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My Experiences of Finnishness

Thoughts on Finnishness by TAMK Students

Finnishness

Being Finnish, what does it mean? What it means to be part of ever-so-small nation that resides at the north of the world?

My Experiences of Finnishness

I was born in Tallinn, Estonia, and moved to a small town in Finland when I was five years old. Because of this, Finnishness is something I grew into slowly, often without noticing. At the same time, my Eastern European background has always given me a slightly different angle on Finnish culture.

Finnishness as an International student

Coming from a country where sunrise and sunset follow almost the same rhythm throughout the year, Finland’s dramatic contrast between day and night was shocking at first but also exceptional. The extremes force you to slow down, to notice time, and to adapt.

Finnishness

The concept of finnishness is not only about nationality, language or traditions, but about behaviour and values and the way people relate to each other...

Finnishness

Finnishness - Summer, cottage & sauna

Finland, My Home

I’ve lived abroad and seen the world, but no place feels like home quite like Finland.

Finnishness

This is a blog about my wonderful thoughts about what's it like being a finn.

Finding Comfort in Finland’s Quiet Culture

Moving to Finland as an international student two and a half years back, I expected to notice the cold weather and dark winters. Instead, the biggest change I felt was something I had quietly needed for a long time: silence and personal space. I come from a culture where life is always loud. People talk over each other, public places are full of noise, and personal space is small. Community is strong, and being close to others is a sign of warmth and connection. I value that part of my background, but as an introverted person, I often felt overwhelmed. It was hard to find time to breathe, think, or be alone without seeming distant. Living in Finland has been very different. Here, silence is not awkward it’s natural. On buses, in classrooms, and even among friends, people are comfortable with quiet moments. No one feels pressure to fill every pause with small talk. At first, this felt unusual. Now, it feels peaceful. Personal space is also deeply respected. Standing a little farther apart and speaking more softly feels like a form of everyday kindness. Finnish culture hasn’t made me reject where I come from instead, it has helped me understand myself better and feel that my need for quiet is something to respect, not fix.