WATCH NEXT: Things you MUST KNOW about Finland before moving here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mq5lhbGGzdzMpps.html

As a Finn myself I would add one thing: we do not ask for help easily but we are grateful for ever if we get it.

Honesty, punctuality and consideration for others - Finnish culture sounds pretty good to me.

I've travelled through many countries and Finland is one of my favourites. The people are so genuine, nice and non-aggressive. I do like the general sence of personal space and not bothering people unnecessarily, but they are so kind, polite and helpfull when you do bother them. I really don't understand the negative stereotype and really felt at home there. So much so that I consider moving there if I can.

As a finn myself I find these vids both greatly informative as well as amusing! Kiitos, Tack! ✌️🇫🇮 Got yourself a new sub.

I believe, there's also a substantial difference between the Helsinki folk and the rest of Finland, in terms of small talk and introversion. I think, I can easily spot someone who grew up outside of Helsinki and came here as an adult.

Thanks again for all the tips, I've arrived in Finland 20 days ago and have found some rather unique people that I've begun calling good friends. But that's mostly because my chosen bachelor is kind of peculiar so the people here aren't exactly sticking with the stereotypes.

There is one exception to the "money rule" - collectors’ social groups and similar interests. If you and a Finn you know "on good terms" are both vintage car fans, and he buys a vintage corvette, asking how much it was is within the "facts about old cars" category, not necessarily about how rich he is.

"Early is on time, on time is late and late is unacceptable" - this is the motto I live by! Finns are amazing people. Your culture is parallel with my own beliefs. Thanks for sharing!

When I worked for the EU, a nice, but silent or shy person was described: as talkative as a Finn.

Interesting to hear the bit about introversion, mainly because the way I got to know about the Finnish introvert stereotypes was through other Finns who usually love to joke about Finns being extremely introverted.

Time to dust off a hoary old joke about Finns. - How can you tell the difference between a Finnish introvert and a Finnish extrovert? - When he's talking to you a Finnish introvert looks at his feet. A Finnish extrovert looks at yours.

What an organized mind you have! Everything is so well explained. And your level of English is excellent! Bravo!

On to the next video of yours. Thank you. 😀 I forgot to say in my previous response that part of my MGPIS channel intro is from Finland, when I was there last. I'm glad I incorporated Finland into my YT introduction.

Enjoying your channel; it came up as a KZfaq recommendation after I watched a few clips about living in Japan. I'm not planning on studying in Finland, but look forward to visiting and learning about country through your clips. Feels like I'd fit right in (as an atypically reserved American.) Keep up the good work.

Your videos are great! They have a really good quality not only from the content. Editing and sound are also well done. I came to Finland one year ago and it would have been great to know your tips before! These ones will be helpful in future. :) Keep it up!

Hi Oliver! My daughter was accepted in University of Helsinki,Faculty of Science.Hopefully,she'll be there this coming Spring,can you please make a video featuring Kumpula Campus?Thanks😍

Thanks for the great Video,Oliver. Its really informative as usual. I'm planning to apply to UoH this December and I always watch your video to get insight about Finland.

Biologically I am 1/4 Finnish. But after watching this, I'd say culturally I'm close to 100%! I embody so much of what was presented here, it's uncanny! I have embraced my Finnish grandfather's culture for sure!

Thanks for the information. Even though I don't know anyone from Finland, you provided a very clear explanation about the Finnish people. 😄

i love your channel topic and ur uploads. my best friend from austria fell in love with a finnish woman and now he s there - so its great to learn from your channel about his "different life "

It was kind of funny to trace EACH of these traits deep inside me. And though as I live in St. Petersburg I'm not a man of Finnish culture, it's fascinating to see how my distant Finnish ancestry is so deeply ingrained in me (my dad is "inkerinsuomalainen" by birth, and I have a Finnish surname, LOL). Much love to ur country, guys

All of this is super sensible, more natural and preferable in my opinion. I don't like the way it is in the USA, even though I was born and raised in the US. Everything you discussed makes far more sense to me. When I was younger and applying for work, I could not understand at all how people expected you to "sell" yourself. People advised me to change my behavior to meet the expectation norms. After watching this video, it's almost as if I had been born and raised in Finnish culture and needed coaching to comprehend the social norms of the country where I actually am from. I have been blown away by the unexpected and baffling dishonesty from people, including misrepresentation of many kinds. Also the disrespect of not informing others of impending failure to meet a deadline, schedule or other sort of agreement. Moreover, I abhor the intrusive cultural norm that is so common in the USA which causes people to presume that a lot of personal things (including finances), are suitable to inquire about or discuss, even with people you only just met.

I love this about the initiative. I'm a long time English fan of Finland and have always found Finnish people to be friendly, warm and with a great sense of humour. I get a bit sick of the endless stream of videos (usually made by Finns) about how you must never speak to anybody you don't know in public! You've hit the nail on the head! Finns are shy to take the initiative and to talk to strangers but in fact when somebody else breaks the ice for them and makes the first move they react really positively and are very friendly.

Thank you for the excellent and informative videos. You have the perfect society with a set of good values

You did this on my birthday! It's a sign!

Videoiden laatu paranee joka kerta, hienoa että katsojiakin on. Kiitos kun näet vaivaa näiden eteen, jopa suomalaisten on vaikea löytää netistä vastauksia moniin asioihin. Odotan jo seuraavaa videota! :)

As an American I feel feel my own personal values and standards connect well with the Finnish people. I value the standards that you set.

Your coat reminds me of Jonas from the Netflix series: 'Dark'. 😄 By the way great information 👍

Thank you brother ❤️🤘 I hope to do my high education in finland ,thats video very useful me

0:48 Here in the Netherlands it's exactly the same and even more fast forward. No small-talk or other nonsens, just cut right to the chase. To us it's normal but most view the Dutch as blund and rude. I know some Fins here and they feel pretty much at home caus we share the same attitude.

Hello Oliver, Your are doing an awesome job in guiding and motivating people who are very ambitious about Finland, can you share some information about student accommodation in Tampere region?

Good video for reflecting on why I get annoyed with behaviors in Canada. I left Helsinki at the age of 9 (back in 1958) and being reclusive natured I am probably twice as introverted as the typical Finn. What raises my critical ire in this country is the lack of reliability, unkept promises, forgotten commitments. I tend to be very friendly with the people I've gotten to know but I am quick to dismiss people who fail my expectations. Isolated I have tended to remain extremely Finnish in my attitudes. Thanks for this video. Very revealing.

My American son moved there 5 years ago and I can say that your advice is spot on!

I love Finnish people. Me and my family since I was born we run our lives here in the US the same way. My late mother and father advocated that when we had an appointment that we arrive early and when we would be in public to respect other people's comfort areas. I totally agree with the Finnish notion not to ask about another person's income, it's nobody's business.

This video was sooo useful!!! Thanks!!! I really want to visit Finland one day as a tourist!!! It's 1 of my top destinations ever!!!

What I learned about Finns from social media online is the Finns I’ve encountered have a superb command of English.

The emphasis on punctuality (from your various informative videos) makes me wonder what people were thinking and feeling when this happened to me: We were going to an opera in Savonlinna, and had taken a public dinner cruise which would drop us off at the venue in Olavinlinna Castle. The boat was late in docking, and from memory the performance was held up for us. From memory there was some suggestion that the captain might have been unfamiliar with the waters, maybe because they weren’t local?

Really cool, from my side i don't see them weird at all (these tips) 👌

As an American (more specifically Texas), I found this both very interesting and fascinating, from a purely complimentary point :) Thank you :)

Confirmed by a Finn. Every word is true. Good video!

I'm not a Finn, but I can really relate to everything you say in the video 😂 The more I learn about Finland, the more I think it's the perfect country for me😊

My grandmother was Finnish. Her parents were from Laihia and Karstula. She was born and raised in Calumet, Michigan, USA. Some of my known Finnish surnames: Ahonen, Lehtola, Maki, Tapperi, Watilo.

I had the honour to collaborating with some Finnish Freelancers as an artist, and I had been impressed. Besides the quality of Production, the communication and politeness (also cleverness) are such marking elements of Collaboration, Never visited Finland, but I wish one day 🙏❤️

Very much enjoy these videos. You speak excellent English, btw.

i liked all ur videos related to finland. Hoping to come for university studies.

your videos are very helpfull

The Nokia sub-topic is absolute funny 😂 I think, Finnish want to talk. But you must start first. They also doesn't afraid to voice their right, say if being duped by seller, in shop or just anything to stand with their principles - as long as discussion is genuinely educational and lead to somewhere. So sometimes you can hear, sometimes they just silent. I remember going to exhibition where you have to pay for admission fee, and this guy stopped a while and just not going out, though many already realized just few steps away it will be reaching the end of the tunnel. The logic is, it too pricey and just something not nice to practice around in touristic area. It might be the culture. Or selecting what good timing to talk, and if it won't improve anything better just stay silent and do your own business.

Lol, won't agree at least with the last one. Always asking people here from uni about finances (even that i'm from Russia, where it's mostly considered really impolite for some reason, haha) and they're mostly super easy to talk about it. I was really glad about that :)

What a great channel! For anyone who doesn't believe the Finnish strongly prefer punctuality, at 7:50 our Finnish host stops explaining THAT they do, and begins to explain WHY they do, and what ramifications your lateness may have on those whose time you didn't respect. I thought it was really funny, and I think the Finnish must be very pleasant to live among.

I'm a Finn and don't know why I'm watching this

We are finns. Humility and expressionless is our bliss, modesty and feeling of shame is our pride, Silent and quietly speaking is our politeness, being sulky, grumpy and self-underrating is our sympathy and honesty is our duty. You cannot know anything about real honesty if you don´t know some finns.

My Grandmother on My Mother's side who was Finnish was definitely a Quiet somewhat Shy Lsdy. But once She got passed that She was a real People Person. Even though She died in the 90's People still talk about what a Lovely Warm Lady She was. She taught by example what it meant to be a Real Lady or Gentleman is. Basically Good To Everyone Also Simple Elegance. People tell Me I'm A Warm, Cuddly Lady as was My Mother. I once had a conversation about this topic with an Old Family Friend of German and Dutch Decent. Mentioned what a Lady My Mother and I are. When I mentioned My Grandmother came from Finland, She said "Now It Makes Sense!" I inherited Her Gift for Reading People generally My Instincts About People Are Right. I was a Shy Little Girl. But partly because of those Instincts, I'm more Outgoing than My Grandmother. I generally have a Dramatic Streak especially when I getting dressed up. It sounds like Modest Finnish People would fit in well in Australia. Over here if someone develops A Large Ego, We'll Put Them In Their Place. No matter who they are. Even Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman are Modest, Approachable People even though they're famous. Unlike American Fans, generally We remember they're still People and Don't Mob Them. My only Phobia, The Fear Of Being Late sounds like it could come in handy in Finland. Sometimes I even have Mild Panic Attacks. Usually I'm ready to go in plenty of time, having planned ahead. Because I don't drive, usually other people make Me late. I consider it Good Manners to let people know if I'm going to be late or not going to be able to go somewhere. I'm careful about saying I'll do something, if I'm unsure I'll say Maybe. If I say "Yes!" to something you can take My word for it, if at all possible. I gave up trying to lie as a child.

This makes me wonder how well Finnish people know each other before marrying each other (or even after having been married for awhile).

I am American, and almost every point you make is considered common courtesy around the world. It’s just that a lot people in the US have become lax about observing common courtesies and teaching them in school, at work and at home. I think it’s fantastic that Finns are so disciplined, modest and empathetic. If only it were sunnier I would probably consider moving there!

hey Oliver can you please make a video on pathway to Finland courses in edunation. thanks in advance enjoy ur videos

On the first topic you covered, I have an anecdote. I'm American, and I visited Helsinki in 2017 for WorldCon 75 (big sci-fi convention). I was there for about a week at the end of August. I stayed in an AirBnB a few miles away from the convention center and bused in each morning. One morning while waiting for the bus (silently! because no one at the bus station said a single word to anyone else), I saw two women across the street, both walking their dogs, in opposite directions. As they approached, the dogs went nuts trying to get at one another, barking, snarling, etc. In the US if this happened, either the owners would get into a yelling match about whose dog was at fault OR they'd apologize and commiserate about it before moving on. But neither of these two women said a single word. Each restrained their dog and both turned and went back in the direction they'd come from. That was just totally bizarre to me. :) Is that typical?

I would do SO WELL in Finland! People who are late makes me crazy and I agree, it's disrespectful of other people's time.

My Great Grandparents immigrated to America from Finland. I have always wanted to visit Finland. I have my Great Grandmother's diary but it is in Finnish. Any advice on how I can get it translated?

Ive been laughing about this thumbnail for 5 minutes 😂😂😂👋🏻 ure just awesome

It seems that Finns and Germans are quite similar, especially when it comes to the preconceived notions/prejudices, being distant, rather underselling themselves than overselling themselves, being punctual, sticking to a schedule ... 😊

I do like that there is a country were punctuality is not just respected but appreciated. Greetings from Italy

These things vary from age and culture. Fins are not the only people who don't do "small talk". My expectation is that younger people will not approach older people out of respect, at least the young, and others of perhaps different class, people who are respectful, something that appears to be declining in some areas. Self reliance and a willingness to help others may be found more in rural areas, in the USA for example. (experiances may vary) Punctuality can vary too, In a book published some time ago (1980s?) in the US titled "Rules of the Thumb" there was a rule for when to expect guests to arrive at a party. If it was to start at 7 expect the younger people to arrive at 8 or 9 when the party is going well. While people over 50 who are invited might show up at 6 to help you set up.

I think that your way of life is great. You should visit the Island of Ikaria in Ellas (Greece) Long life is enjoyed there.

I'm from Philippines and I have Finnish friend😁 She's friendly but so introvert,I haven't met her yet,Hoping in the future.

Finland sounds like a wonderful country, I think I would be very happy there. Oh to be young again and able to just up and move to a new country and a new life lol

This description of Finnish habits fits 1:1 to me, a German. I think Finns and Germans are generally quite alike, especially the facts about punctuality, finances and that we don't like small talk.

Hi, oliver. Great content. Have been watching these forever. I have planned to apply for a finnish university. Specifically Aalto University. Could you help me with the motivational letter. I have written it, but wants someone who knows the university well to go through it and see if its something that the pannel would accept. Keep up the good work!

I will watch some of your video. I am from Lismore North Coast NSW 20 minutes Byron Bay and 2 hour Gold Coast Queensland. I am civil engineer which I studied at University of Technology of Sydney, I completed my studies 1978.

In the title pic for this video, you make an extraordinary face. So, Oliver, I was wondering whether you had a gallery of faces you make during overall parties.

What you talked about same in Netherlands. Especially the time thing.

About the 2nd point, I think the word "reserved" would describe us the best

As a kiwi, I'm watching this video and thinking it sounds like my dream... Even if I have to unlearn some of the habits I've picked up dealing with recruiters in this country.

Wished my people would learn these from Finnish people a bit, especially with the not being overtly friendly thing. It's overwhelming how people where I am don't have any regards to one's personal space or privacy and EVERYONE from the store clerk to taxi drivers want to know EVERYTHING about you down to even your love life! -_- I gotta say tho, If I was a guest in Finland, I myself would preferrably refrain from initiating conversations to most Finnish people there for more or less the exact same reason you mentioned Finnish people don't initiate conversations. I'd be thinking that "Well I'm a guest here and maybe these people are just not happy with seeing me in their country so maybe I shouldn't bother them or force them to talk to me or even attract unneccessary attention to myself" or "I'm just some prancing all smiles relaxed tourist here with plenty of time to have fun and chill when these people live here and probably are very busy going through their chores and errands and busy days, so maybe I shouldn't get in their ways" and as someone from a dictatorship ravaged-in-the-name-of-nasty-religion country that's been doing abysmally for the past 45 years (Persia) while Finland is one of the most progressive and free and the best countries as we speak, I'd be thinking that the chances of me having to face even explicit racism from Finnish people would be pretty high (I almost never heard of Finnish people being racist tho, that'd just be one of my possible pessimistic worries generally speaking). So, if I was there I'd probably just try to go about my time keeping a low profile and trying not to bother anyone with any extra conversations and just do all the fun sightseeing stuff and learning and all that. Thanks for the vid.

About my business yes all my customers must pay their invoices at due date and moneys must appear to my company back account at mean time i.e 10:30 O'clock sharp not before or after that time ;)

I was told Finns won't initiate talks or even talk much, but today, just today, I took the initiative and asked my Finnish manager what's he up to, and he spoke very nicely about his family trips. Yes, we maintain good rapport with common interest so.

So I've lived my life in the US. Money: I find most people I know just don't discuss personal finances with others. Even within my family, talking about personal wealth (or the lack of it) is considered...It's none of your F&%@# business. Asking for help is a sign of weakness. (Only men don't stop to ask for directions, according to women...LOL). Punctuality, especially in business, is an absolute must! Like you said, don't waste my time, and regardless of when the meeting starts, it ends promptly as the designated time. A minute or two on either side is usually acceptable, as long as you explain your tardiness. Because the US is so large and diverse these things may or may not be important to you. I lived in Chicago, The City That Works! So, we did! Love your content. Bon Chance mon ami! Oh, on one of your other posts, I found the two doors really odd! I live in a building built in the 60's. We have solid core doors and only 26 neighbors....

I am the same way. I don't do late! A couple minutes is fine but anything after 10 minutes I consider rude. I am quite a reserved person so putting the social initiative in for me is not likely. I tend to be honest on my resume but under sell myself because of the whole lying thing and because I have been at college for 12 and a half years now (I am serious). I don't want employers to feel intimidated, think I will leave in a few months, or give the position a way to someone else.

Ahhh my spirit-people lol.. I do believe financial transparency is important within the same workplace, where you’re uncertain if equal pay (for equal work and duration of employment) is being upheld. Although Finland is an extremely equitable country by reputation, you might not have the same issues as one might have in the US- especially as a woman.

6:24 I highly disagree with that part. My wife since the first date she arrives late, neither her friends know what is get on time 😅. alarms to wake up is minimum 15 sets every 5 min on two different devices.

I would like to ask you sweep floor at Finland can earn how much Euro

this is a great video... I guess you are Finnish? your English is fantastic

Best of Finns: NO talks. Worst of Finns: NO talks. When it start, some very important was happened and it continue too long. Why is that? Finns was hunter-catchering, not long ago and silence is gold while hunting. To Finns, forest is safe place and no need owner permit to go forest for walking.

I think the first fact also kinda applies to Germans too in some way. At least I am not always that much into Small Talk, up to the situation and Person I'm dealing with. XD The punctual is so german as well! I am always a bit earlier at the place than to late. I HATE waiting for someone to show up so much xD You finish people would hate my sister so much lol she's always late even tho we set a time to be together... xD To me it sounds like Finish and German People are pretty simular in many things. Or at least that's how it seems to me. We don't like talking about money as well. XD

In hoas website, can we find apartments in oulu....

Even though I was born in America of 100% Finnish parents, (both sets of grandparents were immigrants here in the early 1900’s I think) I really identify with these things still!

Ah yes I recall being shocked moving from London to LA and finding people asked about the price I paid for things. That was 50 years ago but there's still a gap in poilite noseyness between Europe and the colonies

in regards to punctuality just remember if the say be there for half 10 they mean 9.30.

if you are same level pay grade can be discussed but if you are on managerial level it can be aquard if someone has settled for 2000 less and performing better than his collegues.

I hate small talk! I would love to go into a meeting and actually start the meeting on time!

But then how do you have conversations with one another? (BTW: I have the tendency to feel rude about "butting in" on people, too.)

You always have cool jackets.

I’m more looking to move to someplace with better social programs, a more relaxed climate. I really just want to work, do my hobbies, start a family and watch my kids grow.

This is very similar to the U.S. It's considered rude to ask people how much money they earn, the value of their properties or investments, etc. In some cultures, people are more open about it, but it is very rude in America or Canada.

As an Australian watching this, I think we are more Dutch like in our culture- we are super blunt. If you ever watched The Sapphires- I am not too sure how a Finnish would fit into our inverted world, or perhaps how a Finn might take to an Aussie .

Germany, Finland and Sweden are my favorite countries in northern Europe!🇵🇹👍🏻

Some things are similar to Dutch people, e.g. be on time, stick to your promises and not overselling themselves.

If you bought something for a good bargain you can tell the price or ask about it. Even if price is secondary to us Finns, if we know someone would benefit from the same deal we will tell to that person. We just value more if something we buy is usefull, needed or is sentimental for us.If a 5000 euros couch is design and expensive we will tell it but also if it´s awful to sit that is gonna be highlighted, not the price. Same with cheaper couch. And being envy of someone who has it better than us as individual is not uncommon but comes from the fact of low selfesteem or modesty gone too far, not really how big a pay someone gets.

Question do I need a bachelor degree in psychology to have a Phd in Psychology in Finland

Also, in Finland, we do not talk with our hands (what are you doing?)