My name is Huy and I come from Vietnam. I study International Business Management at TAMK in Finland. When I first arrived here, I did not really know what “Finnishness” meant. Now, after living and studying in Finland, I have built my own understanding. For me, Finnishness is closely connected to silence, personal space, nature and the changing seasons.
I write this blog as part of my intercultural course, but also as a reflection on how Finland has changed the way I think, feel and behave in an international environment.
Silence and Personal Space – Not Cold, Just Comfortable
One of the first things I noticed in Finland was the silence.
On the bus, in the lift, even in the cafeteria, people are often quiet. At the beginning, I felt a bit strange. In Vietnam, there is always noise: traffic, people talking, music, street sellers… Silence almost means something is wrong.
In Finland I learned that silence does not mean people are cold or unfriendly. It is simply a comfortable silence. People respect personal space and do not want to disturb others. I realised that I actually like this. I also enjoy having my own quiet time to think, read or just be with myself.
Now, when I go to a crowded or noisy place, I sometimes miss the Finnish bus where everyone is just sitting in silence and minding their own business. This has changed my own behaviour: I have become more patient, calm and less afraid of silence.
Nature and Seasons – Sunny, Rainy and Snowy Days
Finnishness for me is also strongly connected to nature and seasons.
I love how close nature is in Finland: lakes, forests and parks are never far away. The air feels fresh and clean. I enjoy simply walking among trees or next to the lake, even if I do not do anything “special” there. Just being in nature makes me feel relaxed and grounded.
The seasons are another big part of Finnishness. I have experienced:
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Sunny days that feel almost magical after a long dark period
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Rainy days that create a peaceful atmosphere, especially when you are indoors with a cup of coffee or tea
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Snowy days when everything becomes white and quiet, as if the world is covered with a soft blanket
Each type of weather has its own beauty. The long, dark winter is challenging, but it has taught me to appreciate light much more. When spring and summer arrive, I understand why Finns are so happy and active: they go outside, have picnics, sit on terraces and enjoy every ray of sunshine.
These experiences helped me understand how environment and climate influence culture and behaviour. In Vietnam, where it is hot and busy, life is fast and social. In Finland, the cold and darkness encourage people to stay inside, be quiet and focus on their inner world.
Studying and Growing Between Cultures
Studying in Finland has also changed how I see learning and working.
Teachers are approachable and you can call them by their first names. There is less hierarchy than in many Asian cultures. Students are expected to work independently, take responsibility for their studies and participate actively in group work. Sometimes this was challenging for me, because I came from a more teacher-centred system. But step by step, I started to enjoy the freedom and trust.
I feel that Finnishness in education means:
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Trusting students
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Encouraging self-direction
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Respecting different opinions
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Keeping communication clear and honest
This has helped me grow as a future professional. I feel more prepared to work in international teams, where people have different expectations and communication styles.
What I Learned About Myself and My Future
Living in Finland has not only taught me about Finnish culture, but also about myself.
I discovered that I truly enjoy:
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Silence and personal space
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Time in nature
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The rhythm of different seasons
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A calm, honest, and low-drama communication style
These are now part of how I define Finnishness. At the same time, I still carry my Vietnamese background: warm social connections, family closeness, and a more expressive way of showing emotions. Combining these two sides makes me more flexible and more aware of cultural differences.
This intercultural experience will help me when I go abroad again (for example to Germany) and in my future career in international business. I feel more confident that I can adapt to new environments, understand different communication styles and respect other people’s “normal”.
For me, Finnishness is not just about a nationality. It is about a way of living: quietly strong, close to nature, respecting others’ space, and finding beauty in sunny, rainy and snowy days.
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