Mai Tran
Coming from Vietnam, a country with very different values and culture from Finland, my experience here has felt both eye-opening and interesting. Everyday life in Finland has introduced me to many small surprises, and each one has helped me understand the culture a little better.
Discovering secondhand culture
One of the first things that surprised me in Finland was how common secondhand culture is. In Vietnam, secondhand stores exist, but people may associate them with low-quality items or not being able to afford something new. Therefore, secondhand shopping felt a little awkward for me at first because I had never done it before. I wondered, “Is it normal to buy used clothes? Are people embarrassed about it?” But soon I realized that this culture is practical, sustainable, and even stylish.
This changed the way I think about consumption, as one person’s trash can truly become another person’s treasure. Buying secondhand not only helps save money, but it is also a way to reduce waste and make more thoughtful choices. This experience showed me how sustainability can be embedded in everyday life, not just as a big idea discussed in class.
Learning about personal space on public transport
Respecting personal space is another lesson I learned after living in Finland. In my country, being physically close to other people in public spaces is completely normal because buses and streets are usually crowded. In Finland, however, personal space feels like an invisible rule.
On public transport, people usually leave empty seats between each other if possible. At bus or tram stops, people often stand far apart, and silence is completely normal. Sometimes I felt confused because I did not know where to sit or how much distance was considered appropriate.
Over time, I began to appreciate this silence and distance. It does not necessarily mean that people are cold or unwilling to connect, but rather that they respect each other’s space and privacy. This taught me that personal space is also a form of politeness, and that respecting others sometimes means knowing when to give them space.
Seeing babies sleeping outside
One of the biggest surprises for me was seeing parents leave their babies outside in strollers. The first time I saw it, I was shocked. So many questions popped into my head: “Why is the baby outside alone? Is the baby okay? Where are the parents?”
In Vietnam, many parents worry about safety, pollution, or their child getting sick, so leaving babies outside would be considered a serious problem.
Later, I learned that this is quite normal in Finland and other Nordic countries. Many parents believe that fresh air is good for babies, and society is generally safe enough for this practice to feel acceptable. This observation taught me a lot about trust by showing how everyday habits are connected to wider social conditions like safety, public trust, and confidence in the environment.
A different relationship with teachers
Another thing I noticed in Finland is the close relationship between students and teachers. In my experience, teachers in Vietnam are usually respected in a formal way. Students may be careful about how they speak to teachers, and the distance between teacher and student can feel very clear.
That is why I was surprised by how friendly and approachable the teachers are in Finland. We can call teachers by their first names, ask questions freely, and openly share our opinions. In my program, we even have sauna events and casual hangouts with teachers.
During the first few weeks, I was unsure how to interact with them because I was still used to the communication style in my home country. This way of interaction felt almost too casual at first. But slowly, I began to appreciate this student-teacher connection.
When students and teachers can communicate openly, it becomes easier to understand each other. For students, asking questions and sharing ideas feels less intimidating. For teachers, it helps them better understand students’ thoughts, difficulties, and perspectives. In this way, the learning process becomes more comfortable and effective for everyone.
Anas Uddin
Coming from Bangladesh, I thought adapting to Finland would mostly mean getting used to the cold weather. I was very wrong. The real challenge was learning all the unwritten social rules that nobody explains to you.
First Finnish supermarket visit
My first Finnish supermarket visit felt like a survival game. I stood in front of the milk section for almost ten minutes because there were too many options that all looked identical. Then came the self-checkout machine. I panicked so much while scanning bananas that I accidentally selected the wrong product and had to call for help. The machine spoke Finnish. I stared at it. It stared back at me. Neither of us understood the other.
Then came sauna culture
The first time I was invited to a sauna, I honestly had no idea what the correct behaviour was. How long do you stay inside? Are you supposed to talk? Why does everyone look so calm while the room feels like the inside of a volcano? I tried to act experienced while secretly counting the seconds until I could escape for fresh air. But after a few visits, I started to understand why Finns love it so much. Sauna is not really about surviving the heat. It is about slowing down, relaxing, and sharing quiet moments together.
Another culture shock was the silence
In Bangladesh, silence in public usually feels awkward. If two people are sitting together, someone will eventually start a conversation. In Finland, silence can last for an entire bus ride, and nobody feels uncomfortable about it. At first, I kept wondering if people were upset or simply did not like me. Later, I realized silence here is peaceful rather than hostile. People respect each other’s space, and conversation does not need to fill every moment.
One thing that helped me connect with Finnish culture was coffee. Finns take coffee very seriously. Coffee breaks are not just about drinking caffeine. They are small social moments. Some of my first real conversations in Finland happened over coffee and pulla after class.
Looking back now, many of my funniest memories started with confusion and awkwardness. But those moments also taught me how to adapt, observe, and appreciate a culture different from my own. Living in Finland has shown me that feeling awkward is not a sign of failure. Sometimes it is simply proof that you are learning.
About the Authors
Hi, my name is Mai, and I’m a second-year student of the Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) program at Tampere University. Studying in Finland has been one of the greatest experiences for me, and I have learned a lot about peacefulness, patience, and appreciating the simple joys in this happy country. In my free time, I love playing piano, spending time with friends, or chilling at the lake.
Moi! I’m Anas Uddin, a Student Ambassador at Tampere University, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Data Science. Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, I previously worked as a software engineer. I’m passionate about technology, design, health & fitness, personal style, and continuous personal growth. Outside of studies, I love exploring nature and new places, spending time with friends, and meeting new people.