perpetualcogitation:

Has been glorious. I’ve met such wonderful people. Soon life will begin again. Life that is full of work and studies and distances that will separate me from people I’ve grown close to, not forever though. But, soon I will meet new people that will also touch my life in new ways. I can’t wait. 

Ahhh when I look back at this and smile…Definitely met some people that have impacted my life forever.

Anyone thinking about going abroad? Things to expect? Going through the application process, especially for Finland? Let me know! I’d love to help.

Being from a small city in Texas, the irony of it being called “small” when in reality it would be a large city in Finland, there are quite a lot of differences.

First of all, I am from a city where the majority of the population is of Latin descent, specifically Mexican. 

Not to generalize, but many people from my city can back up that we are just plain “loud”. That’s definitely something I have had to get used to while in Finland. Being loud is quite rare. Remembering a couple of months ago in Unicafe, a cafe that offers good food portions for a student price, (hopefully some of you know what I am speaking about) I was with friends and remember laughing quite hard about something. This would never cause must attention back home, but in Helsinki that’s another story. I found it quite interesting how I saw some Finns actually get up and try to see why we were laughing so hard. 

But, I have really learned to appreciate the grace of Finns. Back home guys are usually quite charming and will say anything to make you fall for them. This is something that also surprised me about Finnish guys. I always thought, Something is wrong with them!, but in reality that’s not really the case. I’ve learned to respect that they are actually capable of saying more meaningful things than what I’ve been used to. It may not come often and usually quite unexpected. But, I think there is a lot of beauty in that. It’s going to be hard to get back home and just hear all the Bulls**t most Texan boys say and never know what is actually meaningful. 

Another great thing to see in Finland that has always astonished me and continues to, is the involvement of a father in his child’s life. Being from a Mexican background, now doesn’t happen in each family but in most, the father is usually working long hours for his family. Though will support their child in important events…to see a father casually take their child in the stroller for a walk is something I am not at all used to seeing. Its quite amazing. Kudos for that Finns! :)

Food, okay food probably needs a whole book. Something that tends to disappoint me about Finns. The lack of flavor. Now no disrespect, I love your food. I’ve survived this long, right? haha. But, sometimes adding a little salt or pepper never hurt anyone. Then again I am from a culture where spices are everything. Food without flavor is pretty much unspoken of. 

Rules, oh Finns and their rules. Y’all are pretty legit about following them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. But for someone who is used to getting some leeway from people when it comes to rules its hard to have people be so strict and unforgiving when it comes to breaking those rules. 

Queue Lines: The most amazing thing ever. Believe it or not, people back home will stand in a line at the bank and just wait for long periods of time just waiting to be assisted. The beauty that you can just take a number, pretty much everywhere and just sit comfortably reading newspaper or just rest, is a great thing. I really am going to miss that part of the Finnish system.

School Periods: The fact that there are four and sometimes your classes only last two months or even just a week. That’s fantastic. That would never happen back home, full schedule for four months at a time. Also registering for classes one week before beginning is quite unheard of back home. I’ve just registered my classes six months in advance back home. 

I hope I am not offending anyone. These are just some recollections of differences I have seen from my own culture to the new culture I have learned to respect and love. I will always see Finland as my second home. The people are so polite and respectful. I wish I could say that about my city, but that’s a rare occasion.

For now this is all I can really pinpoint on differences. 

I’m really crappy at following up with my blog. My Apologies. I’m just so busy having fun. xD

But I have about 50 days left in Finland. I’ve learned quite a lot.

First, I’d like to apologize for the times that I wished people were louder and more social, when in fact, I have learned to appreciate it. I’ve learned to respect the fact that Finns won’t say something unless its necessary  Which is something more people should really learn, myself included.

Other than that, Thank you for your amazing hospitality. I love every bit of Finland and its people. It’s been a fantastic experience. 

Sounds pretty vague. But, it’s truly difficult to put 8+ months in one blog entry. 

Back to Helsinki today <3

thinking about applying to a Finnish University for study abroad or anything of that sort, feel free to ask me questions especially if you are considering Helsinki! I already have four months on my belt and about to go for another four. Let me know! :)

All the Best,

Norma Alicia

When your 3rd period of university classes is full and a total of six classes

then moves to 4th period being only 2 classes.

I am loving this Finnish University system ;)

back home in the US

I’m ready for new adventures in Suomi!

I’ve been missing you Helsinki <3