AbroadBro Score: 7.5/10
The Good: Finland is known for its high-quality education system, with consistently high rankings in international education comparisons. The country is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including forests, lakes, and northern lights. Finns are generally considered to be friendly and welcoming towards international students. Finland has a strong welfare state, with a comprehensive social security system that provides for its citizens’ basic needs.
The Bad: Finland can be quite expensive for international students, particularly in terms of housing and living expenses. The country has long, dark winters and can be quite cold, which may be challenging for some students to adjust to. The Finnish language can be difficult for non-native speakers to learn, and it may be challenging to communicate with locals if you do not speak the language. Finland has a relatively small job market, which may make it difficult for international students to find work after graduation.
The Ugly: The Finnish weather is notoriously cold. People are also very cold and lonely at best. The Finnish language is considered one of the hardest if not the hardest language in the world.
Education Quality: Finland’s education system is consistently ranked among the best in the world, with a strong emphasis on equal opportunities and free education for all students. The country has a high literacy rate and a well-educated population, which contributes to its reputation for quality education. Teachers in Finland are highly trained and respected professionals and the curriculum is designed to be challenging and stimulating for students.
Tuition Fees: Tuition fees for international students in Finland are relatively low compared to other European countries. However, the cost of living in Finland can be high, particularly for housing and food. Many international students in Finland receive financial assistance from their home countries or from Finnish organizations to help cover their expenses.
Educational Reputation: Finland is known for its high-quality education system, with a strong emphasis on equal opportunities and free education for all students. The country’s universities and polytechnics are well-respected internationally and are known for their high standards of research and teaching. Many international students choose to study in Finland because of its reputation for quality education and the opportunities it provides for professional development.
Student Visa Regime: Finland has a relatively straightforward student visa process for international students. To apply for a student visa, international students will need to provide proof of acceptance to a Finnish institution of higher education, proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses, and proof of health insurance. The process can take several weeks to complete, so students are advised to apply well in advance of their intended start date.
Student Visa Extension: International students in Finland can apply to extend their student visa if they need to stay in the country longer than their initial visa allows. To apply for an extension, students will need to provide proof of ongoing enrollment and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses. The process can take several weeks to complete, so students are advised to apply well in advance of their visa expiry date.
Student Immigration at the Airport: Finland’s immigration process at the airport is relatively straightforward for international students. Students will need to present their passport, student visa, and proof of acceptance to a Finnish institution of higher education. Students may also be required to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses and proof of health insurance.
Attitude Towards Students: Finns are generally considered to be friendly and welcoming towards international students. The country has a strong tradition of education and values the contributions of international students to its universities and society. However, some Finns may be reserved in their communication style and may take some time to warm up to new people.
Post-study Job Opportunities: Finland offers a variety of job opportunities for international students after graduation. Many international students find employment in the technology, engineering, and consulting fields, as well as in the public sector. However, the job market in Finland is highly competitive, and it may take some time for international students to secure a job.
Post-Study Citizenship for International Students: International students in Finland have the opportunity to apply for Finnish citizenship after living in the country for a certain period of time. This typically requires passing a Finnish language test and passing a civic test. However, the process can be difficult and time-consuming.
Income/Expensive Ratio: Finland is known to be an expensive country to live in. The cost of living is relatively high, and international students will need to budget accordingly. However, salaries in Finland are also relatively high, so the income-to-expense ratio is generally considered to be favorable.
Job Market: The job market in Finland is highly competitive. However, many international students are able to secure employment after graduation, particularly in the technology, engineering, and consulting fields. A public sector is also a popular option for international students looking for employment.
Minimum Wages and average salary: The minimum wage in Finland is €14.10 per hour for those aged 18-21, and €14.90 per hour for those aged 22+. The average salary in Finland is around €3,500 per month.
Local Language Difficulty: Finnish is a difficult language to learn, and it can be challenging for international students to become proficient in it. However, many Finns speak English, so it is possible for international students to get by without learning Finnish.
English Language Adaptation: Most Finns speak English, so it is relatively easy for international students to adapt to the language in Finland. However, it is always helpful for international students to learn some basic Finnish, as it can make it easier to navigate daily life in Finland.
Racism: Racism does exist in Finland, as in any country. However, Finland is generally considered to be a very tolerant and multicultural society, and international students are generally able to live and study in Finland without experiencing significant discrimination.
Natives Profile: Finns are known for being reserved and private people, but they are also friendly and welcoming towards foreigners. They are proud of their country and culture, and they value honesty, punctuality, and respect for nature.
Culture: Finnish culture is heavily influenced by the country’s long history, as well as its geography and climate. Finns are known for their love of nature, and there are many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in Finland. Finnish culture is also known for its strong emphasis on education and technology.
Food: Finnish cuisine is known for its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and its simplicity. Fish, potatoes and meat are common ingredients in Finnish dishes, as well as berries and mushrooms. Saunas, coffee and beer are also an essential part of Finnish culture.
Weather: Finland has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The weather can be quite unpredictable, so it is important for international students to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
Housing: Housing in Finland can be expensive, and it can be difficult for international students to find affordable accommodation. Many international students opt to live in student housing or shared apartments to save money.
Health/Medical: Finland has a high-quality healthcare system that is available to all residents, including international students. The healthcare system is funded by taxes and is free at the point of service. International students will need to register with the Finnish Social Insurance Institution (Kela) to receive a personal health care card, which will allow them to access medical services. In addition, most universities in Finland offer student health services, which are available to international students at a low cost. These services usually include basic medical care, as well as mental health support.
Public Transportation: Finland has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and trams. The system is efficient and reliable, making it easy for international students to get around the country. Many cities in Finland also have bike-sharing programs and affordable taxi services. Additionally, the transportation system is integrated, so it is easy to transfer between different modes of transportation. Prices for public transportation are reasonable and students can get discounts on transportation with their student cards.
Police: Finland has a low crime rate, and the police are generally considered to be friendly and helpful. They are always ready to assist international students and the general public in case of emergency. The police in Finland are known for their professionalism and integrity, and they are usually easy to approach. They enforce the law in a fair and impartial manner, and they are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone. International students should not hesitate to reach out to the police if they feel unsafe or need assistance.