Introduction
Janet is a 30-year-old bachelor’s student from Lagos, Nigeria, who arrived in Forssa, Finland, about six months ago to study Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Bioeconomy at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK). With a passion for merging technology with sustainable agriculture, she chose Finland for its global leadership in bioeconomy innovation. Her journey reflects the interplay between academic ambition, cultural adaptation, and the search for a sense of belonging in a quiet Finnish town.
Integration: Navigating Silence and Innovation
Forssa, a small city surrounded by forests and farmland, starkly contrasted Lagos’ bustling energy. “The silence was overwhelming at first,” Janet laughed. “In Nigeria, there’s always noise, loud music, chatter, life. Here, I learned to appreciate stillness.” Language barriers emerged quickly: while her courses were in English, daily interactions, like grocery shopping or doctor’s appointments, required basic Finnish, which she struggled to master. “I sometimes freeze at the checkout, overthinking simple phrases, or an appropriate response when I am being spoken to” she admitted.
Academically, Finland’s hands-on approach surprised her. “In Nigeria, education is theory-heavy. Here, we collaborate with companies on real projects.” The bioeconomy program’s focus on sustainability resonated with her upbringing in a family that valued farming. “My dad grows cassava in our small town in ekiti. Now I’m applying Finnish tech to solve problems like his,” she said.
Socially, integration was tougher. Forssa’s small international community left her longing for Nigeria’s communal warmth. “Making Finnish friends takes patience. People are kind but reserved. I joined some folks at the gym to connect, it’s quite awkward but fun!”
Feeling at Home?
She feels rooted in purpose but still torn. “I miss Nigerian chaos, our loud weddings, street food, family debates. But Finland gives me space to innovate.” She celebrates festivals like Nigeria’s Independence Day with other African students and shares Lagos-style jollof rice at gatherings. Yet, she’s also embraced Finnish sauna culture, calling it “therapy for the soul.”
Reflections on Integration and Identity
Janet’s experience aligns with Bicultural Identity Integration Theory, where she harmonizes Nigerian values with Finnish practices. She gave a nod to Nigeria’s agricultural heritage, while adopting Finland’s eco-tech methodologies.
To support integration, she highlights academic-industry partnerships and cultural exchange programs as vital. “HAMK’s collaboration with Finnish agri-tech firms gave practical experience and networking opportunities. ” She also stresses the need for mental health resources tailored to international students navigating cultural loneliness.
Integration, she argues, reshapes identity without erasing origins. “I’m Nigerian, but I now see solutions through a Finnish lens, efficient, sustainable, quiet. It’s like coding: merging different languages to create something functional and beautiful.”
My thoughts
Janet's story illustrates how niche academic fields can bridge cultural divides. Finland’s bioeconomy sector, combined with its educational innovation, offers unique opportunities for immigrants like her to contribute globally relevant skills. Yet, true integration demands more than structural support, it requires creating spaces where diverse identities thrive. As she pioneers tech solutions rooted in both Nigerian tradition and Finnish ingenuity, she embodies a future where cultural duality drives progress. Her journey reminds me that home is not a fixed place but a mosaic of experiences, constantly evolving.
Thank You!