Common Mistakes International Students Make in Finland

The 7 Common Mistakes International Students Make

Being an international student, migrant or worker in Finland is a good opportunity to grow your skills and career. When I moved to Finland from Asia, I believed I was well-prepared and thought that since I can speak English, I will survive and get integrated easily like in my other previous experiences working and living overseas. But once I arrived, I quickly realized that understanding Finland from a distance is very different from actually building a life here. Over the years, I have learned so many lessons, hard and sweet, others through the mistakes I made. Eventually, I adapted to cultural differences, and gradually found my place in society. Through this journey, I’ve learned that successful integration doesn’t happen automatically. It requires openness, patience, and a willingness to embrace new ways of living. As the saying goes, ”in order to learn, we need to unlearn”.

Looking back, I see many international students facing the same challenges I encountered during my early years. While everyone’s experience is unique, there are a few common mistakes that can make the transition harder than it needs to be. If you’re planning to move to Finland, understanding these pitfalls can help you integrate more smoothly and feel at home much sooner.

1. Staying Only Within Your Small Group

One of the biggest mistakes many international students make is spending all their time with other international students. It’s understandable. You’re all navigating similar challenges, speaking a common language, and sharing the excitement and uncertainty of living abroad. But if you only stay within that circle, you’ll miss a huge part of what Finland has to offer.

Some of my most valuable lessons came from interacting with Finns. Whether it was a school project, a hobby group, volunteer work, or simply chatting with neighbors, these experiences helped me understand Finnish culture beyond stereotypes.

Tip: Join student organizations, sports clubs, volunteer projects, or local community events where Finns naturally participate.

2. Not Learning Finnish

Finland has excellent English proficiency, and you’ll be able to survive daily life with English. But surviving and integrating are not the same thing. If you plan to stay longer, learning Finnish will open more opportunities.

Many students postpone learning Finnish because everything seems manageable in English. I made the same assumption early on. I didn’t commit wholeheartedly to learning Finnish, even I was studying and Finnish was the medium of instruction. Later, when I started looking for jobs and building a professional network, I realized how valuable even basic Finnish language skills can be.

You don’t need to become fluent overnight. Learning simple phrases, everyday vocabulary, and understanding common conversations already demonstrates commitment and respect for the local culture. In my opinion, learning Finnish language and culture can be more effective through interaction.

Tip: Start learning Finnish from your first month, not after graduation.

3. Underestimating the Finnish Job Market

Many students arrive believing that obtaining a Finnish degree automatically leads to employment. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Finland offers excellent education, but finding work requires proactive networking, internships, and practical experience. In Finland, networking is very important when finding a job. References are valued by employers, so it is common to find workers referred by someone. Given this, it is good to connect with people in any way.

The students who succeed usually start building their professional network early. They attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, participate in company projects, and look for internships long before graduation. Many opt to volunteer. The most common way to do it is to volunteer. There are many organizations accepting volunteers all year round. If you live in Turku, MLL is a good way to start.. I have been in this place as a volunteer too. The people are supportive, welcoming and warm.

Tip: Treat networking as part of your studies from day one.

4. Ignoring Winter and Seasonal Challenges

Many students focus on surviving the cold but underestimate the darkness. Coming from Asia, where daylight patterns were very different, my first Finnish winter was a shock. It wasn’t the snow that challenged me; it was the lack of daylight. Until now it is still a challenge for me, and to many expats that I know. The long winter months can affect your energy, motivation, and mood if you’re not prepared. Therefore many people in Finland find ways to get active even on winter time either by going to the gym or buying a light therapy lamp to get some enery upon waking up in the dark mornings of winter especially when there isn’t snow yet. What helped me was creating routines: regular exercise, outdoor walks during daylight hours, social activities, hobbies, and maintaining consistent sleep schedules.

Now, I learned to appreciate winter rather than fear it. Finland’s snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and cozy atmosphere are experiences you won’t find in many parts of the world. Snowy winter offers a special feeling of delight when everything around is brightened by the thick snow.

Tip: Invest in proper winter clothing and stay active, even when you’d rather stay indoors.

5. Treating Finland Like a Temporary Stop

Many international students spend years in Finland while living as if they’re leaving next month. They postpone building connections, exploring the country, learning the language, and understanding society. You can approach Finland differently – explore and feel it like your home away from home. Travel across regions, visit small towns nearby, learn local customs, participate in community activities, and try to understand how Finnish society works.

Even if your long-term future is uncertain, treat your time here as an opportunity to fully engage with your surroundings rather than simply passing through. You’ll never know what you might find if you won’t try.

6. Not Understanding Finnish Communication Style

Finnish communication can feel surprisingly different for newcomers like the old me. Finns are generally direct, honest, and value sincerity over small talk. Silence is not awkward in Finland. In fact, it can be completely comfortable. Coming from a society where being so expressive is normal, it was hard to understand why nobody says a word in a room where three people are seated around a table and just minding their own thing. At first, I mistakenly interpreted quietness as unfriendliness. Later, I realized that many Finns (not all) often prefer to keep meaningful conversations and keep their own space.

Once you understand this cultural difference, many social interactions become much easier to navigate.

Tip: Don’t mistake reserve for rejection. Give relationships time to develop naturally.

7. Missing Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Your degree is important, but your experiences outside class may shape your future even more. Some of my most rewarding experiences in Finland came from activities unrelated to academics: volunteering, attending local festivals, participating in international communities, exploring nature, and collaborating with people from different backgrounds.

These experiences not only build skills but also create memories and networks that often lead to unexpected opportunities. Also it helps me to understand the locals better when I act like a local too. So go out and explore places, people and experience being with others in events or occasions.