Early planning: tips?

Laulena · Post by **Laulena** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 6:15 am

Hello, everyone!

Like many, I dream of moving to Finland. Here are some quick stats:

I am married
I am currently finishing a university degree (2 years out) in Electrical Engineering
I am working on language study
I have healthy savings and minimal debt
I am an American citizen

So, I realize learning the language is difficult. The language itself is so unique, but on top of this it is in low demand here in the States, it is even more difficult to study. I am doing what I can on my own, but would love any tips for sure.

Outside of that, I realize the global economy isn't exactly bustling, however I would hope my job field would have a glimmer of hope for a foreigner. Any thoughts on this?

I really want to do what I can. I have no intention of trying to go over without a job except for vacation type reasons. I would like to possibly get some sort of summer work-study exchange while still in school.. Or at least try to move as soon after graduation as possible. Thanks in advance for any advice, I've lurked these forums for a while!

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CatNip · Post by **CatNip** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:02 am

Hi,

Here is a complete list of Finnish language schools and Finnish university programs in US:
http://www.finland.org/public/default.aspx?nodeid=40999. Hope some of them are close to you:).
Some of them have a grant programs to study/work in Finland

dave071061 · Post by **dave071061** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:07 am

What you are missing is experience,
What you have to ask yourself is why should a potential employer even look at you as a candidate with all the additional work required to get your permit when there is no shortage of Electrical Engineering Graduates from Finnish Uni´s speaking fluent Finnish (And most of them also speak fluent English)

Your best bet is to try and get on some exchange program for now, and also plan to spend 5 yrs after you graduate getting some experience in your field.

Rip · Post by **Rip** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:22 am

Laulena wrote: I am married

Is he a Finnish national (would help with formalities and explain the 'why?' )
Then of course if he were, he should able to give you some support regarding the language study..
(If not, then what does he think about the idea?)

I am currently finishing a university degree (2 years out) in Electrical Engineering

I don't know field enough to advice what are the employment prospects (hiring vs. number of local graduates), or what specializations could be in demand. Most in Finnish universities of technology graduate with a Master's degree.

Outside of that, I realize the global economy isn't exactly bustling, however I would hope my job field would have a glimmer of hope for a foreigner. Any thoughts on this?

I can see a possibility for employment where the professional live would run on English language, how easy that would be I don't know (obviously easier if the economy does not collapse than if it does...)

I would like to possibly get some sort of summer work-study exchange while still in school..

Search what is available. Because of the required residence permit I guess the realistic options are some programs run by student/study organizations and then what you could find perhaps in a handful of the largest corporations. If you're lucky it might directly help you get the all important first proper job later...

Laulena · Post by **Laulena** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:38 pm

CatNip wrote:Hi,

Here is a complete list of Finnish language schools and Finnish university programs in US:
http://www.finland.org/public/default.aspx?nodeid=40999. Hope some of them are close to you:).
Some of them have a grant programs to study/work in Finland

Thanks! The only one close to me is one of the Suomikoulu locations. Does anyone have experience with these as an adult? On the website it mentions it's catered to younger students...

Rip wrote: Is he a Finnish national (would help with formalities and explain the 'why?' )
Then of course if he were, he should able to give you some support regarding the language study..
(If not, then what does he think about the idea?)

He is not, we are both American citizens. He's incredibly laid back and doesn't get anywhere near as excited as I do about anything, haha, but he is perfectly okay with the idea. He does like the idea of moving somewhere in Northern Europe.

Thanks for everyone's help so far; I truly appreciate it.

Upphew · Post by **Upphew** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 3:53 pm

EE... www.abb.us -> trainee programs... Finland is not mentioned, but that might be still one vector to consider?

Laulena · Post by **Laulena** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:10 pm

Upphew wrote:EE... http://www.abb.us -> trainee programs... Finland is not mentioned, but that might be still one vector to consider?

Bookmarked, thank you! This will be immensely attractive as graduation gets closer.

Upphew · Post by **Upphew** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 4:34 pm

Laulena wrote:
Upphew wrote:EE... http://www.abb.us -> trainee programs... Finland is not mentioned, but that might be still one vector to consider?
Bookmarked, thank you! This will be immensely attractive as graduation gets closer.

Check also other companies that might have presence in both countries. www.metso.com comes to my mind. www.polar.com? www.suunto.com? www.metawatch.org?

browndude · Post by **browndude** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 8:25 pm

Consider getting a masters in Engineering over here. You can also learn the language at the same time. Since you are a student, you might want to consider learning Swedish too.

Laulena · Post by **Laulena** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:46 pm

browndude wrote:Consider getting a masters in Engineering over here. You can also learn the language at the same time. Since you are a student, you might want to consider learning Swedish too.

This is a good idea but what is it like to support yourself as a student over there? Forgive me if there is an obvious answer!

browndude · Post by **browndude** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:51 pm

Laulena wrote:I have healthy savings and minimal debt

The "healthy savings" part would be the most obvious answer. Aside from that, I honestly do not know. You could check the "Studying in Finland" section for more answers.

Laulena · Post by **Laulena** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:09 pm

browndude wrote:
Laulena wrote:I have healthy savings and minimal debt
The "healthy savings" part would be the most obvious answer. Aside from that, I honestly do not know. You could check the "Studying in Finland" section for more answers.

Thanks

I checked it out. And yes, while I do have healthy savings, a portion of that would have to cover moving costs. Obviously it wouldn't take all my savings, but since I would be a foreign student, I would more than likely have to pay tuition and cost of living. Unfortunately, as much as I would love to get my Master's in Finland, I think it would be too expensive. Unless somehow my husband nailed a crazy good job, which I'm going to just rule out as being way too wishful thinking.

However, I'll continue to look into it... who knows, maybe the stars with align etc. Thanks for your suggestions, browndude.

Nice name btw

Rip · Post by **Rip** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:48 pm

Laulena wrote:since I would be a foreign student, I would more than likely have to pay tuition and cost of living.

Tuition is for free foreign students too, your living costs you'd have to cover yourself. If you're lucky, you might find some student price housing (there is some for couples too).

Laulena · Post by **Laulena** » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:51 pm

Rip wrote:
Laulena wrote:since I would be a foreign student, I would more than likely have to pay tuition and cost of living.
Tuition is for free foreign students too, your living costs you'd have to cover yourself. If you're lucky, you might find some student price housing (there is some for couples too).

Oh, really? Dang, I must've not looked at the right Universities then, haha! The ones I saw were charging tuition for non-Finland residents. Although it was on just some select programmes, too...

Well, if that is the case, it makes it much more possible to consider. Thanks!

CH · Post by CH » Tue Sep 27, 2011 1:00 am

Laulena wrote:Oh, really? Dang, I must've not looked at the right Universities then, haha! The ones I saw were charging tuition for non-Finland residents. Although it was on just some select programmes, too...

Well... I guess there are some programs that aren't free, but generally speaking, they should be all free of tuition. Just head over to the Studying in Finland section of this forum, lots of information there.

But well... my tip would be to go once again over the "why", especially if you want to settle down here, and how it matches with reality. You say you dream of living in Finland, and as a native I go... "Why???". I'm not saying your reasons aren't valid, but just make sure what you are looking for is actually here. "Dream of moving to Finland" just sounds to me like somebody is living in lala land, honestly. Now, if you are just out to look for an adventure, then never mind.

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