Kefiso Ry - Kenyan Finnish Society can try help Kenyan students in Finland in various ways:

*Cultural Support*: We can provide a sense of community and support for Kenyan students by organizing cultural events, celebrations, and gatherings that help them connect with their

 *Information and Guidance*: We can offer information and guidance on various aspects of living and studying in Finland, including accommodation, healthcare, work opportunities, and Finnish language support.

*Social Support*: We can create a support system for Kenyan students, offering assistance with any challenges they may face while studying abroad, such as homesickness, academic difficulties, or cultural adjustment.

By offering these resources and support systems, Kefiso can try to help Kenyan students to succeed in their studies and feel comfortable in Finland and have a more satisfying and successful study experience.

 

Welcome to Finland! 🇫🇮

Dear Student,

KEFISO Ry - Kenyan Finnish Society is a registered non-profit organization that represents the Kenyan community in Finland. You can find us www.kefiso.fi and Facebook under the name Kefiso ry.

This guide contains useful information and tips to help you prepare for your arrival in Finland, find accommodation, understand the study culture, and adapt to Finnish life. Additionally, you will find information about healthcare, financial support, and leisure activities.

Please also refer to the comprehensive guide for students provided by the through this link: https://migri.fi/en/guide-for-students

Here you can also find good information: https://www.studyinfinland.fi/ 

Finland is known for its high-quality education system that emphasizes equality and individual learning. The Finnish education system is consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Useful tips for Kenyan students to adapt well to life in Finland:

Finnish culture values honesty, punctuality, and personal space. Handshaking is common when meeting someone for the first time. Finns are generally polite but may not immediately strike up conversations with strangers on buses or trains. Finns are warm and friendly once you get to know them. Unfortunately, racism can also occur in Finland, and some people may be unfriendly towards you.

Explore Ethnic Grocery Stores:

In Finland, you can find ethnic grocery stores that offer a variety of African spices, food items, and halal meat. These stores can help you find familiar ingredients and make your cooking experience more enjoyable.

 

Learn Finnish:

Attend Finnish language courses or study independently.

Use the language actively in daily life: converse in Finnish, read Finnish books, and watch Finnish movies.

Participate in language cafes and tandems to practice with others.

Explore Finnish Culture:

Attend local events and celebrations.

Familiarize yourself with Finnish food, music, and traditions.

Understand Finnish humor and social norms.

Make Finnish Friends:

Join student organizations, hobby groups, or volunteer work.

Engage in group activities and network with fellow students.

Be open and proactive in building new friendships.

Prioritize Well-Being:

Take care of your physical and mental health.

Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.

Seek support from student health services if needed.

Be Patient and Open-Minded:

Adaptation takes time, so don’t stress unnecessarily.

Embrace new experiences and learn from mistakes.

Here are some important things to help you settle in:

1. Weather and Dressing:

Winter: Winter in Finland can indeed be quite cold, especially in the northern regions.

Duration: Winter lasts about 200 days in Lapland and 3-4 months in southern Finland.

Temperature: In northern Finland, it’s typically below zero Celsius degrees for most of winter. In the coldest spells, temperatures can plummet to -30°C or even lower.

Snow: The entire country is likely to be covered in snow, turning Finland into a magical winter wonderland.

Northern Lights: Under the dark winter skies, the Northern Lights are most vivid.

Dressing Tips in winter: Remember to bundle up warmly and enjoy the unique experiences that Finland offers during this chilly season!

Layering: Dress in layers. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add insulating layers (wool or merino), and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.

Materials: Opt for natural fabrics like wool, merino wool, alpaca, yak, and mohair. Avoid synthetic materials (polyester, nylon) that won’t keep you warm.

Accessories: Keep hands, head, and feet warm. Sunglasses are essential due to bright snow.

Spring: Spring arrives in April (earlier on the coast and later inland). The highlight is May 1st, when Finns gather for picnics, regardless of the weather.

Summer: Pleasantly warm, with 24-hour daylight in southern Finland from late May to mid-September. Lapland’s summer starts later and ends earlier. Finnish summers are delightful. The average temperature is around +20°C, but it can be much warmer in the south. Enjoy the long daylight hours and white nights – even daylight at midnight!

Autumn: Begins around late August in Lapland and a month later in southwestern Finland. Expect rainier weather and beautiful foliage (“ruska”).

Activities:

Winter -Try skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing.

Relax in a traditional wood-fired sauna.

Summer - If some of your Finnish friend go to a lakeside cottage try to go with him/her and you can embrace the Finnish love for lakes.

Experience a traditional sauna.

Attend open-air concerts and music festivals.

Here are some wonderful autumn activities you can enjoy in Finland:

See the Season’s First Northern Lights:

Autumn is one of the best times to witness the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) in Finland.

The first peak time starts around August when the Earth aligns well with the sun.

As nights get longer, there’s a good chance you’ll see the dancing, shimmering lights covering the night sky.

Explore “Ruska” in National Parks:

“Ruska” is a Finnish word for the colorful autumn foliage.

Visit national parks to witness the breathtaking transformation of leaves into shades of yellow, red, and brown.

Forage in the Forests:

Autumn is perfect for foraging fresh, wild food from the forest.

Berries: Pick lingonberries, blueberries, and cloudberries – they’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Mushrooms: Explore the forest floor for edible mushrooms like chanterelles and porcini.

Enjoy the Harvest Season:

Visit local markets and farms to experience the bounty of autumn produce.

Try seasonal vegetables, apples, and other fresh goodies.

 

Language Tips:

Finnish can be challenging, but don’t worry! Many Finns also speak English.

Learn a few basic phrases:

Greetings:

“Tervetuloa” (Welcome)

“Hei”, “Moi”, “Terve” (Hello)

“Hyvää päivää” (Good day)

Polite Expressions:

“Kiitos” (Thank you)

“Ole hyvä” (You’re welcome)

“Anteeksi” (Excuse me / I’m sorry)

Common Questions:

“Mitä kuuluu?” (How are you?)

“Miten menee?” (How’s it going?)

Public Transportation:

Finland’s public transportation is efficient, reliable, and punctual.

Buses, trains, and ferries are popular modes of transport.

Remember that vehicles depart according to the planned schedule – they don’t wait until full like in Kenya.

City Bikes:

City bikes are available in many Finnish cities, including Helsinki. You can rent them with just a tap on your phone using an app. These bikes are typically stationed at various locations throughout the city. They’re a convenient way to explore the city, especially during warmer months. Remember to follow traffic rules and return the bike to a designated station when you’re done.

 

Electric Scooters:

Companies like Voi offer electric scooters for hire in Helsinki and also in other bigger cities. Download the Voi, BOLT or some other app, locate a nearby scooter, and unlock it using the app. You can ride the scooter within the city limits. Be aware of parking rules – park by designated signs, bike racks, or painted bays. Enjoy the freedom of zipping around the city on an electric scooter! 🛴🚲 Remember to ride safely and explore the unique atmosphere of Finnish cities!

When pronouncing Finnish words in English, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Consonants:

Finnish has 13 consonant sounds: d, g, h, j, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, and t.

Unlike English, there is less aspiration (a puff of air) after pronouncing consonants in Finnish.

Vowels:

Finnish has 9 vowels: a, e, i, o, u, y, ä, and ö.

Pay attention to vowel harmony:

Front vowels (ä, ö, y) vs. back vowels (a, o, u).

Neutral vowels (e, i) can be used with either front or back vowels.

Stress:

Stress always falls on the first syllable of Finnish words.

Clusters:

Finnish words rarely have clusters of three or more consonants.

Most syllables alternate between vowels and consonants.

Remember to practice and listen to native speakers to improve your Finnish pronunciation!

Finnish (suomi)

Finnish is a Finnic language spoken mainly in Finland and Sweden, and also in Estonia and Norway. In 2018 there were 5.7 million speakers of Finnish in Finland, 500,000 of whom spoke Finnish as a second language, and the rest were native speakers. In 2009 there were 201,000 Finnish speakers in Sweden.

Until 1809 Finland was a part of Sweden, and Swedish was the official language. From 1863, the Finnish language could be used, along with Swedish, when dealing with authorities. From 1883, civil servants were obliged to use the Finnish language, and to issue documents in Finnish. In 1892, Finnish became an official language and gained a status comparable to that of Swedish.

Finnish is an official language in Finland, along with Swedish, and is one of the official languages of the EU.

The Finnish Alphabet - Suomen kielen aakkoset