Cultural differeneces: Being a Young adult in Italy and in Finland During my Exchange in Finland I have heard many thinks that are part of the Finnish culture and sound very different from the Italian one. Talking to some Finnish friends, one of the things I was surprized to hear was about being a Young adult here in Finland. Since the age of 18, people leave their home and their families and move to other cities to study or work. Even if their occupation is close to the parents's house city or in the same city, young adults move away. Young Finns are in charge of finding a new place for them self and pay for it and their needs. For the Finnish people, being older than 18 and living with the family it is seen like something wrong and despicable. A Young adults who decides to stay at home with the parents should be ashamed and the person is considered as an immature individual. In Italy (especially in the South), this is very different. I personally moved away to study ...
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Christmas in Sicily VS Christmas in Finland Christmas period is important and loved by many cultures but, the way we celebrate and spend the period before and during Christmas time can be very different. One of the most characteristic aspect of Finnish Christmas culture are the Christmas markets where you can meet Santa or go shopping. People sell handcrafts, local products, food and gifts. Small and big cities have their own markets going on during the weekend and they are very popular. People drink Hot wine and eat paistres on the Streets. In Sicily (where I am from) there are not such markets in the big cities. In the last years, maybe to imitate northen countries, it is possible to visit some temporary markets during Christmas time, but that is not actually in our tradition. People usually buy presents in the common shops and we have no hot wine at all. Although,in the small villages in the countryside is possible to visit some 'food festivals' where local prod...
Studying in Finland: the main differences with the Dutch system I have been studing physiotherapy for the last 3 years in The Netherlands. I was so excited about the opportunity of coming to Finland for a semester as an Exchange due to the fact that Finland is famous all over the world for the high level of education and the quality of the health care system. Studying in Finland has been very interesting. Since day one I noticed that the the classes, the methods students use in order to get their knowledge and prepare for exams is very different from what I am used to. First, the cycle of studies here in Finland lasts 3 years, in The Netherlands is 4 in total. Where I study (in the Netherlands) the theoretical classes are more during the week and the time we spend reading books and articles is endless. Here in Finland this is not the same. The theory is important but not as much as the practical skills. I was impressed by the level of professio...
Country comparison:Finland and Italy (Hofstede theory) Now, I will try to show you the results of an analysis has been done on Finland and Italy using the Hofstede theory. This tool is very useful and interesting one to use in order to get a good overview of the different cultures and make a comparison with other countries in the world. I knew Italians and Finnish are very different but, using the Hofstede theory, I learned about some more aspects of the Finnish and Italian society and how much they actually differ from each other. Finland and Italy have been analyzed on different levels and fields: Power distance, individualism, masculinity, long term orientation and indulgence. In analysis about Finland, the results of the study show a society in which equal rights, decentralized power and communication are fundamental both in private life and working field. The score Finland achieved in the field of Individualism is pretty high. This f...
My schocking Erasmus My Erasmus experience is coming to the end. After four months in Finland I can say that it has been a great adventure. I believe that this experiences has the power to enrich you in a professional level, deeping you knoledge but, even more, it can enrich you as a person. Meeting new people, being in a country you dont know, speaking new languages, trying new food, living in new and unaspected conditions, everything puts you out of your confort zone and makes you a more mature and open-minded individual. I really suggest this experience to all those who have a chance to live it. The unique point about doing an Erasmus is that it gives you the opportunity to know more about the world and about yourself. Furthermore, you can learn how to look at the things in life from different points of view. If I am asked to describe my own experience in Finland using few words I would definitely say: Friends and Natur...
Experiencing the Sauna in Helsinki My Erasmus is coming to the end, it is crazy how time flow past so quickly. My Brother came over from Italy to visit me and that was definitely a good reason to go to Helsinki for a day trip again. The city is even nicer now that Christmas is coming. Lights, Christmas markets in the Senate square and in the square in front of the Harbour and many tourists around. We had a good time and were walking around for a while, visiting the nice markets. In Italy we do not have Christmas Markets or anything like that. For this reason I guess it was really nice for my Brother to see that, However, the best part of the day was when we went to the Sea Pool Sauna place at the Helsinki Harbour. In Italy saunas are not common, here in Finland are everywhere, for this reason it ws important for me to make my Brother try it. Paying the entrance ticket (8 euros for students and 10 for adults) you have free access to the saunas, swimingpoo...
Turku Castle During the 100years Celebration Coming to Finland in 2017 was surely a good opportunity in order to join special events organized by the governament in order to celebrate the 100 of indipendence of the country. As I anticipated in the previous post, Finns love their country and their traditions. It seems like, out of all the festivities and celebrations, the Indipendence day is one of the most important for them. Finns are very proud of their freedom. Yesterday was the official celebration day (6of december) and it seemed like even the nature wanted to give her gift to the country. The day was freezing cold but with a nice blue sky and even the sun. The castle of Turku is owned and maintained by the Finnish state and is entrusted to the use of the city of Turku. Now, during the ordinary days, the castle functions in its entirety as a historical museum as part of the Turku provincial museum and it is possible to vi...
Suomi 100 years Today is the 5 of December. The 6 of December is a very important day in Finland. All people get together to celebrate their indipendence and the democracy they achieved after a lot of struggle and fighting with Russian and German invaders. The celebration is even more important this year (2017) since they celebrate 100 years. The cities and town start preparing themelf already weeks before the official celebration day. Flags, white and blue lights, decorations and posters, souvenires advartize the upcoming big event. Everything climax on the evening of the 6th of December. On that date all Finns are inside their houses, drinking wine, listening to the president speach and watching the official Gala on TV. In the afternoon I joined an event for Erasmus student during which some teachers told us some information about tomorrow's celebration. Apparently, every year there is a different theme that emphasizes the de...
Finnish Language for exchange Moikka, I have just concluded my Finnish Language course for Erasmus students. Honestly, It has been one of the most interesting courses I had the chance to follow has an Exchange and I highly raccomend it for the future students who are going to do the same experience in Finland. I truly believe that the best way to really get to know the culture of a new country is trough learning their language (at least try). I think that learning the language spoken in the host country is both a sign of respect towards the country and the locals and, at he same time, a way to avoid the feeling of frustration everybody experiences when, being in a new place you understand absolutely nothing of what is going on ( no idea about:name of streets, shops, signs on the products at the market, etc.) Of course, it takes time to master a new language but , after almost four months I am at least able to introduce my self and answ...
Moving is never easy: Cross cultural theory Hello everybody, I will share some truth about travelling to a different country and adapting to a different way of living. Infact, does not really metter who you are or from where do you come from, everytime you travel or move away from the place you were born and grown up, you will go trought some inevitable and necessary steps before you get to fully accept a different culture. Today I will go throught this points using the cross culture theory main points. Denial : Is usually the very first stage. That is the phase during which you will litterarly refuse the interaction with the other culture and show no interest towards it. During this stage it is easy to feel unconfortable with the situation and the people around you. Defense : In this stage, you will consider your culture as superior to the others and you may have the tendency to criticise behaviour or thoughts by someone from another culture. Mini...
Food:Finnish Blueberry Pie Good day everyone! Today I want to introduce you my favourite Finnish dessert so far... The Blueberry pie. Yesterday it was a grey and rainy day in Turku, for this reason, a friend and I decided to bake something. After going trought Finnish dessert recepies, we decided to go for the Blueberry pie (good choice). This Blueberry Pie or "Mustikkapiirakka" ( as they say here) is actually an iconic Finnish dessert and most bakeries around the country sell it. The pie is very easy to make it and the ingredients are cheap and easy to find. Have fun and BUON APPETITO!! Here the recipe we followed to cook this amazing dessert: Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Ingredients Finlandia Unsalted Butter, softened, for greasing pan 1/2 cup (8 Tablespoons) Finlandia Unsalted Butter, softened 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg 1/...
Food:Fazer I write this post for those like me who love chocolate and sweets. I would say that, If you ever come to Finland it is compulsory to try the local brend of sweets, Fazer. Fazer has been one of the largest corporations in the Finnish food industry since 1891. the brand is very famous within the nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Baltic countries , the United Kingdom and Russia. I have never seen their products before (since Italy does not import them), but I honestly find them to be delicous. So much variety! Products are ade with the best ingredients and there are options for people having food intollerance. It is possible to find many kind of products like chocolate bars, chocolates and candies. Every supermarket or "kioski" sales the products and it is even possible to buy them going to the Fazer Cafes that are in every city. Before I leave to go back to Italy I will surely buy some items so that my friends and f...
Cultural experience:Christmas market in Turku Finland is the country of Santa Claus and , for this reason, I am really excited to see how people and towns get ready for the best time of the year. Yesterday (25.11.2017), the city of Turku officially started the countdown for Christmas. A huge Christmas tree that is made every year in front of the old Cathedral, lights, dances ,music, people impersonating santa's elfs and bazars at the Market square and at the Old square animated the afternoon and changed the atmosphere of the city. In Sicily we do not have Christmas Market and the cities in the South of the country do not have as many decorations. For this reason I am Always very attracted by this kind of events when I am abrouad. I think that the Christmas Market is a very nice place for people of all ages. Adults can spend a nice evening drinking glughi , buying pecial gifts or eating traditional snaks, while kids have the chance to meet ...
Something that schoked me: Finnish Baptism Honestly, it took some time for make up our minds and get into the iced water after coming out from the super hot sauna but we all made it in the end. As I already anticipated in the previous post, It was such a weird sensation. It is very hard to describe the feeling while doing it, somehow freezing but energizing. As I sais, I was very proud of myself after doing it. In the past I have avoided situations I recognized as dangerous or unconfortable for me. I am happy that, this time, I went over my thoughts and my worries and I managed to do something new. I think that the whole experience of living so far from home and being out of my confort zone has helped me a lot in order to grow up and (sometime) take risks. This is actually the main reason why I would encurage anyone to go to Erasmus (if they get the chance) or at least travel and experience new things. About the Finnish Baptism,I would say t hat ...
Last night:The house at the lake After our tour in the city Centre of Kuopio we headed to our home for the day, an amazing cottage next to a lake, one hour away from the city. The typical wooden Finnish house was literally in the middle of nothing. Situated in the middle of the forest, away from the light of the city. We really hoped that could be the right spot for the northern lights but unfortunately we did not see them at the end. The sky was clouded and so we had no chances. That was one of the best nights for me and my friends. We had the whole place for our self and we even had a sauna. I loved it. There, we did our Finnish Baptism (that term is used by locals for the action of going into iced lake water right after having a sauna). Honestly, I am proud of myself for doing it, I am glad I went over my worries and I gave it a try. Now I can definetely say that it is something everybody should try at least once. Such a great feeling of freedom together wit...
Travels:Kuopio In Kuopio we first stopped just outside the town Centre to visit the "Puijo Tower". 75mt tall and with a nice restourant at the top. There, It is possible to get to the roof top and have an amazing view on the city ,on the forests and see around. If you are aturist and you are interested in that, is good to know that, If you are a student you get a discount and the ticket is 4 euros, 6 euros for adults. From the top up there I took some good pictures. I really liked that. The city of Kuopio reminded me of Turku. The buildings, the streets and the shops are really alike. The locals suggested we should try the "Kalakukko", a typical food from the town. Kalakukko is basically a pocket filled with both meat and fish inside. The taste is anusual, I guess is a persona opinion but i did not like it. soup and pulla instead.
Naturalistic experiences in Italy and Lapland One of my favourite activities here in Finland is going for hikes. The landscape are very different from the ones I am used to in Italy. Especially now that the snowing season has began, everything is White and looks Amazing. The good thing about national parks here is that they are for free. In italy you have to pay an entry ticket for most of them. Even though you have to pay to get in , the facilities are not Always the best. Another difference between national parks in the South of Italy and Finland is the kind of animals you can meet walking on the path. In Italy is common to see different kinds of birds in the Woods, in Finland reindeers and mouse are everywhere. The park we visited in Southern Lapland is excellent for families with children and for those who wish to go on an active Holiday, there, it is possible to do sooo many activities! From skiing to canoying, trekking, biking..... It is also good to know ...
My experience at The Ranua zoo:info for turists I have been in otther zoos before but I was curious about the Ranua one. which is pretty famous in Finland. In my opinion is totally worth t go and visit it. There , you can see and observe the typical northern animals: beers, lynx, wolfs, foxes, mousses, birds, etc. For the turists who are interested,the price to get in is good, especially if you are a student ,you get a discount (the student ticket is around 13 euros, adults pay 15euros). If you would like, at the beginning of the visit, you could get headphones with the guide and explanation for the different cages. We did not get them. If you can read English, it is still possible to read about the animals at the entry of their cage anyway. Usually I am not a big fun of the zoos, or animals in the cages in general. But, I appreciated that, some of the animals are at the Ranua zoo because they are injured and so they would not be a...