Why come to Finland?

We asked students why they would recommend Finland as the destination for their exchange and this is what they answered:

"Finland is a beautiful country. There are a lot of trees and lakes. You have the chance to discover new activities like ice fishing, ice skating and skiing near your place during the winter. In school, you have the opportunity to learn a lot of languages such as English, Finnish, Swedish, Spanish, French, German and Italian. Finnish people are shy in the beginning, but very friendly and open after a while. They are honest and independent, and really mean what they say. Finland is a very interesting country to discover!"

- Virginie from Belgium

"Learn to be on yourown and not with friends every time and everywhere. Learn to like the silence and not having sound, people and stress all the time around you. See really beautiful nature. Learn to not judge people for their clothing. Learn a very interesting language. Find yourself without the influence of your surroundings and friends. Experience wonderful things like sauna, a lot of snow in the winter and the bright summer. Get to know a great organized school system and learn to like studying."

- Freya from Germany

"Although Finland is a European country, it offers a totally different culture than you’d expect. Most people from Central Europe don’t know much about this country up north, maybe they have heard of ski jumpers or Formula One drivers, but this country is worth visiting. By spending a year there, you experience the way of life in a Scandinavian country, which can be in the international capital, Helsinki, or in a small town somewhere between forests and lakes. Since people are mostly not used to foreigners, they seem extremely shy and their culture of silence may seem really strange at first, but after getting to know the, they’re so welcoming, warm and helpful people. They’re still fascinated by foreigners speaking Finnish and so delightful to hear that people are interested in their traditions. You can experience summers full of light with celebrations all over the country and snowy and cold winters, where Santa Claus comes and you sometimes have the feeling that time stands still. After some time, you realize how much you enjoy the space, the beautiful landscape and even speaking the extraordinary language. Then you have arrived in the country of Christmas, lakes, sauna and silence."

- Karoline from Germany

"A great country with funny little things which can make your day. Beautiful nature, crowded cities, but also silence in the middle of nowhere. Sauna, winter, Christmas, everybody has a reflector, a good bus system, nice people, good English skills and always want to help. Finns might be shy in the beginning but when you know them you are in their heart. They may not hug you and kiss you every minute, but they make you feel appreciated and welcome with just a simple word or gesture. No nonsense, they say what they mean. A great country with a lot to discover, so take the jump and start your own adventure in lovely Finland."

- Anneli from the Netherlands

"I’m so happy. I only read books and watched TV programs about Finland before I came here. It’s important to talk to somebody, feel Finnish. We Japanese people don’s meet and talk to foreign people so much. So I think it’s nice to visit foreign countries. Japanese and Finnish people have the same character, shyness, and Japanese people like Finnish culture; Marimekko, sauna, lifestyle, Iittala, Muumi. It’s nice to know that Japanese people come to Finland. I love Finland!"

- Risa from Japan