Tekijä: SAMK Matkailu

When I think of Pori, I think of summer festivals, the Kokemäenjoki River, and the sandy beaches of Yyteri. This time, I wanted to take a different approach. I wanted to learn about the history of Pori and how it has shaped its development, so I decided to explore the Pipes of Pori cultural trail.

This walk is a bit different from the usual tourist attractions. It focuses more on industrial heritage including brick factories, old smokehouses, production buildings, and riverside sites. Here you can learn about the people and innovations that have contributed to the creation of modern Pori. When I started this walk, I opened the digital guide on my phone to use as a reference while walking through Pori and its industrial past.

Rosenlew Museum

I started my walk in front of the Rosenlew Museum, a former factory building that is now a museum. Rosenlew company was founded in the 19th century and manufactured a wide range of products, from agricultural equipment to household appliances. At one time, their company employed thousands of employees.

Inside the museum, I saw a lot of large machines, none of which I would call delicate – they were very functional, large machines that create an amazing amount of power to produce goods. I could definitely see and hear the machines that make the products and the many workers who have passed through this area over the years.

The exterior of the building, with its red brick walls and very tall chimney, represents the industrious nature of the people who work or have worked in Rosenlew. I couldn’t have chosen a better place to start my walk and get an introduction to all the industries in the city.

Aittaluoto Industrial Area

After leaving the museum, I walked to the Aittaluoto industrial area. Many historical industrial areas have been preserved and feel like they are standing still in time. The Aittaluoto industrial area is completely different and very much in use today. The large streets, wide open spaces, and metal building structures reminded me that industry does not just belong to history – it is also part of the present – day Pori.

What particularly stood out to me was how close the Aittaluoto industrial area is located to the downtown area. This relationship warrants consideration as it has shaped both the economy and presented the municipality of Pori as a vibrant and dynamic urban area.

Konepaja Area

Next, I went to the Konepaja area across the river. The experience of walking through this area was much more relaxed and peaceful than the bustling atmosphere on the riverbank. The industrial architecture of the era, with its large windows and the need for natural light for all the activities taking place inside the buildings, contributed to the change in mood.

As I walked through the area, I noticed the old bricks, old doors, and old tracks. Several of these buildings had been converted from their original functions to modern uses, creating an interesting combination of new and old. I paused and imagined the sparks flying from the machinery, the sound of steel and tools being used to create things, and the rhythm of all this production taking place in that space.

Puuvillatehdas, the Cotton Mill Area

My next stop was the Old Cotton Mill. The old cotton mill, commonly known as Puuvilla, stands proudly by the river. Built in the late 19th century, this mill was a large textile mill in the city of Pori and a significant source of employment. The old mill has been transformed into a modern complex containing enterprises, services, and learning institutions. This is a great example of reusing the past and giving it a new lease of life.

The red bricks looked stunning as they reflected in the water of the river where I was standing. The place seemed quite serene, with its industrial architecture and natural surroundings.

Riverside

The walk along the Kokemäenjoki River is one of the most important and beloved parts of the Pipes of Pori trail. It is not only a beautiful part of the city. It has facilitated trade and transportation since modern roads existed. Since water was needed for industrial purposes, factories were built along the river.

Now, the riverbank seems peaceful. There are people jogging, walking their dogs and relaxing on benches. I sat on a step along the riverbank and tried to imagine what it was like in the past. Those cargo ships, factory workers crossing bridges, smoke billowing from chimneys. The river is so powerful in this path because it connects all these things. It seems like a silent observer of the transformation of Pori into a livable city.

Rosenlew Headquarters

I walked along the river and admired the beautiful surroundings and visited Rosenlew Headquarters. The former Rosenlew headquarters is a crucial part of Pori’s industrial history. Factories represent hard work and production, but the headquarters represents the idea behind it all. Industry is not just about steel, engines, and machinery.

Industry is also about planning, management, and decision making. Plans were made, investments were approved, and policies were formulated from this headquarters, which later influenced Pori’s employment and economic development for many years. I stood in front of the headquarters and thought about the people who worked there. Their decisions were not just about a business. They affected the lives of the entire city.

Junnelius Palace

Just a short distance away from the Rosenlew headquarters, I found the Junnelius Palace. I was surprised to see it. The Junnelius Palace is a totally different sight from the factory buildings. This palace was constructed in the late 19th century in the neo-renaissance style. It symbolizes the wealth that was created through trade and industry. The intricate details and beautiful face of this palace reveal a different aspect of industrial success. It was amazing to see this palace after passing by brick factories and machine shops.

Pori’s Old Power Plant

The final destination on my Pipes of Pori route is the old power plant in Pori. This is what brings the whole story together. Electricity was an essential part of modern industry. Factories could not operate at full capacity without electricity generation. The structure exudes a sense of density and functionality that borders on a monument.

Standing there at the end of the route, I felt like I had finished a story. From the machinery at the Rosenlew Museum to the textile production, from the administrative offices to the architecture magazines and finally to electricity, everything ultimately depended on energy.

Walking the Pipes of Pori route has led me to change my perception of Pori. Now, Pori is more than a riverside city that hosts festivals and has beaches. It is a city of labor, innovation, and resilience. Chimneys, brick walls, and machine halls are more than just historical structures they are symbols of the people, effort, and vision that created modern Pori.

What makes this route special is its authenticity. It does not feel like a tourist attraction specifically prepared for tourists. You walk through the spaces, streets, and rivers that define a city shaped by industry and trade. In a few words, I recommend following the Pipes
of Pori cultural route to gain an insight into what Pori truly is. They tell the story of determination and industrial strength that built this city.

Text and pictures: Heshani Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage, student of International Tourism Management

Before I moved here to study at SAMK, my head was full of stereotypes about Finland. I expected a beautiful but ”frozen” country where people never talk and the sun never shines. But there is a huge difference between reading about a culture on Google and actually falling — literally — into it.

The Grocery Store Incident

I’ll never forget one of my first days in Finland. I went to the nearby K-Market and as I was reaching the cashier, I slipped on the floor and fell hard. My bags and all my stuff went flying everywhere. I remember the loud thud of my milk pocket hitting the floor and the sound of my coins rolling everywhere. In my home country, if this happens, ten people immediately run to you, grab your arms, and start asking a hundred questions.

But in that moment in Finland, everything went silent. For a second, I felt so embarrassed. I looked up, and nobody was touching me or rushing me. The cashier just calmly asked, ”Are you okay?” and waited for my answer. I was mortified. But also, strangely, I felt safe. 

At first, I thought, ”Why is no one helping me?” But then I realized something beautiful. They weren’t being cold or indifferent; they were giving me space to get up with my own dignity. They were worried—I could see it in their eyes—but they respected my personal boundaries so much that they didn’t want to invade my space unless I really needed it. That was my first real lesson: Finnish respect isn’t about being distant; it’s about a deep, quiet kind of care.

The University Reality

I expected SAMK to be very strict and formal. It’s the opposite. Calling professors by their first names was so strange for me at first, but it makes the atmosphere so much better. The focus is on practical learning, not just memorizing books. And the coffee culture! I’ve learned that in Finland, coffee is the fuel for everything.

Surviving the Dark

People warned me: ”You won’t see the sun for months!” Yes, it gets dark around 4 PM in the winter, which was not a shock and you learn to adapt. The city of Pori looks so cozy with all the lights. You just put on a warm jacket, grab a coffee, and keep going.

My Takeaway

Finland is a place where you are allowed to be yourself. If you fall, they’ll give you the space to stand up on your own, but they are there if you truly need a hand.

To me, that’s much more valuable than any loud or fake friendliness. Finland is a place that teaches you to be independent and respectful at the same time.

Text and picture: Azadeh Shoraka, International Tourism Management student

One day before leaving from my home country…

The suitcases were waiting for being closed with a lot of goods in it, some of them were trying to get rid of that suitcase as if they did not want to leave. Every corner of the house was with full of memories as if they were crying behind me.

This messy house was the reflection of my mind, thoughts, memories, relatives, friends, habits…  On the other hand, my messy mind had another side with a bright light such as my dreams, my future, my expectations, my family, safety, values, happiness… I decided to come to this white country months ago, but I did not know that leaving from my routine make me this upset.

I pushed myself to focus on my expectations to change my mood because I was moving to the happiest country in the world. I started to think about my dreams in this happiest country. I knew that my children would be happy and grow in peace. If a child comes to Finland as a tourist but had to stay there a bit longer, then s/he has right to go to a public school easily. Even reminding this respectful attitude towards the children was enough to make me relaxed. In this country parents do not have to think much on their children’s education. The education system of the country is shaping them according to capabilities of children.

Although I tried to focus on the positive sides of my moving, I could not stop myself thinking on some challenging situations such as language barriers of my children at school. They did not know any Finnish word, and I wondered how they would communicate with their teachers or friends, what if they would not be happy about moving.

In addition, my studies at the university would directly start and I was worried about not being able to be successful at the age of forties. I knew that Finland is one of the universities that there is no limitation on age of studying so that I tried to be calm down and just go on what I want.

Being in stress free environment, reaching my goals step by step by within my pace, having new knowledge that I have never heard before, meeting new people canalized me feeling excited and increased my curiosity for the university life. With this messy mind and full of emotion and information, I managed to close all suitcases to start my path.

First Wink

Finland welcomed me with an amazing view and surprizing weather that I did not get used to in my home country. The temperature was in minus degrees, and it was snowing. When I reached Pori, the streets were full of lights after Christmas.

The city was not noisy even though it was Saturday evening. It was not surprising because I had already known that Pori is only crowded and noisy in the summer times and Finnish people care about the silence except from the ice hockey matches.

Before coming to Finland, I searched that Finnish people also care trust more than anything, but while during looking for a flat and renting it, I understand that reliance is a lifestyle here and it could not be understandable by reading from any source. I could not believe when the estate agent gave me the four keys of the houses and let me go to see the houses on my own; or I could not believe when my landlord let us to live in the house without any payment because of the bank issues.

On the following days the weather continued to surprise me. I saw the minus twenty-two degrees and walked over the frozen river for the first time in my life. Don’t worry! I was not directly on the ice; there were bridges over the river. But, for a Mediterranean person, the feeling was amazing even in the middle of the bridge over a frozen river.

One week later our arrival to the city, my children started to school. Surprisingly, there were not paper issues, waiting for the official registrations or else. They just started their school with an e-mail, and they came back from the school with a big smile on their faces.

I was anxious about the language barriers, but it was not like I though. Here everybody knows English except from some of the elderly people. My children use English to communicate with their friends, and I felt relaxed about it. Everyday, they share something interesting for them after school and the desire of going to school can be seen from their eyes. Reality about the education life for my children is beyond my expectations. 

On the other hand, I started my courses with a nice welcome at the university. The university foresaw the possible challenging situations for the international students and took precautions for them. They were well prepared with student mentors in the orientation days. They were so kind and helpful like professionals.

Meeting new people, learning new things, being occupied with something that I like made me younger and more energetic. I have a lot of friends from all over the world with different ages. I never give up pushing myself for taking one step more to the front and I think Finland is the correct place to make my dreams come true in my own pace.

Text and photos: Eda Guvenc, International Tourism Management student

I walked the Everyday Architecture (Arjen arkkitehtuuria) route in Pori. This is one of Pori city’s cultural routes, which is mainly based on architecture. This route included eight stops, each marking one of Pori’s cultural and historical architecture objects. The route is short, only 1.1 km, which starts from the city centre, exactly from the Market Hall (Kauppahalli).

First stop was Pori’s first Market Hall, which was built in December 1927 for a Christmas market sale. The first steps for its building were taken by businessman Arthur Hellman after decades without progress in building a Market Hall. The purpose of this hall was to establish new hygiene and health standards for markets and their production due to dust and other issues outside. Also, the apartment building ”Hellman’s Skyscraper” is a part of Market Hall, which was named exactly like that because it had more than five floors and the first elevator in Pori. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

Nowadays, this place is no less unique than it was in the past. The building’s facade itself is fascinating, and inside it’s even more breathtaking due to an old architectural style with columns and a high rooftop that has the shape of a half of sphere. This place is definitely must see at least once.

The next stop was pretty close, on the other side of a street – Old police station (Vanha poliisilaitos). The building was originally built as a warehouse in 1818, but from 1884 till 1961 was used as a police station. The history of the Police Department begins even earlier in 1839, with police regulations to bring characteristics of organized society into the city. The aim was to keep the city tidy and prevent domestic animal roaming in the streets. And finally, in 1961 year the police station moved to Satakunnankatu street, where it is now. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

Nowadays, this building represents the history behind the police and tidiness today. It is worth seeing how buildings were built in the early 19^th century and how they were preserved till nowadays, how much history it shares with locals and the city, as well as imagining that somewhere in the past, that is how the police stations looked. Nothing like nowadays for sure.

The third stop was a little more separated from the other stops – Appelqvist House – Saima Kindergarten (Appelqvistin talo – Lastentarhatalo Saima). In 1852, this wooden house survived the last great fire in Pori. In the 1950s, it was restored to its 1920s appearance, and was saved from demolition by the Kehittyvä puukaupunki project (2005–2007). Later in 2016, Saima Kindergarten House began operating in the building, which was a museum.

Now the house hosts various activities for children and families, as well as public events. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024). This place again shows a tendency of wooden houses at this period of time, as we already saw it in the Old Police building. However, due to renovation work, this architectural piece is preserved a lot better than the previous one. The typicality of one-story buildings also shows us the norms of building that were actual in the 19^th century. Also, the colourfulness is something that catches eyes on. It was not typical to build every building in the same colour. They were different.

The fourth stop was Heikinlinna, which was the first apartment building that was completed in 1942 in the fifth district. For a long time, it remained the only apartment building dominated by wooden houses in its district. By the 1960s and 1970s, the entire district was planned to become an apartment building area, but the plan was declined, and only the Northern part was turned into an apartment building in the fifth district. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

Now it is an apartment building with a commercial first floor. Looking at this building, I can already say that it is an old one and that renovation would have helped it, because it contains a lot of spots that I guess were somehow damaged or just from old age that needed repair and were just restored, but it’s clearly seen where it was done due to a different colour. Although it is worth seeing an old apartment building from which the building process of others in the northern part began.

The fifth stop was the ticket kiosk (Lippakioski), which was built in the early 1930s. This kiosk represents a functional style without any decorative elements, only functionality. It introduced more permanent solutions alongside mobile street shops. In Pori, there were only six places with those kiosks, in the busiest areas. This kiosk was working from 1934 to 1987. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

This kiosk is a unique place where everyone can see how they looked in the past, because nowadays there are many kiosks, but they look completely different from this one, which shows us the development of the architecture industry and the change in time and building technologies. It is worth seeing just to know what a kiosk meant in the past and for what needs it was meant to serve.

The next stop was Sibelius Park (Sibeliuspuisto), which in 1811 was the last remaining square free from buildings in the fifth district, named Aleksanterintori. Then it was used for horse trading and became known as Hevostori. Only in the 1930s the square started its planting. In honor of the 88^th birthday of composer Jean Sibelius in 1953, the park was renamed to Sibelius Park. In the 1950s, the playground was located in the park as it is today. Also, on the southern edge of the park is a transformer station building. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

The park is quite small with not really many trees, but what I think is meaningful and important is that it is located near the city center around many buildings, and contains a playground. In my opinion, it is a great place for spending time in nature if people don’t have much time to go somewhere else. It still is a green place in the city, containing as well the history of it and the previous stop – ticket kiosk. This place combines two historically and culturally meaningful spots.

The seventh stop was the Building Culture House Toivo (Rakennuskulttuuritalo Toivo), which is the Satakunta Museum managed by a renovation construction center. Its building began after the eight fire in Pori in 1811. Hedelmämehutehdas Toivo, in addition were operating on the site besides residential use, and it was named after the Lemonade company when it was completed. The Korsman house opened after renovation in 1999, which is a two-room apartment furnished for the fictional Korsman family living in the 1950s. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

It is an interesting building from the 19^th century, which nowadays serves as an illustration of how people lived in the 1950s, the lemonade factory that was there placed and also a historical architectural sign. It also gives an opportunity to imagine how the factory looked, that it wasn’t a huge one, but a small one in a wooden house. In my opinion, it is something unique due to thinking about factories as large grey objects somewhere on countryside.

The last stop on the Everyday architecture route was Itätulli kindergarten (Itätullin päiväkoti), a two-story building that was built in 1926. It was one of the first kindergartens in Pori. It was a Finnish-language daycare center. The location was based on the assumption that the city would grow bigger in that direction. Kindergarten was designed for the comfort of kids with a smaller distance between stairs for easier walking up and down from staircase. It operated until 2011, but now it is unused and protected in a local plan. (Porin kaupungin museopalvelut, 2024)

This building contains a lot of memories for locals as probably some of them went to this kindergarten, as well as being preserved as a culturally historical place of education. It shows how children’s comfort and their education mattered, with the wide windows and the small stairs. Even in the past the comfort was a priority. This building shows not only the similarities, but also the differences between kindergartens now and then. I think that is worth seeing.

Now the Everyday architecture route comes to an end. I enjoyed every minute of this walk and was curious to get to know places better in person after reading the description about them.

I definitely recommend visiting some routes in Pori based on your own interests, because even living in the city doesn’t make you a person who knows everything about it, there will always be room for new knowledge!

Text and photos: Līga Kuroša, International Tourism Management student

Before I landed to Finland, I had a definite idea on what I will have to see in the future. I had shaped my imagination through Instagram posts, winter documentaries, travel blogs, and several videos about Lapland. My expectation was to play winter games in the snow, make snowmen, see Santa Claus with reindeers and huskies, walk on the frozen lakes and many more snow activities.

I was not known that Finland is a country which has high level of humanity and more surprising things rather than the polished images and thoughts I had stored in my mind. Below I have mentioned few comparatives on expectations vs reality in Finland according to my personal experience and opinion.

Myth about the winter wonderland

I had a deep passion to walk through powder snow until the knee deep and I loved to see the people stand in their gardens to remove the snow. I expected to wear heavy winter cloths during months of deep like the fairy-tale we heard in childhood.

When I experienced the first winter, I disappointed by realising that all Finland is not looks like Lapland. Since we live in south part of Finland, the winter comes like episodes in a drama, one day there is snow, next day slush, then ice, in some day’s sunlight. But I love this unpredictable weather, because it has its own beauty. When we have sunlight occasionally in the winter, everywhere is completely white and silent; the picture with white and sunlight can occur heavenly feeling to me. I’m still enjoying the winter wonderland feeling with more textures, characters and realism rather than the picture I had in my head.

Endless natural beauty with greenery texture

This is one of the expectations which Finland has fulfilled. When I arrived in Finland, it was autumn season and I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature with lots of trees, high number of lakes, and especially clean air. The reality related to the nature is more than hundred presents than the expectation. When I walk even in the city, I get the feeling that I am not so far from a quiet forest or a calm lake. The streets are extremely clean and gives me a meditative feeling. Since we are spending the winter season now, I could be able to know some nature related phenomenon such as soft, white snow gathers on pine trees, songs of the little birds in the distant forest, the lakes waiting for the spring, the flowers are trying to bloom out from the buds and more.

Finns are obviously silent, but they are genuine

As I heard before coming to Finland, Finnish people don’t even have a small talk with others, don’t make eye contacts and no conversations with strange people. Obviously, they value their own personal space, and I also used to do that. Nobody looks for another person’s personal things, and they don’t speak with anyone unless the topic is meaningful. No-one disturbing you while walking, travelling in public transportation, shopping or any other daily tasks. The most admirable thing is Finns don’t waste their words; however, it should be noted that they are warm, genuine and funny people.

Patience for seeing northern lights

It was a dream to see the northern lights shinning across the night dark sky. But it is bit difficult to see the northern lights in southern areas of Finland, it feels kind of treasure hunting. We must have a cloudless sky with a strong solar system, and most specially the luck. When you fulfil these requirements and overcome the barriers you can see that magical show in the sky, I would say that the excitement is unreal. You can imagine the enchanter of this entire world.

Finnish Cuisine and Beverages

Before I taste the Finnish food, I was thinking that why Finns eat this food, why do they boil every food, where are the spices, and why people are in love with rye bread? Afterwards, I realised Finnish food is simple and feel people comfortable. Now I have a list of my favourite Finnish foods including cinnamon buns, riisipiirakka, rye bread with cheese spread, salmon soup, and I can’t forget about Fazer chocolate. Also, I always remember to have a coffee as a usual habit, even after I have my main meals. Finnish people have a close relationship with coffee, because of its warm and welcoming nature.

Text and photos: Chathuri Eramuduange Gedara, International Tourism Management student

The Pori Old Cemetery is located near the center of Pori. It is a very old cemetery in Pori. I elected this cemetery for my cultural walk since it is near my home and it is not different from the cemeteries in my culture. Since people from all walks of life end their lives in such a cemetery, I thought I would write a blog post about such a place.

Based on what I have read about the Pori Old Cemetery, it is a 19th century site and is considered a national cultural heritage site. Because it not only reflects traditional Finnish burial customs but also shows the monumental style of that period and the urban planning of that time.

The burial grounds of many important people such as merchants, government officials or artists are also found here and this place is also an excellent historical archive of the social history of the area it occupies. Tombstones, iron crosses and family graves are just a few of the items that illustrate how our culture and way of remembering has evolved over the years.

In my opinion, the cemetery is important to Finnish culture because of its age and the way it was designed. There were three entrances and one tower near the area. It felt very open because of all the tall trees around it, but the paths were covered in snow. And there were some equipment for small children to play in at one end.

I could see a few lit candles on some of the graves. These added to the overall combination of nature and architecture that makes the place recognized as part of Finland’s nationally significant built cultural heritage.

This cemetery is located in a very beautiful and peaceful area. This noise was softened by the surrounding trees creating an environment similar to an open air museum. Some of the tombstones had been buried long ago and had become increasingly eroded over time, while others had been regularly cared for by current generations of those who loved them to demonstrate the effectiveness of their long-term memory.

It seemed that there was enough space within the entire property boundaries, not only for walking but also for remembering individuals as well as for commemorative events.

To me, seeing that cultural heritage isn’t only exhibited through museums or public landmarks was a revelation that many people pass through these types of spaces daily without realizing that these landscapes also form part of our culture.

I spent a great deal of time at the Pori Old Cemetery where people have been buried for hundreds of years, and where the legacy of the past lives on through the individual experiences of each family name, as well as through the landscape that exists today.

The Pori Old Cemetery was like visiting a living history museum. Most tombstones in this graveyard include crosses, representing the value of Christianity in Finnish culture for honoring one’s deceased loved ones. In centre of the graveyard stands an impressive concrete obelisk symbolizing gathering area/memorial, creating visual centre point for rest of cemetery; several lit candles were placed at base of obelisk signalling candle usage as tribute for departed souls.

The cemetery is organized so that visitors can see how it is not merely a bearing of cemeteries but rather an intricately constructed memorial landscape. The design of the individual graves grouped defines the cemetery’s organization, which allows visitors to have a meaningful experience versus a mere collection of graves.

Finally, what I learned from visiting the Pori Old Cemetery is that there is historical value in the heritage that exists in quiet spaces. As I walked amongst the rows of crosses, memorials and large open area, I was impressed by how well Finland’s past has been kept. It is a historical place that shows the customs, beliefs, and stories of the citizens of Pori from many years ago. This was a peaceful, reflective and educational experience for me and demonstrated to me that a cemetery can represent a great deal of a city’s identity and historically.

Text and pictures: Anupama Sayakkarage, International Tourism Management student

Prior to moving from Nigeria to Finland, I thought I had an idea of what to expect. I imagined the cold weather, quiet people, good education, and a peaceful lifestyle. While some of those expectations turned out to be true, the reality at times can be challenging and most times beautiful.

Expectations, culture shock and personal growth

One of the first things that truly surprised me was the cold. Back home, the weather is warm and sunny. So, when the winter came in Finland I remember thinking, How do people survive this kind of cold? The freezing temperature, snow, and long dark days were a bit hard to adjust to at first. 

Some days, the cold feels so overwhelming, physically and emotionally. At the same time, I can’t deny that the winter here is beautiful and magical. There’s something peaceful about the snowy landscapes, even when I find myself missing the warmth of home.

Quiet people and new social rules

In my country people are lively, expressive, and sociable. Conversations start easily, laughter comes naturally, and friendships often form quickly. Strong family values, kindness, and openness are part of everyday life. In Finland, things feel much quieter.

At first, I thought, why is everyone so silent? Are they angry? I thought they were the happiest people in the world! Over time, I realized that Finns are not rude, they are just reserved people and private. Personal space is respected, and friendships are built slowly but deeply. Punctuality and honesty are very important. I have learned to appreciate meaningful long-term connections.

Food

Food has been another big adjustment for me. Back home our food is spicy, full of bold flavors, rich and colorful. Finnish food often feels milder, and sometimes I wonder, “This food is good, but where is the spice?”

It’s also difficult finding ingredients, especially palm oil, local spices, and traditional seasonings. Some ingredients are hard to find or more expensive, which makes it difficult to prepare the meals that remind me of my home. It can feel like losing a piece of my culture in the kitchen. And sometimes I mix Finnish and Nigerian flavors together!

Fashion and self-expression

Back home, we love bright colors, bold fashion, and accessories are part of our identity. Dressing well is a form of self-expression and effort is expected for every occasion.

In Finland, fashion tends to be simpler and more natural. At first, I felt like my colorful styles stood out too much. I have learned to balance both.

Respect, culture and education

Cultural differences also appear in how respect is expressed. In Finland, calling teachers or elders by their first name is normal, and independence, even among elderly people it is highly valued. In my country, respect often looks more formal, and helping elders like carrying bags feels more expected.

The education system surprised me a lot. In my country, teachers are more hands-on, and students depend heavily on them. Learning follows a strict curriculum, and critical thinking outside it is limited. The teachers expect you to deliver the same material and note the way it was delivered.

In Finland, teachers act more like a guide, and students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, learn independently and ask for help when necessary. At first, this felt unfamiliar and challenging. Now I appreciate how it builds confidence and independence. These differences made me more aware that respect can look different in different cultures.

Emotions, growth and gratitude

To be honest, moving here hasn’t always been easy. There were days I felt homesick, lonely, overwhelmed, and unsure at times.

But I have also felt proud, strong, independent, and grateful. Living in Finland has taught me patience, independence, cultural understanding, strength, and appreciation for both where I come from and where I am now.

Final thoughts and a new chapter

Finland did not just meet my expectations; it challenged and reshaped them.

Nigeria will always be my home, full of color, energy, warmth, spice, and life. Finland has become a place of calm, learning, growth, safety, and reflection.

I’m still learning, adapting, and building a new chapter of my life. One shaped by both cultures.

Text and pictures: Veronica Joseph, International Tourism Management student from Nigeria