LAST DAYS IN FINLAND

“How does it feel like leaving Finland when you don’t know when you’re coming back?”

I have been asked this question several times recently. And the truth is, I really don’t know.

Finland is my home. I will always be a Finn no matter what. However, fewer days I have left in here, more confused I feel all the time. I know this sounds crazy, but I have a feeling I NEED to leave and that a new chapter in my life is about to begin. I don’t know if it’s about the fact that the UK is already a home for me or that I feel like I’m not meant to be in Finland right now. One way or another I honestly believe that moving to the UK right now is a good decision and I will be happy in there.

I have to admit that sometimes it feels weird to have your heart split between two countries. Every time I’m in Finland I know I want to be in the UK and it’s the place where I’m supposed to be, but when I’m in the UK I miss my family and friends a lot. However, I’ve gotten used to living with it and it gets easier all the time. My family and friends are incredibly supportive about me studying and living in the UK and they too are excited about getting to know my new home country better. I’m so lucky that travelling from country to another is easy and fast, so that if I can visit my family and friends often (when this COVID-19 situation gets better, obviously).

Some people might think that because I want to leave, I don’t like Finland. It’s not true, I absolutely love Finland and I’m so proud that I can tell everyone where I’m originally from. But I do think Finnish people could learn a few things from the British - especially the ability to be more optimistic and polite. In my own humble opinion, I’m the best version of myself when I’m in the UK. I don’t know if it’s the people around me or the overall culture but while there I’m much more open and positive. Nevertheless, the issues in everyday life don’t disappear by moving to another country. Facing them just seems a bit easier in the UK. My wild guess is that the long and dark winter in Finland could be partly blamed.

But there are also things that British people could learn from us Finnish folk: we’re calm and we have a very good relationship with nature - which is why our tap water tastes amazing, the air we breathe is clean and forests are appreciated. Finnish people are also very honest and when we get to know someone, we’re friends for life.

What I wish to gain from my experience is to become fully comfortable with English and get experience in working in the UK. I also want to get to know the British culture even better, find features that bring value to my life and also take bits of Finnish culture to the UK. And obviously enjoy living with Fraser and spend time with all the other lovely people in there. The words can’t describe how grateful and happy I am that I finally get to move to the UK and live with my boyfriend. The past year and a half living in different countries haven’t been easy – but as we can see the wait was all worth it!

I will miss my family and all of my friends, but I know they’re happy for me and know that I’m living my dream. Thank god these days I can Facetime them as often as is needed and catch a flight and visit Finland (sounds crazy that I’ll be VISITING my home country). Everyone who personally knows me is aware of the fact that I will obviously be crying when leaving. But I also know the tears will be wiped away quickly because I’m so excited about everything that’s waiting for me!

Happy Christmas to everyone - I'll see you in Newcastle!