Benjamin exchanged the Netherlands for Finland and shares his story with EURES.

What Was your Reason for Moving to Finland?

I had first been on vacation there several times, and each time my love for the country grew stronger. I really love nature and tranquility. The weather reminds me a lot of Afghanistan, where I lived before the Netherlands, where winter is really cold and summer is pleasantly warm, but not too hot.

How Did You Prepare Yourself for this Step?

I always tell people who want to move to another country not to do it the way I did. I had zero preparation and took the step to emigrate like a headless chicken.

How Can Someone Prepare Well? What Things Would You Advise to Do or Research Beforehand?

Thoroughly research where you would like to live, where the best opportunities are, and where the best job prospects are. Take a Finnish language course before departure to at least have basic knowledge of the language, which definitely makes the transition easier. Really understand that Finland has long, cold winters, and that winter days can be very short. Especially if you go further north.

Do You Speak Finnish Well by Now?

Yes, I now speak Finnish very well.

I took a short course in the Finnish language and learned the rest on the job. By talking and using the Finnish language daily.

What Exactly Do You Do in Finland?

I work at an adult education institution as a study advisor. I am also responsible for international students. I was lucky because the school where I now work approached me for this job. A while before that, I was a student here and helped many students with various matters, which is how the initial contact was made.

What Challenges Do the People You Work with Face when They First Arrive in Finland?

Learning the Finnish language and not being familiar with their rights. Such as which agencies they can ask for help, because there are definitely opportunities for newcomers to get assistance.

How Did You Integrate into Finnish Society?

By not being afraid to make mistakes. Finnish is not my mother tongue and I will never be able to speak it 100%, but I do my best to do it as well as possible. Just speak Finnish and show that you are interested in the country, the people, and their culture – that helps!

In What Way Does Living and Working in Finland Match What You Expected Beforehand?

As I said earlier, I moved to Finland without preparation, so I didn’t really have any expectations.

What Makes Finland Attractive to You?

Safety, tranquility, and nature.

What Tips Do You Have for People who are Considering Moving to another Country?

Again, prepare well, get familiar with the language of the country you want to go to, try to connect with people who live there and learn from their experience.

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💡 EURES Netherlands helps you find a job in other EU countries. Would you like to talk to us about your opportunities in Finland or elsewhere in Europe, just like Benjamin did? Contact us! You can send an email to: werken.ineuropa@uwv.nl