Finland with its over 5.2 million inhabitants is located in Europe and it is the northernmost country in the world after Iceland. The neighbouring countries are Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and Russia. Finland is a member state of the European Union and traditionally co-operates closely with other Nordic countries.
Languages in Finland
The majority of Finns speak Finnish as their mother tongue, but some six percent speak Swedish. A third language, Saami, spoken by a very small minority on northernmost Lapland, has as an official status along with Finnish and Swedish. As a visitor you do not need to speak and understand any of these languages, since most Finns, at least young people, speak English and often also many other foreign languages.
Economy
Finland is a parliamentary republic with a multiparty political system. The economy of Finland is based on private ownership and free enterprise. The traditional main manufacturing areas are forest industry, metal industry, chemicals and construction. Certain high-tech fields, such as computers and communications equipment, have grown spectacularly and are now the leading industries. Finland is the world leader in the development of mobile phones and their networks. Finland’s main trading partners are Germany, Sweden, Great Britain, the United States and Russia.
Nature and weather
Finland is also a land of four seasons, with moderate weather and long days in the summer, cold weather and long nights in the winter. Many Finns, as well as many foreigners, think the best thing in Finland is the unspoiled natural countryside with its lakes and forests, still relatively untouched by serious pollution.
The summer time with a lot of light (20 hours daylight in the middle on the summer) and greenery is the best time in Finland. The summer months are June, July and August. The real wintertime usually begins in December in Southern Finland when the permanent snow arrives. The days get shorter towards the end of the year and it is quite dark, even during the daytime, from November to February. There are only 4-5 hours of daylight during the darkest days. The snow starts melting usually in March. If you travel in Lapland the contrast between summer and winter is even more
distinct: the sun dos not set during summer and it does not rise for some months in the winter.
Living in Finland
Finland has much to offer, be open to it and it will give you an experience of a lifetime!
The weather has a very strong effect on the way people behave. During the wintertime people tend to be introverted and work or study hard. During the summertime, the very same people become more opne and social. They spend all day outside and meet other people in numerous summer events and festivals all over the country.
Warm winter clothes in not luxury in Finland. If you do not have winter clothes, i.e. a thick, warm jacket, boots, gloves and a proper winter hat which covers the ears, be prepared to buy them in Finland if you intend to stay over the winter. Although it is cold outside, the buildings are properly heated.
When in Finland, try to learn Finnish; it is good to know at least a few words. This will simplify your everyday life and enrich your experience! Besides it is fun learning a new, obscure language!
Studying at TKK
TKK is proud to take good care of its students. International Student Services helps exchange students find a place to live and, with the Office for Academic Affairs, the departments’ international advisers and tutors, assists international students in all concerns. Welcome to the international campus at TKK!
The city of Espoo
The city of Espoo, where TKK is located, lies on the southern coast of Finland next to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Together with Helsinki and Vantaa, Espoo forms the metropolitan area where nearly one fifth of Finland’s population lives. There are excellent connections from Espoo to Helsinki: TKK can be reached by bus from the centre of Helsinki in 15 minutes. Espoo was built to blend in with nature giving the town very original look. Together with the largest concentration of technology in northern Europe, Espoo is an interesting combination of peaceful nature and modern creativity.
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