Why was "Going to Finland" build?

Reducing stress, promoting a sense of belonging

Are you considering relocating to Finland? Perhaps even with your family, and right now you're having discussions about whether this is a good idea for you all?

This online course will prepare you for what to expect when arriving to Finland. We'll explain the everyday cultural elements that may seem obvious to Finns but can create uncertainty and stress for newcomers.

Is Finland the right place for you? Perhaps. After this course, you'll have a clearer understanding of what it takes to integrate into Finnish life and how to live happily in Finland. The darkness, cold weather, and reserved nature of people might not suit everyone. However, by learning the local ways, you'll have a good chance to adapt and feel at home - enjoying the wintery Northern Lights, stargazing even during daytime, building snowmen. And also the endless light of summer nights, the pleasantly cool warm summers, the openness and trust in the legitimate society, and the overall sense of tranquility that Finns share. 

Once you find your place in Finnish life, you can enjoy living in the happiest country in the world in 2025*. With pure air, clean water, and honest people who value peace and equality, you'll be a part of a truly enjoyable society.

Happiest country

Finland has been crowned the world's happiest country for the eighth consecutive year*. The World Happiness Report, published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board, measures Finnish happiness based on healthy life expectancy, freedom, and low corruption. Finns aren't a nation of constant smiles and dancing; our lives are safe and good, but not always filled with giggles.

Some internationals find it challenging to discover happiness in Finland. We believe that understanding the true day-to-day life experience even before relocating will help to ease the difficulties newcomers face in Finland.

Finns value honesty. Goingtofinland.fi was built to give you an honest understanding of what it's really like to live in Finland.

Finns and their country

Finland is roughly as close to the North Pole as Alaska and the northern regions of Canada. It stretches about 1,100 km from north to south but is only about 500 km wide at its broadest point from east to west. The warm Gulf Stream keeps the climate mild enough for growing sugar beets, barley, rye, wheat, and oilseeds as far north as Central Finland. North of Oulu, reindeer herding and tourism become significant economic activities.

You may have heard that Finns are quiet. There's some truth to that, but Finns can also be quite talkative and expressive. Generally, Finns tend to remain silent when there's nothing particular to say, respecting their own and others' thoughts. Silence can be broken with a few words, leading to hours of engaging conversation, or everyone can comfortably return to shared silence. So, if you encounter a Finn's quietness, take it as a sign of respect - Finns feel free to be themselves in your company.

Direction? Towards Finland! 

Goingtofinland was established to provide information and guidance for foreigners moving to Finland and those already living in the country. Our website offers a variety of online courses and training that help prepare for and adapt to Finnish culture, customs, and lifestyle. 

Everyone feeling good about where they are, is our thing!

Stay tuned with goingtofinland!