Learn About the Countries: Finland
Finland boasts an awesome public transportation system that is not only safe enough for individual travel, but is
also comfortable and reliable. Other highlights include, the awesome excitement of winter sports; Finns can never get enough hockey, skiing, skating, or ice swimming. The city of Kuopio hosts a huge ski jump, attracting Olympic ski jumpers to Finland. Finns also love to go to sauna, which is a very welcome sight during the long winters. The holidays present creative traditions unique to Finnish history and culture; and the summers bring long days filled with celebrations and social activities.
Country Officer
Alan Grover(952) 448-7729
agrover@mn.rr.com
Interesting Facts about Finland
Finnish has a notorious reputation of being a difficult language, but of course a Finn would say that it is not difficult language, it's just different. Many people ask questions like 'Is Finnish like Swedish?' or 'Does everyone in Finland speak Russian?' A simple answer to both questions is 'No.' Finnish belongs to the Finno- Ugrian language group, which also includes Hungarian, Estonian, and Lapp. Learning Finnish can be a challenge, but the process will put one on the path to every Finns heart.
Other Finland Information
In no other European country can one find the genuine uniqueness of culture, music, lifestyle and language, as one finds in Finland. While many other countries have 'Americanized' their customs and holidays, Finland has held fast to it's well-earned identity which is displayed throughout the country with modesty and admiration through the architecture, the customs and the people which make up the country of Finland today. Learning the Finnish language is by far the greatest challenge for any exchange student, however, it is also the greatest accomplishment for any foreign student. The Finns, are by nature, very reserved people, and therefore, making friends may be a little difficult at first because Finns can be very shy about speaking English, in addition to being very reserved. However, speaking a few words in Finnish can open doors into a greater understanding of the Finnish culture, lifestyle, history, and most importantly the Finnish people.
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