Hicham Hanyn – A true story of Life In Finland As A Foreigner
I came alone. I can still remember very clearly the day I arrived and my first experience of Finland. The weather was cold and dark, and I had no jacket on…
Writing about ‘life in Finland as a foreigner’ is like writing a book of a thousand chapters with numerous and diversified lives, experiences, ideologies, and inclinations. Be that as it may, a few facts remain the same in the minds of many, both natives and non-natives. Facts that can not be disputed, truths that are inherent in the very foundations of the country, and spoken of with much esteem and gratification.
For example, the peace, tranquility, safety, honesty, and rich nature life, to name a few. The favorite is the clean air. It is priceless. I do have some blog posts here about Finnish culture and life styles: Facts About Finland: 5 Things I Heard About Finland That Turned Out To Be Actually True! (Video). Also check out Finland Myths: 5 Crazy Things I Heard About Finland That Turned Out NOT TRUE! (Video). I am sure you will find these posts interesting.
Okay, back to talking about life in Finland as a foreigner. These qualities found in the Nordic country of Finland is highly prided in by the Finns and deeply appreciated by anyone living life in Finland as a foreigner (I am sure). It is quite common, and absolutely agreeable to hear words like these:
‘I like the air here. It is clean.’
These were the exact words of Hicham Hanyn, a Libyan Immigrant living in the Lapland area of Finland. In an exclusive interview with My Finland Story, Hicham shares about his life in Finland as a foreigner, as he skillfully coats the wooden balcony fence of the renovated row house with pure white paint. The Libyan born Electrician by profession had arrived in Finland 4 years ago, in winter time.
“I came alone. I can still remember very clearly the day I arrived and my first experience of Finland. The weather was cold and dark, and I had no jacket on. I felt like I was almost freezing. Luckily for me, a friend gave me an overall jacket. They call it ‘Haalari’ in Finnish. Then I felt better. Later on, as I continued to live here and adapt to the weather and culture, the first thing I learned was how to dress properly, and then life in Finland as a foreigner became easier.”
Hicham, who at the time of the Interview was learning Finnish Language at the Integration Training program in Rovaniemi, talked about the difficulty of getting a job as an Electrician here, since his Finnish language skill wasn’t well developed yet, although he can communicate in basic Finnish. He aspires to speak fluently by the time he graduates from the Language Training center, and then hopefully get a befitting job or start his own business if possible.
‘Or maybe I could go to study something new at the Polytechnic here. I am not sure yet. I have been on työharjoittelu a couple of times, like right now, for example. And also I have been doing some voluntary work as well. I did some car washes, bike fixing, and also some painting work.
Hicham, Työharjoittelussa. Photo credit: MyFinlandStory.
The electrician puts his painting brush down, and picks up a big roller brush from a mat on the floor.
‘Where did you learn how to paint’? I asked.
‘In Libya’, he answered. ‘But my major work back in Libya was Installations. I install household machines, like washing machine, and air-conditioner. Sometimes I also fix broken ones.’
In reaction to the question whether he has friends who are Finns, Hicham smiled. ‘Oh yes I do. Yes. But at first it was hard to make Finnish friends because most people wouldn’t approach you or talk to you first. Maybe because they don’t know you so well. But eventually it’s easy to communicate and make friends with them because almost everyone speak English. I have made new friends at Laavu too. One thing I have noticed here is that Trust is very important.’
Hicham, who loves the air and the nature in Finland, never hesitates to take long walks in the forest whenever he gets the opportunity. His other hobbies include Fishing, and listening to music.
Below is a short video clip of Hicham during his work training.
Hicham shares about his life in Finland as a foreigner.
Today, there are many more just like Hicham, who have their own stories of ‘life in Finland as a foreigner’. Some have gotten well paid jobs, some are struggling with the language, some of them are doing one low paid job or the other just to make ends meet. Survival has become the other of the day as some have abandoned their skilled or trained career for ANYTHING just to be able to keep spirit and body together.
In my research I have come across many more who are still searching for any job to no avail. For many, life in Finland as a foreigner has been very hard.
I just want to use this opportunity to encourage someone out there. Don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t hide yourself. You are more valuable than many employers may think or even make you feel. You matter. So don’t put yourself on the floor so others can walk all over you. Stand up straight and keep your head high. Cheers.
Love,
Olivia.
#myfinlandstory
Follow on social media to get the latest updates and exclusives. To be featured, or if you want to share about your life in Finland as a foreigner, please send your stories in an email to: stories@myfinlandstory.com
Written by Olivia Kumpula
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