Project Information
- Author Aarav Chatterjee
- Categories Cultural Experiences in Finland
- Date 14 February 2023
As an Indian immigrant to Finland, I’ve had the unique opportunity to explore Finnish culture through my own eyes. From the saunas to the snow, there’s so much that makes Finland a great place to live. Here, I’ll share my experiences as an Indian immigrant and how I’ve had to adjust to the Finnish way of life.
The Language Barrier
The language barrier has been one of the greatest challenges I’ve faced as an Indian living in Finland. While I can understand some written Finnish, speaking it is a whole different story. I’ve had to rely heavily on my English-speaking friends to help me communicate with locals, but luckily many Finns are very friendly and willing to help.
The Cold Weather
Coming from a tropical climate in India, the cold weather in Finland has been the biggest adjustment for me. I’ve had to learn to dress warmly and layer up whenever I go outside, and I’m still trying to get used to the snow. Despite the cold, I’ve found that Finns love to take advantage of the winter months and enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities.
The Sauna Culture
The sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture, and I’ve found it to be a great way to relax and socialize with locals. I’ve also been surprised to learn that the sauna is a great way to combat the cold weather. It’s a great way to warm up, even when it’s freezing outside!
Conclusion
Overall, my experiences as an Indian immigrant in Finland have been positive. I’ve had to adjust to a new culture and climate, but I’ve found that Finns are welcoming and that there’s a lot to explore in the country. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey in Finland and experiencing all that this beautiful country has to offer.
As an Indian immigrant to Finland, I've found the adjustment process to be both challenging and stimulating. Finland is a beautiful country, with a rich culture and an abundance of natural beauty. However, coming from India, I was faced with a unique set of challenges when it came to adapting to the Finnish way of life.
The biggest challenge I faced was the language barrier. I had to learn Finnish from scratch, and although I was able to pick up the basics relatively quickly, it took a lot of dedication and hard work to become comfortable communicating in the language. Thankfully, I was able to find resources that helped me learn Finnish, such as language courses and language exchange programs.
Another challenge was adjusting to the colder climate. Coming from a tropical country, I was not used to the cold temperatures of Finland. This meant I had to invest in a good winter wardrobe, and learn to bundle up when going outside. I also had to learn how to manage my time better, as the days were shorter in Finland compared to India.
Finally, I had to learn to adjust to the different cultural norms. In India, there is a strong emphasis on family and community, and I had to learn to cope with being away from my family and friends. Thankfully, I was able to find a supportive community of other Indian immigrants in Finland, and that helped make the transition a lot easier.
All in all, adjusting to life in Finland as an Indian immigrant was no easy feat. However, it was also a rewarding experience, as I was able to learn about a new culture, and make some amazing friends in the process.
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