Well, I am not sure how to start writing about this experience in Finland. But I want to try!
Let’s say before starting that I am not an ethnology expert studying the habits and traditions of different cultures. I can talk about Finland referring to my own experience, so everything I say it’s just my opinion and it’s not the Truth about Finland. This is my own way to see things around me! But now, let’s start…
I arrived in Finland on August the 15th and after almost two months here I am totally out of my honeymoon period so I can be more objective, or at least I think so.
I applied for an EVS Project in a School in Finland since I wanted to see myself the Education System of this northern country. Indeed, Finland Education System is considered one of the best in the World, the students here reach incredible results spending very few hours at school. Unexpectedly, I have been selected and now I am here in Seurakuntaopisto (this is the name of the school) in the little town of Pieksämäki.
But now, a step back! Because before my arrival in Pieksämäki I have to tell you about my arrival in Antaverkka, near Tampere, one of the main cities in Finland.
I landed in Helsinki the 15th of August and I spent my first night there. The very next day I reached the others volunteers nearby the Train Station of Helsinki, we were all ready for our on-arrival camp: ten days of training about Finnish culture and Finnish language but, most of all, ten days of fun. Even if we didn’t know it yet.
On my arrival at the Camp I was very quiet, trying to keep a low profile, thinking something like”Who are all these people?”, “Why are they staring at me?”… I hope you can understand me, this is my first time abroad not as a tourist and completely alone. Yet I had no chance to keep a low profile. As soon as we arrived at the camp the staff made us break the ice with some funny activities and interesting workshops. Well, in a couple of days we were already starting to get along to each other.
During the Camp I met wonderful people from all over the World: Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Honduras, Japan, Taiwan, Spain, India… It was amazing talking with them and sharing opinions and ideas. I learnt a lot during these informal moments together just chatting.
But I have also to mention the workshops prepared for us by the Antaverkka’s Staff. I can sum them up in the motto “learn by doing” and their have been very useful to “survive” in the Finnish everyday life.