Foreign qualifications - In need of opinions/advice

[gri23]

Hi. I've been thinking about working in Finland someday, so I'd like to get a clear picture as to the chances I might have there. I'm a vet student in Romania with 3 years left to graduate (out of 6), trying to figure out which way to go in the future. Basically the questions are:
1.What requirements does one have to meet in order to be able to work(i.e. is the licence recognised? If not, what is the procedure?)
2. What are the minimum language requirements and is it humanely possible to learn finnish by yourself? Can you get about with knowing only swedish?
3. Given the situation, how insane do you think the idea is?
Sincere answers are most appreciated, even if they are negative. Thanks

[Upphew]

http://www.sell.fi/index.php?id=391

[Rip]

1.What requirements does one have to meet in order to be able to work(i.e. is the licence recognised? If not, what is the procedure?)

Ask from them: http://www.evira.fi/portal/en/evira/abo ... _surgeons/ As you are from EU area, I assume the formal requirements aren't the biggest problem.

2. What are the minimum language requirements and is it humanely possible to learn finnish by yourself? Can you get about with knowing only swedish?

I think it would require truly extra ordinary talent to be successful in self study abroad. Even if it would in theory be possible to service Swedish speaking customers only, you'd restrict your options geographically and otherwise greatly. It seems like profession where you can't assume your clients would know English sufficiently to either A) manage with it B) be willing to use it if there is a native option available.

3. Given the situation, how insane do you think the idea is?

Do you have some other reason (somebody?) why you want to move specifically to Finland, because otherwise one wonders 'why'? There are probably some number of EU countries (other than UK and Ireland) whose language you know at least to some extent already, and you'd find learning the others, quite possible without a single exception, easier than learning Finnish. With sufficient effort it should be possible to mange here too, but I just wonder does it make sense for you?

[rinso]

Your degree would probably be recognized. But in addition you need to pass an exam about the Finnish veterinary regulations. (vets in Finland have an official role in treatment of several infectious deceases) And that exam is in Finnish. And from what I heard the exam is not a walk in the park.

There are 4 mainstream areas for vets:
- countryside (employed by local communities) this group is diminishing and foreigners have little chance here.
- city, private small animal practice (you're on your own, income depends on competition and if people come to a "foreign vet")
- food/medicine industry
- state/province authorities (no chance as a foreigner)

Finnish vet students do a lot of practice periods and get a lot of contacts that way. It will be difficult to compete with their network. In the end you might find yourself in a place in the middle of nowhere where nobody wants to work.

[Pursuivant]

As for learning Finnish, you are very lucky, as due to the Hungarian connection in Transylvania there is actually an university teaching Finnish, and a few Romanian books on learning Finnish.

[gri23]

Hi, thank you for replying.

...

3. I don't have a serious motive (like close friends, etc), it was just a personal idea. Like I said, I have a lot of time ahead and am not rushing anywhere right now. Finland just seems fascinating, at least from the outside.

...

So it seems the language would be the main problem. I hear that finnish grammar is near impossible, although i find the pronuntiation very easy compared to swedish for example, since it is somewhat like in our language.
Basically I was curious if foreigners stand a chance here, even if theoretically they know the language. Any related field would suffice, not strictly working with animals.

...

Yes, apparently there are places that teach beginner-intermediate finnish, for a cost.
Again, thanks.