As an international student from Vietnam, my journey in Finland has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, and through all the ups and downs of it, I realized my connection with nature
has changed in a good way and on a deeper level. Growing up in a beautiful beach city in Vietnam, I have always been surrounded by nature. However, it wasn’t until I arrived in Finland that I truly understood the healing power of nature and got to appreciate it. Finland, often known as “the country of a thousand lakes,” lives up to its reputation. From Tampere to Helsinki, Lapland to Turku, every city I’ve explored is built in and based on nature, and maybe that’s the reason why the life and culture of Finnish people are tied tightly with Mother Nature, with all the breathtaking lakes and serene forests.
In my opinion, the relationship between Finns and their natural surroundings is what’s been shaping their characteristics for decades—peaceful, calm, but filled with warmth. Much like the tranquil presence of a lake, Finnish people hold a sense of peace and hospitality that can spread to those around them. One memorable event that stands out from my early days as a student is when I was struggling to adapt to my new life in Finland, and a Finnish friend took me on a walk in a nearby forest. It was winter and late at night, so the whole forest was so quiet and there were only a few streaks of streetlight piercing through the dark. No one said anything, so we just walked and walked, listening to the sound of the wind colliding with damp wood and snow-dusted pine needles. We stopped in front of an evergreen tree by the lakeside with no leaves on it, and out of nowhere, I just had an urge to hug it. So I hugged it. As I leaned onto its sturdy embrace, a wave of comfort and calmness ran all over me, easing the stresses and burdens of my mind and relaxing every fiber of my being.
That experience marked the beginning of my deep appreciation for Finland’s nature and its healing embrace. Since then, I’ve even made it a priority to seek accommodation that’s near a lake or a forest, as even a glimpse of their beauty can soothe my soul. Finland has become a safe place for me, and being here, surrounded by its rich natural landscapes, makes me feel better when I’m stressed with student life and gives me more courage for my future plans. Looking back, I’m thankful for all the things I’ve learned and received while enjoying Finland’s beautiful scenery. I really hope that everyone who has visited or will visit Finland will also feel and experience this warm-hearted feeling from this magical land.
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