Imagination and findings
Do you have any idea what my expectations were before coming to Finland? The first picture I had in my mind was exactly what I had in my mind as a little child. A country with endless snow on top of everything like vehicles, buildings, grass, and the list goes on… Children play everywhere with snow under dark skies. The lights shining from the houses and streets lamps make the snow glow even brighter.
Setting this imagination aside, I researched what sort of a country this is. Based on some articles I read, I learned people in Finland tend to remain silent and it is hard even to start a conversation with them. However, later I came to know that Finland has been ranked as the worlds’ happiest country for several consecutive years based on several factors such as freedom of making choices, corruption rates, social support, life expectancy etc. Moreover, I came to know that Finland is having one of the most excellent education systems compared to most of the other countries. I also read that this is a country with minimal noise, and I was wondering what does this even mean?
On the very first day…
After a few weeks, the day I was counting fingers for, finally arrived. That was a day in last February and I arrived in Finland from the Helsinki airport. The moment I landed in this country reminded me of the picture drawn in my mind. Same as that, the first scenery was loaded with snow as here it was still winter. But instead of children I was able to see quite a few flights and people with carriers unloading baggage in gloomy weather.
Starting from the airport until I came to my apartment I travelled by train nearly for 4 hours with my friend. As we passed through, the feeling I had so far started to change due to a couple of incidents that happened. Do you know why? Surprisingly, some Finnish people genuinely offered their help even without being asked for it in the instances when we were transferring from one train to another, buying tickets, and moving baggage. These positive impressions were able to alter the perception which was in my mind after reading the article about the people in this country. I realized that in Finland, people maintain a respectful distance from strangers as a part of this culture reflecting a low-context nature, yet the generosity is still within them.
Was I able to understand why this country felt so calm?
After spending weeks in Finland, finally the season of Spring begun. The snow on trees and roads is disappearing with the warm weather, sun is peeking through clouds, birds are returning and more people are coming out of their homes. Meanwhile, I realize “peace” in this country is teaching me the value of silence and how this attracts me more into nature.
When I was in my home country, most of the time I did not notice the sunrise or birds singing unless I paid attention intentionally. But now I realize I have started to notice a slight change in nature which makes my mind calm and peaceful. Also, this made me redefine what real happiness meant to be for me.
Education in Finland
Since the day I have started my studies in Finland, I noticed a quiet difference in Finnish academic culture. Informal communication between academic staff and students, punctuality, academic independence, and equal treatment are some of the qualities I have experienced the most so far.
Not only this, even my educational journey here consists of several group projects and flexible study plans which make the students’ academic journey easy, and I trust these facts must have contributed to competing with other countries to build up one of the best education systems in the world.
Looking back, I believe the opportunity I was given to live in Finland is not a co-incident. From day one, living here made me realize how complicated my life was earlier with many expectations. Yet the moment you appreciate simplicity, silence and what truly happiness means to you in a deeper way, you will feel the real meaning of your life.
Text and photos: Dilini Balachandra Arachchige Doni, International Tourism Management student