Blog part 1 - Life in Finland: What it's like to become a resident of Scandinavia
Hello! My name is Galyna, and I’ve been living in Finland for three years now. I am currently studying for a new profession at the South Karelia Sampo College. My specialty is "Matkailualan perustutkinto" (tourism). In this blog, I want to share what it’s like to be a girl in Finland, what my days are like, and what I’ve learned during my time living in this northern country.
The first thing that immediately stands out is the weather. It’s cold and dark here in winter, but I’ve already gotten used to the long nights and snowy streets. Finland is incredibly beautiful in the winter: white snow, frosty mornings and evenings, fresh air. I often walk outside, enjoying the silence and the beauty of nature. The forests and lakes in Finland are just stunning. In contrast, summers are warm, and the nights are almost never dark — the sun sets very late.
Life in Finland is different from many other countries, especially when it comes to culture. Finns really value personal space. It’s common to keep quiet on public transport and not talk to strangers without a reason. This may seem strange, but I’ve gotten used to it and learned to respect these traditions. Finns may seem reserved, but once you get to know them, they become real and loyal friends. Another important Finnish tradition is the love of sauna. Many Finns go to the sauna several times a week, and I’ve also come to love this practice. After a sauna, I feel completely refreshed!
Favourite activites
One of my favourite activities is traveling around Finland. There are so many beautiful places here! I often visit Helsinki, a city that combines ancient architecture with modern technology. But Southern Karelia, especially Imatra, Lappeenranta, and Savonlinna, is not just about nature, but also about culture. There are many historical sites here, old churches, and beautiful castles. In these places, you can feel a connection to the past, and every corner is full of history.
I also love spending time in Lapland. There, I worked as a guide for tourists from Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, and Moldova. Winter is a real adventure: reindeer safaris, husky sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobile rides. And the northern lights — that’s something unforgettable!
Life in Finland is not as hectic as in other countries. Things move at their own pace, and I really like that. Finland is one of the cleanest countries, and I’ve never seen any trash on the streets. Cities often have special containers for recycling. Finns may seem closed off, but if you show respect, they’ll open up and be very kind.
Internship in Saimaa Geopark
I’m studying at a college, and this is probably one of the most interesting and useful experiences of my life. The teaching style here is a bit different — they focus a lot on practical skills rather than just theory. As part of my studies, I have a workspace internship. I’m lucky because I’ve been accepted for an internship at SAIMAA GEOPARK ry. My supervisor, Mikko Ikävalko, went over the work plan with me, showed me where I’ll be working, and explained where all the necessary resources are — like office equipment, restrooms, materials and resources for work and other important things.
Mikko explained the tasks and goals I’m expected to accomplish, what is expected of me, and the specific assignments I will be working on. He also explained the work rules, safety procedures, and provided me with special work clothes.
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope you found it interesting to learn about my life in Finland. If you have any questions, feel free to ask — I’d be happy to answer!