Will I feel good in Finland?

[jenspe]

I don't see why you shouldn't be able to fit in great. True to be said, there are some prejudices towards Russians (mainly due to the historical background of our conflicting nations as well as the fact that many Russian tourists tend to act pround and unfriendly in our country) but I think your situation will be totally different if you are yourself willing to make an effort to fit in. In other words, it is important that you actively try to make friends with Finns and show that you are interested in getting to know us, our culture and our customs. In addition to this, showing serious interest towards learning the Finnish language is probably one of the best ways to convince us Finns that you really are devoted to making an effort to fit in and win our trust Personally, I have nothing against Russians per se (I even know some quite well) but I do agree that acting proud and being stubborn about not communicating anything in Finnish (generally, not even in English) are those things that give a negative impression of Russians.

[UkrainianGuy]

Thanks, Guys. Very useful info.

[Upphew]

Personally, I have nothing against Russians per se (I even know some quite well) but I do agree that acting proud and being stubborn about not communicating anything in Finnish (generally, not even in English) are those things that give a negative impression of Russians.

Many don't know English, but communicating face to face with google translate gets pretty tedious in no time. I like to compare how they act to the Finns who travel abroad and try to communicate in Finnish, just louder, moan when there isn't karjalanpaisti or meatballs for food and act like they were still in Finland (or worse: act like they were rich and the natives were untermensch).

[foca]

Many don't know English, but communicating face to face with google translate gets pretty tedious in no time. I like to compare how they act to the Finns who travel abroad and try to communicate in Finnish, just louder, moan when there isn't karjalanpaisti or meatballs for food and act like they were still in Finland (or worse: act like they were rich and the natives were untermensch).

Saw something like that in Cyprus . ...besides I have seen so many Finns in St.Petersburg: drunk, most unfriendly and not being able to say even a couple words in English ( I am not talking about booze cruise ferries to Tallinn). If I ever tried to judge Finnish nation on the basis of such examples it would be a very unpleasant picture. Now a little about a common Russian tourist. He/she boards a bus at 3-4 in the morning , travels for 6-7 hours in a very uncomfortable sit to arrive at about 9-10 for the opening of the shops...Would anyone be friendly and talkative after such pleasant time?

There is some kind of Ukranian social club. They always put ads in The newspaper named Spektr.

[Upphew]

Many don't know English, but communicating face to face with google translate gets pretty tedious in no time. I like to compare how they act to the Finns who travel abroad and try to communicate in Finnish, just louder, moan when there isn't karjalanpaisti or meatballs for food and act like they were still in Finland (or worse: act like they were rich and the natives were untermensch).

It's not my habit to delete posts, so no need to quote them for safekeeping

[foca]

I am gonna get my iPhone and take a picture of this screen so it belongs to eternity now

[Upphew]

I am gonna get my iPhone and take a picture of this screen so it belongs to eternity now

I thought it belonged to Apple then...

[Oombongo]

as Finnish exports are next to none

That's complete nonsense.

Per capita, Finland is exporting three times as much as the USA, and 20 times as much (sic) as China.

There are countries like Singapore or Germany that export more per capita, but in general Finland is pretty good at exporting.

I am a bit skeptical about your number specially for 2011 - 2012 when we are hearing about closures and layoffs on weekly basis.

[Upphew]

as Finnish exports are next to none

That's complete nonsense.

Per capita, Finland is exporting three times as much as the USA, and 20 times as much (sic) as China.

There are countries like Singapore or Germany that export more per capita, but in general Finland is pretty good at exporting.

I am a bit skeptical about your number specially for 2011 - 2012 when we are hearing about closures and layoffs on weekly basis.

Trade balance is at -1500 millions now. Last year ended in -2057, 2010 in -616.
http://www.tulli.fi/fi/tiedotteet/ulkom ... 12_E09.pdf

And for some reason those numbers don't agree with these: http://www.tulli.fi/fi/suomen_tulli/ulk ... 4-2011.xls

[Adrian42]

as Finnish exports are next to none

That's complete nonsense.

Per capita, Finland is exporting three times as much as the USA, and 20 times as much (sic) as China.

There are countries like Singapore or Germany that export more per capita, but in general Finland is pretty good at exporting.

I am a bit skeptical about your number specially for 2011 - 2012 when we are hearing about closures and layoffs on weekly basis.

The daily news are not that relevant, important is the general picture. Even in Germany there are many news about layoffs, but the unemployment rate there is still the lowest of the last 20 years.

Finland exporting more per capita than the USA or China doesn't change that suddenly, and your claim "as Finnish exports are next to none" simply tells that you don't have any clue about the actual state of the Finnish economy - Finland is in reality quite good at exporting.

[foca]

I am gonna get my iPhone and take a picture of this screen so it belongs to eternity now

I thought it belonged to Apple then...

Apple equals eternity ???

[Vit]

Here in Singapore I also stay away from Russian groups ... you may guess why.

[UkrainianGuy]

Here in Singapore I also stay away from Russian groups ... you may guess why.

I guess, you stay away from Ukrainian groups as well, as there isn't any difference between Russian and Ukrainian mentality.
I can't disagree that Russians behave differently, not like people from Italy or China but isn't it natural?
If you mean to say that it's only Russians who get wasted on Fridays or behave in an arrogant way then you are mistaken.
Such people you can see in every country. Russians just happen to live nearby
Anyway, what I wanted to say is that in my opinion it's quite shameful to ignore people of your (almost) origin or be ashamed of them. And what's worse - to start conversation emphasizing the fact that you are not dirty Russian but honest and trustworthy Ukrainian guy

Ps I'm Russian

Well, mate, I know what you are talking about and what you may feel. I don't want hurt any Russian on this forum, and also I have good Russian friends, but not so many. Nobody says that everyone in Russia is bad, but the culture (behavior of the most of population) is awful. We have very nice and friendly Ukrainian group in my current location and lots of nice Russians also come and welcomed.
No matter what you think or whatever floats your boat, we, Ukrainians, are different kind of people: we respect both Europeans and Russians and others. We are not ashamed to talk with Russians, but help us guys to make it comfortable.

Not to mention gas dispute: you say that we are the same, but at the same time pushing a pressure on our economy by selling gas much more expensive than to other European countries which are far away from us. Good luck with your neighbourhood policy.

[Vit]

//////

[Upphew]

But why are you so concerned about what others think of you?
Be yourself and be proud of yourself and one day people will like you. You can't please everyone

Except in Finland. Proud Russians get the evil eye while we Finns wonder what other people think about us.