For this interview, I spoke with an immigrant living in Finland who preferred to remain anonymous. To protect their identity, I will refer to them as "Aarav." Aarav moved to Finland three years ago in search of better career opportunities and a stable life. Our conversation revolved around his experiences integrating into Finnish society, the challenges he faced, and his thoughts on calling Finland his new home.
Aarav mentioned that one of the biggest difficulties he faced was the language barrier. Even though many Finns speak English, he found that learning Finnish was essential for daily life, especially for interacting with government services and the workplace. He has been attending Finnish language classes, but the slow progress has been frustrating. Another challenge was adjusting to Finland’s reserved social culture. In his home country, people are generally more expressive and sociable, whereas in Finland, social interactions tend to be more formal and reserved, making it difficult to make new friends.
Despite the challenges, Aarav found several aspects of integration relatively easy. The efficiency of public services, the safety of the country, and the fairness in society made him feel secure and welcome. He appreciated the structured approach Finland has for helping immigrants, such as integration programs and language courses. Aarav also highlighted how work opportunities and a stable environment gave him a sense of belonging.
When asked if he feels at home in Finland, Aarav gave a mixed response. While he has grown to appreciate the Finnish way of life, he still struggles with loneliness and sometimes misses the liveliness of his home country. However, he believes that as his language skills improve and he builds more social connections, Finland will feel more like home.
From this interview, I realized that integration is a complex process that depends on multiple factors, including language, social connections, and cultural adaptation. I believe the best way to support immigrants is through accessible language education, community-building activities, and mentorship programs that help newcomers navigate Finnish society. Integration also affects an immigrant’s identity, as they must balance their own cultural heritage with adapting to a new way of life. It requires both personal effort and societal support. In conclusion, Aarav’s story is a reminder that while integration can be challenging, it is possible with the right support systems and personal determination. Creating a more inclusive society benefits both immigrants and the host country, fostering a stronger, more diverse community.