When you think about visiting Finland, it’s a common practice to do some background search on the nature of the habitants of this peculiar country, the Finns. As your background search may have showed, Finns are often considered silent and introvert creatures, making their living in the shades of the never-ending forests and lakes.
Of course, our reputation is somewhat exaggerated. As a born and raised Finn, I am telling you we actually secretly like to keep this shady image of our people, and most of us are far different from the stereotypes.
As a born and raised Finn, I am telling you we actually secretly like to keep this shady image of our people, and most of us are far different from the stereotypes.
I dare say you will be warmly surprised once getting to know the Finns. The struggle here is that the first impression can resemble an ice cube, if you’re not prepared.
First, when you want to meet Finns, it’s a matter of approach. Most likely the worst “don’t” would be to start to small talk randomly, as most of the Finns don’t feel comfortable small talking, and the follow-up for a small talk conversation is very difficult to build.
It’s great to be proactive in starting conversations and I’m not saying you should not try to shake the Finns a bit, but be prepared to face multiple responses to your small talk attempts – especially in a bus or bus stop that could be a bit weird of a small talk place for our local culture.
Instead, for reaching out to the Finnish community, I warmly recommend the university extra-curricular activities. There is no better way to get to interact with the local students than taking advantage of the amazing variety of university clubs to join, as they perfectly bring together people interested in similar things regardless of their nationality.
The clubs are very welcoming towards international students and they tend to provide all communication in English, too, ranging from robotics and radios to floorball and manga comics all the way to international clubs.
Personally, I believe that not only attending the clubs’ events, but also getting involved in organizing them is the most efficient way to meet up with Finns and get to talk to them. The trick here is that you actually have a proper purpose for discussions instead of trying to make meaningless small talk.
I believe that not only attending the clubs’ events, but also getting involved in organizing them is the most efficient way to meet up with Finns and get to talk to them.
So, even the lowest effort in organizing events makes your ice-breaking much easier and helps you discover some great friendships! Take a first step by joining the activities – and organizing them, if you feel like it – and see for yourself!
To make the start even easier, once you start your studies at our beloved campuses, you will get at least one tutor to help you out. That will already be your first contact with the Finns.
The tutors will help you in your adventurous journey with us at Tampere University. There are loads of people very interested to get to know you and your culture, and as a big plus, the language is definitely not a barrier here.
So all this being said, you may drop your concerns about the coldness of the Finns. On the contrary to common beliefs, you will find us very warm, honest and caring for our friends. We are looking forward to welcoming you into your Finnish adventure with us!
– Jenni
Interested in studying in Tampere? Have a look at our international degree programmes and apply 4 December 2019 – 15 January 2020!
