Adjusting to Life in Finland: Culture Shock and Culinary Adventures

In my home country, life moved at a different pace, and many habits had to change after my move. I quickly learned that Finnish society operates on respect for personal boundaries and emphasizes a calm, collected routine. 

A Quiet Life and Respect for Personal Space

One striking change is the respect for personal space here. In my home country, casual visits were common, and people often entered each other’s offices or homes without an appointment. In Finland, I quickly learned that you must email or set a meeting before visiting someone. This rule extends to academic life as well. Instead of walking into a teacher’s office, you email first, and then plan a suitable time to discuss your questions.

I have embraced this system as it suits me perfectly—I work well on my own, and I enjoy the quiet moments that come from having clear boundaries. The quiet life here allows me to concentrate better on my studies and personal projects. Meeting new people is still possible, but interactions happen at a pace that suits everyone.

New Tastes

The food in Finland presents another interesting change. Here, meals are nutritious and focused on meat, unlike the spicier dishes I grew up with in India. While the food is less spicy, it carries its own unique flavors that I have grown to enjoy. I appreciate that the student restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. This flexibility is a relief for those who prefer plant-based meals.

I have found that the Finnish approach to food encourages healthy eating habits. Eating in Finland means enjoying a balanced meal that satisfies hunger without overwhelming the senses. The shift in taste was a surprise to me. I expected the food to be bland compared to the vibrant spices of my homeland, but instead, I encountered meals that are simple yet flavorful.

Surprising Differences and Learning Experiences

Some aspects of Finnish life have been both shocking and refreshing. One positive surprise is the level of trust that people have in each other and in public institutions. Losing an item in a public place often means it is returned with little fuss. This is a stark contrast to the skepticism common in my home country. The trust in the system here makes everyday life feel secure and calm.

A small cultural detail that caught my attention was the informal way teachers are addressed in Finland. Students refer to professors by their first names, without the use of formal titles like ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma'am’. Although I read about this before coming here, experiencing it firsthand was an interesting change from what I was used to.

Adapting to Finnish culture has been an enriching experience. I have learned to enjoy the quiet spaces, respect the boundaries set by social rules, and appreciate a different style of cuisine. The surprises—both pleasant and challenging—have shaped my journey in Finland and helped me grow. Despite the differences from my home country, I have found comfort in the trust that binds Finnish society and in the balanced approach to daily life.