Preparing for Finland: Part I

Are we there yet? I hear this phrase daily but not from the mouth of a child in the backseat of a car. It is echoing in my mind as I count the days until my Finnish adventure. My departure is set for December 23rd. This date once seemed so far off, but is quickly approaching. There is lot to do before venturing to Europe, let alone a four-month residency in Finland. I was unsure how to prepare for such a trip but knew I had to begin somewhere. My starting point was to make a list and draft a timeline of when activities should be set in motion.

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Learning the Language
I am a realist and understand I will not be a fluent Finnish speaker with just three months of practice. However, I know the benefits of learning pronunciations and important words and phrases. Being able to comprehend and speak some of the Finnish language would not only help me with day-to-day activities, it would be a pleasant surprise to Finns I meet while abroad. I began my language lessons with the easy to use Nemo app. I simply flick through a deck of cards and each one presents a useful Finnish word or phrase.

I have also started listening to the Finnish 101 podcast. In addition to episodes on the Finnish language, the show reveals interesting facts about the country’s culture and history. I still have a long way to go but at least…opettelen (I am learning).

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Befriending the Locals
I have read several travel guides about visiting Finland, but everyone knows it is even better to get tips from those who know a place best—the locals! Fortunately, The ASLA-Fulbright Alumni Association coordinates a buddy program. The aim of this program is to connect Fulbright alumni living in Finland with arriving U.S. grantees to encourage intercultural exchange and mutual understanding. I hit the jackpot because I have been assigned two Finnish buddies! I have corresponded with them via email and they have offered advice on housing as well as guidance regarding packing, moving, and adjusting to the culture.

Töölö Towers

Living Quarters
Finding housing was the task that made me the most nervous. It is the responsibility of Fulbright participants to secure a place to live for their time abroad. Luckily, one of my Finnish buddies suggested a flexible and affordable housing option at Unihome. Unihome manages all accommodations for the University of Helsinki. I currently have reservations at Unihome’s Töölö Towers in Helsinki. My studio apartment has a centralized location to the university and public transportation. In addition to being fully furnished, my apartment is equipped with its own sauna.

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Phone Service
There are big to-do’s when planning a four-month trip to Finland (i.e. language, housing), and there are what appear to be minute details. Yet, I have found these smaller specifics to be as equally important. For instance, I have had to unlock my phone with my cellular carrier in order to activate a new sim card with a Finnish phone carrier once in Helsinki. Most phones are eligible to be unlocked when their installment plans are completely paid off. It is wise do this when traveling abroad because the price for international coverage from U.S. providers is extremely expensive, even for limited minutes. Now that my cellular device is unlocked, I can join a phone plan with a Finnish company that is sure to be less expensive and offer more data.

Me in Antarctica wearing my parka. 

Planning to Pack
Packing for my study abroad to Finland began months prior to my departure date. Before you can pack a suitcase, you have to have items to put in it. There were things one needs to endure Finland’s winter season that I just did not have. For example, I will need waterproof boots and ski pants for the snow and ice. I researched various brands online and browsed sporting goods stores before making my purchases. (Because of my excursion to Antarctica in 2016, I recognize the importance of staying dry in cold temperatures.)

Waterproof Boots

At the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program Orientation Workshop in D.C., I learned from alumni that one should make a list of items they just “can’t live without” when living overseas. It is easier to bring these things with you since international shipping can be costly. People mentioned taking with them their favorite jars of peanut butter and food seasonings. For me, I knew I would need my special multivitamins and preferred shampoo. I guess we all are partial about something.

It will not be too much longer before I leave for northern Europe. What worries me is that I am still not finished preparing. The clock is ticking and there is plenty left to do. While I work on completing the remaining items on my timeline, I will continue to study the language and read as much as I can about life in Finland. For now, I bid you näkemiin (goodbye)!