.

[@holoholopainen1627]

I talk to Everybody about My feelings - some say that They just Dont speak in Finland ! That really HURTS - so ILL say ILL Get Back to You When You know The Language ! Small talk IS to learn The KEY words in Finnish - joten ei muuta kuin viilistelemään !

[@anneofgreengables1619]

Yes you can never be certain that some Americans really like you because some are a bit fake but most are genuinely friendly.

[@xanathem7]

As a Finn, I am delighted to see such a video. I can imagine how this video could be helpful for someone immigrating to Finland. We, as a people, will only benefit from increased understanding between us.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@TimFin.]

How to tame a Finnish person tutorial Step 1: Buy beer Step 2: Offer beer. Step 3: Find sauna. Step 4: Invite them to sauna. Step 5: Talk about hunting. Congratulations. You tamed a Fin.

[@omarplaceres6924]

Everything what he says is true. I have been living in Finland for 30 years already and I still don't have any finnish friends. All of my friends are foreigners like me living in Finland.

[@AleksiHimself]

Sorry to hear that man. There are also foreigners who have made Finnish friends so it means it's possible.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Do You Do anything Finnish ? Read Paper & Books - Go to movies - play Finnish Baseball - Ice Hockey - Make Finnish Food... Eat salmiakki ? Go to Public sauna...

[@roxanaquiroga311]

Joo. On mahdollista saada suomalaisia ystäviä.

[@holoholopainen1627]

How Much You know of Finland ? Mitenpaljon tiedät elämästä Suomessa - vai elätkö yhä jossakin " kuplassa " ? Monta kertaa olet ostanut suomalaisen lehden ja lukenut mitä muut Suomessa tekevät ?

[@omarplaceres6924]

@@holoholopainen1627 hei, mä kirjotan nyt suomeksi koska näyttää siltä, että et ymmärrä hyvin englantia. Olen asunut Suomessa 30 vuotta, olen jopa pelannut baseballia 90 luvulla, olen lukenut paljon lehtiä. Puhun Suomen kielellä joka päivä työssä ja tunnen paljon suomalaisia, jotka tekevät työtä minun kanssani ja kyllä työssä keskustelemme, nauramme ja joskus pidetään hauskaa, mutta työn jälkeen jokainen lähtee kotiin ja ei kenenkään kiinnostaa kutsua sinut vieraaksi kotiin tai diskoon tai vaikka bariin juomaan pari kaljaa. Naapurit joskus moikkaavat ja piste. Totta kai aina löytyy poikkeus. En sano että on mahdotonta. Minä sanon että yleensä on vaikeaa saada suomalaisia ystäviä ja minun kanssani on ollut mission impossible. Minä olen sosiaalinen, tanssin salsaa, pidän hauskaa, minulla on maahanmuuttajia ystäviä eri maista koska osaan muita kieliä. Tämä on ollut minun kokemukseni Suomessa. Yleensä suomalaiset puhuvat ulkomaalaisten kanssa kun heillä on pari kaljaa.

[@hi-muckety-muck]

I saw a video where they pitched Canada vs Finland in terms of winter living, and they said Finland (unlike Canada) provides awesome winter maintenance, so students can (and do) ride their bikes to school all winter. Then they showed huge parking rack systems full of bikes, all thanks to streets being properly maintained no matter the amount of snow that falls. So, maybe this is only true for roads and accessways. Maybe only those linked to places like universities. Maybe not so true at all?

[@bassmanjura]

you can drive your bike if you change to spike tires. Otherwise is quite dangerous. There is maintenance but often is quite late. In cities there are roads which are cleaned like a day after heavy snow, meanwhile the cars will compact the snow on the street and the plow will just smoothen it. They will add gravel on top, but to drive bike without spikes you must be very careful :)

[@hanniesung3595]

Important streets are maintained bit there are areas where there's no winter maintenance too

[@suziesuzie74]

I'm Finnish and lived 30 years in Finland. This sounds ridiculous to me. I don't remember anybody biking voluntarily to school in winter. What older that more unlikely, people do drive with their own car or public transport. They can even remove bike racks away at schools during winter time. Maybe in that video they confused with The Netherlands...Although they don't have so much snow at winter time. Lived there too....

[@laraking804]

It depends where is Finland both the city and area. Some places do a better upkeep than others

[@holoholopainen1627]

That IS City of Oulu ! Where They Have Real COOL Winters - so IT IS Not any Different to ride You bike to School - than at Summer !

[@anttikuusmetso]

Oli tosi hauskaa katsoa, kiitos Aleksi. 😁

[@AleksiHimself]

Kiitos Antti!

[@bakingandcookingwithvickie8708]

This is spot on, my husband is finnish and I lived in Finland for 10 years but we live in the USA now. Great video by the way.

[@ButterDog42069]

As a Russian who thinks about moving to Finland some time in the future I literally have to live with 80% of these issues already so...lol.

[@SomeOne-gj8cl]

Finland is really quiet though in my opinion

[@ButterDog42069]

@@Kotomoors на лучшее надеяться не приходится пхплахад. Ну с другой стороны Китай не так уж и плохо, уж точно лучше чем Индия

[@白景-t8y]

@@Kotomoors Don't move to China

[@holoholopainen1627]

@@SomeOne-gj8cl What Do You mean by quiet ? What kind of Noice - would You like to Have More - and for What reason ?

[@SomeOne-gj8cl]

@@holoholopainen1627 nobody talks and only 5mil people

[@LadyRavencide13]

This is great. I love the Finnish stereotypes 😂 I think i missed out of these because i went to Finland with Finnish friends I met in London 😂 we went to 3 different cities/towns, we went to a festival and then to my friends parents cabin in the woods in the North, we went fishing and drank until the silly hours of the morning. They had a sauna and we swam naked. It was amazing being out in the middle of nowhere in the woods. I didn't want to leave! I did appreciate how people didn't try and become your friend when we were out and about 😂 I'm an extroverted introvert - I don't wanna meet loads of new people all the time, but the friends I already have know there will be shenanigans & silliness 😂

[@johnkilly8049]

I'm a introverted extrovert. If someone needs a help I'm always there. I always cry around if somebody can call an ambulance and all of a sudden came a couple of Italian medicine Students to my help until the ambulance service came... That is the way how to understand humanity and not to humiliate any country....

[@AdityaTheGoat]

1. Difficult to make friends/meet people 0:10 (skit), 0:22 (commentary) 2. Getting a job 1:56 (skit), 2:12 (commentary) 3. The language 3:42 (skit), 4:00 (commentary) 4. High taxes 4:54 (skit), 5:10 (commentary) 5. The winter 6:14 (skit), 6:37 (commentary) 6. The high prices 7:29 (skit), 7:48 (commentary) 7. The awkward communication culture 8:30 (skit), 8:53 (commentary) :)

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff!

[@cl6260]

I like your video. and good to know how the tax is collected in Finland. in Estonia, a person with annual income less than 20k euro still pay 20% tax, but in Finland they only need to pay 14.8%... Estonian poor people even pay more taxes, while the cost of living is not that much different

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Банкивасограбят]

Я живу в 20 минутах езды от Финляндии, раньше я даже раз в неделю покупала продукт в Финляндии на себя и соседей, мне нравились финские товары, хороший народ и страна, но немного деревенский и даже не немного)) в этом и прелесть Финляндии, это очень уютная сельская страна. Был опыт покупки дома в Финляндии)) у меня было 6 квартир и я продала одну и думала что купить? И решила дом в Финляндии. Я ездила пол года как на работу искала , смотрела дома , все были очень милые, участвовала в конкурсе покупки и вот я выиграла конкурс, продавал муниципалитет города дом в городе. Оформление шло долго, 1 месяц, 2 месяц, то кто-то ушёл в отпуск, то бумаги делают, то ещё кого-то ждут, итого пол года мои наличные были были без дела и под инфляцией, это опасно и вот я спонтанно поехала в Петербург и там за один день, один! Я оформила квартиру))) вот разница менталитета страны 5 млн и города .10 млн. При том это касается любого вопроса… как то я покупала телевизор в Финляндии и история повторилась…. Я стояла с наличными в руках и ждала пока продавец поговорит с зашедшим местным жителем прогуливавшим собачку, и продавец и собачник никуда не торопились по деревенски и мило беседовали, конечно он ничего не купил, но это так по деревенски) в Петербурге за это время магазин продал бы всё всем желающим) в то время как мир очень динамичный и быстрый, финны совершенно некуда не торопятся… и даже в словах это отражено, многие слова с двумя гласными и их как бы надо тянуть, говоря слово ты гласную произносишь долго - ооооо

[@sebastiancastro848]

I met my Finnish Snow Queen in Mexico, now we live in Bogota, she loves My culture, and I love her. Now I understand why I make her so happy. Love this video man!! Love you Essi!!!

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff!

[@Byronic_Man]

No wonder Finnish bands like H.I.M., POETS OF THE FALL,THE 69 EYES and CHILDREN OF BODOM have such deep lyrics,coz they keep the feelings deep inside their hearts.

[@Hellenicheavymetal]

Amorphis and Insomnium

[@WardDorrity]

Nightwish rules them all. Tuomas Holopainen is a genius and a musical polymath.

[@pamelakilponen3682]

And even if you have YKI cert many companies will not take you. The reason why PHD and professionals end up as cleaners is also language as well as Finland does not see their degrees as up to Finnish standards. One person I was in Finnish class was a pediatrician in her country, but here in Finland they said her degree and licenses were not good enough. She is school to become a nurse. This happens all the time. I shake my head all the time when Finland says they want to import more workers. Why? So when they get here get YKI certified, then find out their degrees and professional licenses are not good enough?

[@AleksiHimself]

I understand. It's important to note that some professions require recognition from the authorities, such as doctors and physiotherapists because they are restricted to licensed professionals only. If the degree obtained abroad does not meet the standards then they need to do the necessary steps fill the gap.

[@blissiimo2064]

I visited Finland from Australia. Nobody knew where that was - but the people in Lapland were very hospitable and invited me to Sauna anyway :)

[@onlydeea1]

High taxes? Noooo. In my country they're higher and we never know where they go. For exemple we give a high percentage to the state health system, but when we're sick the best and safest choice is to go to a private clinic or hospital, because in the state ones the treatment is awful, they lack medicine and often the patients need to buy them, the personel is hired through "someone"( usually a politician or a person in a high position in the local administration) and most of them are careless, and so on. Not to mention our salaries are 4 times smaller than overthere. Imagine trying to live decently when your salary is 1000 €, your bills are 500€, the car insurance is 250€ and you need to pay: food, clothes, house or car maintenence, medicine from the 250 left. If you own your house you're a happy case, cause then you don't have to pay rent too....

[@riccardoc1711]

I’be never been to Finland bit I have great respect for the finnish popoluation. So love to Finland from Italy.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@Man_from_UNCLE]

tu non capisce un cavalo - non c'e una paragone con la bella italia

[@BennoLenno]

This was actually really funny and accurate. I'm from Sweden but I'm planning on moving to Finland in like a year or two.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌 WTF = Welcome to Finland

[@holoholopainen1627]

Hint - Read a Book - of Suomi - before You take The Ferry ! There Are Videos - from Sweden - Where asked on The Street How Much Swedes know of Finland ! Many Finns know More of Sweden - than Swedes know of Finland - Even The distance IS The same ! There Are some Sports - that does Not exist in Sweden but Finns Master Those ! Formula One to Finnish Baseball to Wife Carrying... Floorball to Bandy ! Take IT easy - IT takes Time to learn - How to Make a sauna FIRE !

[@holoholopainen1627]

Have You packed Yet ? Have You ever heard of GAMMALSVENSKBY ? Take a Look - before IT IS too late ! Many KZbinrs Been there to Film !

[@totoafrika5568]

There is nothing to see.

[@holoholopainen1627]

@@totoafrika5568 Where at ? Gammalsvenskby or Finland ?

[@DanielosVK]

There's another method of getting Finns to talk to you. I'm wearing shorts during the winter and I get questions like every day from strangers on the street lol.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@MrIstvanc]

Are you from Canada? 😆 As I've heard a lot of them wear shorts all year around there.

[@DanielosVK]

@@MrIstvanc No, Poland :)

[@jordan.na.dzielni]

@@DanielosVK żółwik, noszę się tak samo! Chyba powinienem rozważyć Finlandię... :D

[@DanielosVK]

@@jordan.na.dzielni To zdecydowanie kraj dla takich jak my :D

[@slamberg84]

Im Finnish and I consider this a friendly culture. I know all my neighbours and we help each other. We do talk to strangers and so on. The only thing is that finnish people generally feel akward around foreign people. Its not that we are racist but i think its the cultural differences in how small talk is done and the superficiality of the conversations.

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks Sara for the insights!

[@-Pepsimayn-]

No we feel akward around people in general

[@marknewton6984]

I am American but I like the novels of Mika Waltari.

[@_kurjala]

I would love to move to Finland when I grow up but by then I would have probably forgotten about that. The main thing that intrigues me is how you have time to yourself and other people respect that. Clingy people are the most annoying. But a main thing that demolishes my dreams of moving there is the language. it is so difficult to learn, that even with practice you just want to give up.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Nice - Kiitos ! Do You play any Sports ? Many People get to travel to Finland - Thanks to that They play Sports ! Finland plays Football / Soccer - Ice hockey - Floorball - Volleyball - Basketball at Quite high level in Europe ! One sport that IS almost unknown outside of Finland IS PESAPALLO ! We call IT Finnish Baseball - Thanks to its roots to American BASEBALL ! Even The has been played - Over 100 years - there are many People that has never heard of The Game ! Have You ? If Not take a SEAT and lean back to watch some visiting KZbinrs that been to Games to film ! At 1952 Helsinki Olympics - The game was an exhibition game - to visiting oversea tourists ! Times flies as 1952 - 2022 - IS a long Time - and thanks to KZbin - The game IS More pop - than ever before !

[@Jhaaastha4321]

Thank you so much for this informative video .

[@ShakespearHD]

I've been to many parts of the World. One trip to Finland was enough for me. Traveling through the small towns and cities it seemed to me like there was one there (in the middle of the say in the summer). Something tells me they like to stay at home A LOT.

[@AleksiHimself]

They are small towns for a reason. Bigger cities have more to offer.

[@caribcarib4337]

@@AleksiHimself they mean there are few people around in those small towns in Finland - and that is true - more forest than people - in the summer the Finns disappear who knows where and in the winter they return and stay huddled at home

[@esthermarcen7587]

I do live in Kuopio (Finland), people are maybe correct but they are not friendly, young people can be friends with time, and they are really nice if they are your friends, but neighbors or colleagues from work are simply formal or correct, not friendly (ahhh is allowed to shout at work, so be ready that you can be shouted like if you are in the 19 century), I am married to a Finnish man, we meet in Ireland years ago, I am Spanish, we move to Finland after 7 years living between France and Ireland for work, and I am regretting it. the language is difficult mainly because is not possible to speak with anyone, only small talk with young people. In areas that are not for tourists, so they are not used to foreigners can be difficult, an example of this difficulty is: I broke a finger while I was walking the dog, went to the hospital and the nurse (that did not speak English and could not understand my Finnish ) sent me home, (because you can see the doctor if the nurse says that you can ) when I was back with my Finnish husband (that was quite angry) almost they put a red carpet under my feet, I did suffer the pain for 2 hours for ?........ I think when they say happy country it means really safe country, and yes is a very safe country. And is very natural and beautiful and bureaucratic. About the job, you need Finnish or a profession that they need, and there is a big business exporting workers from some very far countries that they do not need Finnish or English at all.

[@Leo-ev3dx]

You can move to Capital area, a lot more Spanish speaking group here than Kuopio.

[@Shadow-xr2ws]

hii i am willing to apply in finland for master's can you tell about academics their please

[@Xc31]

Hi there! My wife and I are looking into moving to Finland from the Netherlands. We have 3 young kids aged 6, 4 and 1 and I was wondering how much of a hurdle its going to be to get them integrated into Finnish schools. I'm looking into jobs in farming and forestry as thats where my work experience lays (and there seem to be at least some jobs offered in English) so if we move there its most likely going to be quite rural. I expect it isnt going to be the easiest thing but on the other hand the young age will propably help in picking up Finnish quite a bit faster than we do once we get there. What is your opinion on it? Will they be able to get along and make friends once they get going with the language?

[@AleksiHimself]

Hey! I believe that anyone who is ready to put the effort to learn Finnish lifestyle, culture and language, have a good chance to have a good life here. Rural Finland will definitely make things a bit harder. There are many international schools in Finland and I think if they get exposed to Finnish, they can learn the language. I would suggest looking up some online forums (like Facebook or Reddit) and find people who have gone through the same as you are now to get better insights.

[@Xc31]

@@AleksiHimself first of all thanks for the reply! Assimilation is the plan. We want to fit in with Finnish culture as fast as possible. Thats why I'm thinking of throwing them in head first and trying to get them to a school where the lessons are done in Finnish. We have lots of refugee kids here in the Netherlands and while it seems a bit easier for them to learn English first their Dutch takes a noticable hit over the kids that go to the school my kids go to and learn Dutch straight from Arabic or other Middle Eastern languages. Not the easy route but the faster we assimilate the faster we can start our new Finnish life. I'll head over to Reddit and see what the goos folks there think is the right course of action. Thanks again!

[@AleksiHimself]

@@Xc31 Best of luck!

[@axtrion888]

I was in Thailand and met a group of Fins --- really nice people, made some great friends, was with them every day for 9 months --- miss them a lot, hope to see them again soon!

[@AleksiHimself]

Very cool!

[@iallso1]

As someone who emigrated to NZ, I'm looking at that winter weather and the cost of living figures to see if it balances out. But I'll take higher cost of living because a cold day in Christchurch is around 5 or 6 degrees Celsius and there are only 2 or 3 days a year when it doesn't get warmer than that.

[@The_notsoholy_one]

As an Alaskan this sounds right up my alley I'm excited to live here

[@Mark_Kuckerberg]

Hey Aleksi, thank you very much for this video. I am living in Germany and was born and raised here. But newest politics showed that it starts to be unattractive and kind of dangerous to keep living here. So when I would decide to leave Germany, my first thought of moving was and still is Finland. Finding friends or even a partner is not easy in Germany. But now I know that it will not be in Finland either. I was very surprised that any diagrams showing the cost of living in Finland were higher than in Germany. But I think rhat this might have changed now since they were from 2020. Maybe there is more information you can give me: e.g. I checked the rents in Cities like Helsinki and Tampere. They are high! But how does it look like when you live in smaller villages like for examplr Nokia or Harjavalta? Are rents or prices still that extremely high? And how is the infrastructure there? More Information about living would be very nice 👌

[@anneofgreengables1619]

Rents in the smaller towns are a lot lower than the big cities. Very reasonable I feel.

[@ro--M]

If you live with partner or alone and don't want to share an apartment with strangers, you get somewhat ok flat for 400-500€ per month from places that are +50km from the area's center city. In cities you pay about 700-1000€ or even more (especially in Helsinki) for the same square meters.

[@Xxbeex]

As an introverted autistic person I see the fact that Finnish people don't talk to people as a win, I live in Ireland in a area where everyone talks to everyone and its always really loud...time to learn Finnish I guess

[@oceanegele3559]

I appreciate informative videos like this. Obviously there are good things but there are real things people need to know before getting all starry-eyed about moving to any place or country. You were very specific. Thank you!

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff!

[@amarug]

As a half raised in Switzerland, but fluent in Finnish and having spent many many summers there, I have the feeling that Finnish women are much more relaxed, approachable and easy to talk to than men. I have observed the same curiousity in Japan, but I have clue why this might be. Any wisdom?

[@ZitaGoesToParis]

Super cool this vlog! Ive been in Finland a few times, I think that may be its hard being very smily when the weather is insane, 4 months dark, and alcohol taxes so high 😀😀 But every time Ive been there, people have been very nice with me, they keep distances at first, but you must be yourself (particurally Im from Spain and that seems to be a plus, dont know why), broke the silent barrier and enjoy a nice and interesting conversation. I made a friend in Porvoo once I went on vacation, she was like 60 years old (I was 30), it just was 3 days we met, I barely speak english, but we still write emails and Im eager to see her again. Finland its great, except for the darkness! It makes me feel kinda depressed.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@holoholopainen1627]

You know why Alcohol tax IS so high ?

[@D4v3Serious]

For me introverted Czech Finland seems like paradise to me. I just love that feeling when you are all alone in forest catching fish living in cabin only with bears and beavers, that feeling i´ve never experienced in my life, because all i´ve ever got is forests full of people picking mushrooms...

[@AleksiHimself]

You should visit Finland!

[@TravelingisFREEDOM]

This seems to be a very interesting place, I hope I can visit sometime in the future. Seeing and sharing places like this is why I love traveling and make videos so much! And please keep up the great job! Subscribed!!

[@AleksiHimself]

You should!

[@andreilesko37]

If you like winter sports , lakes , nature , Finland is a beautifull country . Nordic countries are diferent than south countries , not everyone is made to survive in finland

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for the comment!

[@caribcarib4337]

in winter when you are laying at night in your bed you feel like your are in a prison - it feels like the cold and darkness is keeping you down and you can't escape

[@beingahealthiermakesaperso9726]

​@@caribcarib4337ohh really😢?

[@vladimirprostran1896]

This is a really cool video, thanks fpr sharing! On the off-topic, are there any books on Finnish culture and history in English you would recommend? Thanks, greetings from Serbia!

[@andruspuusta4230]

I am one of Estonians haven`t been working in Finland. But I have had many contacts with Finns, and I say that they are nice people. You guys in Finland are all right! :) Had change to make friends in rally event with completely strangers with no problem as well! But smart people are critical with themselves!

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gunstercz]

What I found after living in Helsinki for half a year as a foreigner was, that the expat community is very strong and friendly there. I think it's probably because we were an island in the sea of Finnish people who didn't want to mix with us very much. That being said, I also made a few Finnish friends, you have outliers in every sample group.

[@Paul-eb4jp]

That's brilliant, I visited Finland and wondered why everyone was so glum in the world's happiest country, now I know it's the Finnish smile, he's also so right about trying to strike up a conversation.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@andr_sh]

Yes. Smile are even more rare than in Russia now . If you look at passers by it seems they are unhappy or worried all the time. Some even look angry.

[@holoholopainen1627]

Talking to People IS The KEY ! More languages You know is like Have More tools in Your Toolbox !

[@holoholopainen1627]

IS like having More tools in Your Toolbox !

[@andr_sh]

@@holoholopainen1627 partly yes, but thanks to queen's colonialism we can happily be fine with English at least on territories with Anglo Saxon influence

[@imflyingoverclouds]

Free education "happens" when you are permanent residence if you want to study in English. I asked around for MSc here and they say I need to pay 15k per year. So my expat friends who wants to get a degree from a Finnish university, you need to wait at least 4 years, then apply permanent residence, then apply university. If you are early 20s, considerable but for over 30 it is huge "postponing". FYI

[@AleksiHimself]

It's true that non-EU residents do not have free tuition. However, those people are entitled to scholarships that are not available to anyone else. The ones who get them can get up to 100% tuition covered, depending on the school & degree.

[@imflyingoverclouds]

@@AleksiHimself Yes of course but that's same everywhere for exceptional students. I live and pay taxes yet still not seem eligible to go for further studies without tuition fee. just saying that's not fair.

[@izack5596]

"Free" nothing is free about it. The high taxes that you're forced to pay goes towards it and socialized healthcare and education is trash. There's a reason most Canadian's come to America every day for better health care.

[@anneofgreengables1619]

Why should Finnish taxpayers fund foreign students? charity begins at home.

[@craigwillingham9511]

Finns being protective of their nation and culture is good. More nations should strive to do likewise.

[@cuckoonut1208]

6:15 Dude..😂 That was exactly what I experienced (same face) in Montreal winter AND I have a heel tendon injury that wont go away to this day 4 years later. I slipped and fell on icy footpaths a lot.

[@AleksiHimself]

Ouch! Sorry to hear that.

[@valhoundmom]

I made friends with a Finnish people before I went there. I know bubbly, smiley happy Finns, I know Finns who NEVER shut up. And Finns who never talk. I find Finnish people to be disinterested in BS, but they are kind in a real way. I am glad I learned that 2 people can sit with coffee and just appreciate the moment in silence. Small talk is really nonsense. My Finnish friends were very surprised that Americans often just hate small talk and cocktail party like situations

[@lassi3554]

I'm one of those Finns that love to talk. And most of my colleagues too. :)

[@caribcarib4337]

they talk when they are drunk

[@valhoundmom]

@caribcarib4337 I have several Finnish friends who are non drinkers or very light drinkers. They are naturally quite social

[@caribcarib4337]

@@valhoundmom my Finnish blood relatives are /were all drinkers- I am speaking from reality

[@valhoundmom]

@caribcarib4337 so am I. Because you relatives are Finnish and drinkers does not mean all Finnish people are heavy drinkers. Your relatives get pants drunk on the regular. My friends don't. Both can exist in the world Ps: same with the Irish

[@javi3266]

Just watched this and, as a Southern European who aspires to live in Finland, I loved it and laughed quite a lot with the last point (the finnish smile lol). I've started to learn Finnish for a reason: in my country, we get lots of people from the UK/USA speaking English and only English, and they start to live here and ignore our language. I've met some people that have been living here for 20+ years and can barely ask for a coffee in our language. I find that very disrespectful. I feel like Finland and Finnish people want to avoid that situation. Also, a couple years ago I was on my Erasmus year and I met a Finnish girl that was delighted with Southern European guys, since we are in general very social. I found dating Finnish girls such a delight (beautiful and so educated!). I loved this video!

[@sucram1018]

What country? You didn't even say which Southern European nation. There's several, be specific. Saying people in your country not being interested in your nation's language makes no sense when you just say the region of Europe.

[@unpatriotaitaliano]

​@@sucram1018I think he is from Portugal

[@RoadRunnerMeep]

Interesting about the spoken and written Finnish. I never realised they had formalities too. So basically worth learning two languages so you know both formalities and when to use them

[@holoholopainen1627]

There Are dialects - spoken suomi ! Mikael AGRICOLA - was just using One dialect - and never been - to areas with a different dialect !

[@Atomisti]

I once had an acquittance who always spoke Finnish the way it's written. It was his thing - even in the army and a an officer, I was told. A great personality. But, yeah, it's a mess and something should be done about it

[@caribcarib4337]

they now have also a Finnish slang - which my older Finnish relatives dont understand

[@danielgodes8192]

Year 6 of living in Finland, the most relatable approach to my daily experiences I've seen so far. Relieved to know Finns themselves struggle nearly as much as I do :)

[@arto00-g2n]

Glad I found your channel. Someday I been thinking of moving my family to Findlay to live for a little while for my children to go to school. Maybe cover some of that if possible.

[@johnkilly8049]

Make your way. It’s a new experience and some effort on your side it’s also necessary too. However, one thing is extremely important. You must have a proper education and at least ought to be able to speak English well.

[@AleksiHimself]

I have a video of the topic coming soon.

[@user-fv2bn5sb5t]

I stayed in Helsinki for 3 months and the only time I’ll go out is to go to the gym, buy groceries or when I’m bored sitting at home alone reading a book. I had a bit of a culture shock on my first few days, people will either bow their heads or avoid me completely when I walked… and realised it’s just normal 😂 winter is harsh. I’ve travelled everywhere and I’ve never stumbled in so much snow, and definitely never slipped on ice before except when I was in Helsinki. Social circle are also very established and difficult to penetrate. I met my Finnish bf in a coffee shop and after 3 dates it turned into a relationship, very direct and no beating around the bush whatsoever. When I asked him why he doesn’t ask me questions about my life or how I feel, he told me whenever he asks me how my day was that should cover everything 😂

[@Shinyellowaffle]

Omg the bus skit killed me! As a Canadian is Estonia who rides the bus often, I always communicate with others and they just stare at me! HAHAHA

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@thkonstantofbeing1887]

In Siberia (I live in West part of the region) we call slippy ice "гололёд". Literally it means 'bare ice'. We also hate that weather (starts in November and may end at least in March, probably lasts till April or May), but living in here you quickly get used to it. People use bare-ice as a natural ice-run nad have fun all winter long (mostly kids).

[@ModrnDayMonk]

Really enjoyed your video❤😅😂😊

[@AleksiHimself]

Thank you so much 😁

[@doncaro8916]

I have lived in Finland for few years and left the country over 10 years ago. My personal experience was both good and bad. I have lived and visited different places.I spent the first year studying the language. It is one of the hardest language. Good things People are very polite and respectiful. Peaceful country Highly educated society Low crime and corruption rate Natural beauty Cleanses negatve things(personal) Harsh winter climate Very closed society Difficulty of finding job With all its shortcomings, I love Finland very much. I have a lot of good and bad memories that will stay with me forever. Hoping to visit all the places I had lived. ❤

[@unyielding37]

i went to a bar in Spain that is common for finnish people, had a great time whit them, and actually motivated me to learm much more about their culture, even i promised them i'll visit finland for sure haha

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😃🙌

[@jorgepiresjunior]

Fins are very communicative when abroad. Completely different when in their own environment, hehe

[@caribcarib4337]

their culture is koskenkorva - vodka

[@kundanpandey1321]

i did my masters in finland ...and its really true.... its a hell for foreign students..it was a miserable experience from day one....by the u r hilarious and cudos to ur acting skills

[@deusvult1268]

What were the things you didn't like?

[@MoshiurRahmanGFX]

I always enjoy your videos. It's fun, full of information, and helpful. Thank you, brother Aleksi. keep up your good work. (one of your fans from Bangladesh)

[@AleksiHimself]

Glad you like them!

[@olegzuev1397]

You are very nice, and making a quality content! Im a pipeline welder, and always dreaming about working in Finland. Now i working on Serbia and sometimes in Germany, but Finland is my heart. Im understand and feel finnish people, they character, because im always been very shy pearson. Good luck to you!

[@purpledream1045]

Pretty much like a Canada, hard to make friends , challenging to learn language and find a job , weather is cold, tax rate is high and so on, so many people want to leave Canada but what country is ideal? 😅

[@openbob6656]

i have to give you kudos for being honest and addressing the points of difficulty to make friends which is a huge one for most people, and connected to that is dating is not good so there are a lot of lonely single people which is kinda sad but Finish people are somehow managing through and i admire them for that, because i feel i would be a really depressed person if i lived there because i am more of an introvert myself.

[@AleksiHimself]

You will find friends if you take action and talk to people.

[@Atomisti]

Making friends is pretty hard in all North-European countries. Or so I have been told. But, yeah, probably it's particularly hard in Finland, because we don't have neighborhood restaurants, bars or pubs the way they have in Germany, France, Britain and so forth.

[@virginiamoss7045]

How do you know the single people are sad? Just because you would feel sad does not mean that they would. Maybe they are happier that way; life is a whole lot simpler. Around the world, now that women are being liberated, educated and empowered, they are no longer interested in getting married or even having children which used to mean being supported so they can live; otherwise they would have a miserable life until they starved to death for lack of support not to mention being shunned. Many women are choosing to support themselves now, no need for a man. They even have children if they want one or two and can afford them. If not, they don't; it's their choice now.

[@micheladerry5681]

@@virginiamoss7045 expecially in North Europe, women are more indipendent, thats why there are more single persons up there, with no problems at all. Somewhere else they think theyve problems, but its not true, They simply dont need a companion

[@moimoi8457]

As a finnish person, it’s good to finally people saying negative things about Finland The difficulty of making new friends and awkward communication is just big no for me. Winter is long, gray, ugly and cold so it gets really depressing

[@AleksiHimself]

Thanks! Just trying to bring up both sides of the coin. :)

[@TR4R]

For some strange reason it makes me think about Chet Baker song "But not for me" 🎶🎵🎷

[@Anniegraphic18]

On the subject of making friends, I have experienced some of the situations you mentioned but I noticed that if you have a dog, Fins will talk to you 😌

[@AleksiHimself]

As a dog owner I agree :D

[@holoholopainen1627]

Finns - People Are after All These years called FINNS ! Even Swedes Could Have FINS !

[@vasilikitsakiridou7370]

I don't know if it's a Finnish thing, but I love the tone of your voice! It's very soothing!

[@rainreigns]

I'm moving to Finland next year, from the Philippines. Wish me luck! I'm still scared but thank you so much for this!

[@AleksiHimself]

WTF: Welcome to Finland!