My Genuine thoughts on Immigrants Integration in Finland: English version of my Published Article in Lapin Kansa
I had asked from the receptionist at the booking center how much a new flight to Rovaniemi costed, and her answer gave me a near heart attack. It was indeed a terrible day for me, until…
Immigrants Integration in Finland.
My first day in Finland was not a pleasant one, to say the least. I had just landed in Helsinki straight from Nigeria, full of zeal and ready to dive into student life at the University of Lapland. Retrieving my luggage took so long time, way longer than I expected, so I ended up missing my connecting flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
Also one of my luggage could not be found, and that was the luggage containing all the foodstuff my mother gave to me. I cried. That moment, my excitement about being in Finland went down the hill as I walked aimlessly in the halls of the airport, wondering which way to go next. I had asked from the receptionist at the booking center how much a new flight to Rovaniemi costed, and her answer gave me a near heart attack.
It was indeed a terrible day for me, until a very nice Finnish man at the airport seemed to notice my dilemma, and came to help me. That moment, my faith came back to life and my hope was restored.
Now I have been here for 3 years and my life has changed in many good ways. I have shared and I am still sharing my Thought and Experiences as well with those of other Foreigners, Immigrants and Refugees living in Finland, here on this blog, and also on my YouTube Channel.
I also share some of the Finnish cultural practices here in Finland that I find to be Interesting, Similar or Different from my cultural background. With regards to Immigrants Integration in Finland, would I say that I have been able to blend into the Finnish society so far? Would I call Finland a “Foreigner-Friendly” country? I will be answering these questions in two aspects:
1. The System: One of the very first things I noticed is that the system works. This is a huge thing for me, because back in Nigeria, it is a whole different story. Also there are a handful of services and associations particularly targeted at Immigrants and Foreigners all geared towards Immigrants Integration in Finland. The aim is to help them settle down comfortably. Personally I have come across some of these organisations and I have gotten so much guidance from them.
2. The Society: But then how about the People, the very natives among whom the Immigrants seek to live? Do they give the new comers a chance (even if tiny) to be known, without any prejudgments or bias? These are the very reasons why I am so grateful to be surrounded with so nice people who love me and have taken me as family. I see a successful Integration plan as the fruit of a collaborative synergy in which both the natives and the foreigners had to make some adjustments and compromises at certain points in time.
Here is a video where I talked more about this topic.
My Thoughts On Integration In Finland (Part One)
Finally, I have to add here that when it comes to Immigrants Integration in Finland, there are a whole lot of diverse thoughts and ideas. Some are for it, while some are against it. But today, I have a little advice for other Immigrants here in Lapland, especially the new comers:
Although you may be coming from a totally different background, try to Recognize and Respect the cultural values and practices of this new place. Every day, make a conscious effort to Influence this country, your new home, positively.
Love,
Olivia.
Also, this post was published in the Lapin Kansa in Finnish, here is the link to read it.
Written by Olivia Kumpula
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