HELP* Should i go or not??
HELP* Should i go or not??
HELP!! My Boyfriend is from Finland and really wants to move over there for a little while. I dont know the Finnish language or culture - and its a longway from my family & home country of Australia. I think it would be a good idea - but then i always get cold feet. Does anyone have any advice for me? Would love any at all!!!
Sorry - impossible to give any very detailed advice 
However you might look at it from his point of view as well - Australia is equally far from his home country & family... and obviously if you wish to be together then either of you do need to make the move so to speak... or both of you, in case you'd decide to live in Upper Volta for example 
Maybe you could hit a compromise of sorts? 1 year over here, 1 year over there... see what happens...?
However you might look at it from his point of view as well - Australia is equally far from his home country & family... and obviously if you wish to be together then either of you do need to make the move so to speak... or both of you, in case you'd decide to live in Upper Volta for example Maybe you could hit a compromise of sorts? 1 year over here, 1 year over there... see what happens...?
Hi Leesa,
I'm in the same boat (sort of). I have a Finnish girlfriend and am moving to Helsinki in September. I plan on staying for about 2 years.
My situation is a little more serious as we have a baby due soon. I'm excited about moving to Finland, even if I have only visited once (for three weeks).
If you have already thought about how it will all work, then my advice is to jump right in. But moving somewhere is different to visiting on holiday, it isn't something that should be done on a whim. You need to think about how difficult things could be and what you are going to do to make it all work. It's very different to Australia, but that's not a bad thing. I am keen to learn (some of) the language, and about the people & culture.
If you don't like it, see if he wants to try living in Aus.
I guess it depends on how serious you feel about him and if you have thought about how you will both live (eg. do you have money saved up, is he willing to support you if/when you get a job).
While I'm no expert on settling in Finland yet, in a few months I should be able to give you a good idea from an Aussie's perspective.
Good Luck,
Mark
I'm in the same boat (sort of). I have a Finnish girlfriend and am moving to Helsinki in September. I plan on staying for about 2 years.
My situation is a little more serious as we have a baby due soon. I'm excited about moving to Finland, even if I have only visited once (for three weeks).
If you have already thought about how it will all work, then my advice is to jump right in. But moving somewhere is different to visiting on holiday, it isn't something that should be done on a whim. You need to think about how difficult things could be and what you are going to do to make it all work. It's very different to Australia, but that's not a bad thing. I am keen to learn (some of) the language, and about the people & culture.
If you don't like it, see if he wants to try living in Aus.
I guess it depends on how serious you feel about him and if you have thought about how you will both live (eg. do you have money saved up, is he willing to support you if/when you get a job).
While I'm no expert on settling in Finland yet, in a few months I should be able to give you a good idea from an Aussie's perspective.
Good Luck,
Mark
Last edited by mago on Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:02 am, edited 3 times in total.
Just noticed you're from the Central Coast. I must be only 5 minutes down the road from you . Small world.
On my lunch break here, I see people swimming at the beach (and it's the middle of winter). Makes me realise what I'm leaving............
I have a copy of "From Finland With Love" by Roman Schatz (Suomesta, rakkaudella). It's a light hearted, satirical look at supposed Finnish idiosyncrasies and stereotypes. It's a quick read if you want to borrow it (send me a PM if you're interested)
. Small world.On my lunch break here, I see people swimming at the beach (and it's the middle of winter). Makes me realise what I'm leaving............
I have a copy of "From Finland With Love" by Roman Schatz (Suomesta, rakkaudella). It's a light hearted, satirical look at supposed Finnish idiosyncrasies and stereotypes. It's a quick read if you want to borrow it (send me a PM if you're interested)
Last edited by mago on Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:04 am, edited 2 times in total.
Well, why not take the plunge and move? In this day and age where you can get to almost anywhere with a plane, it's not like you will be stuck here for months on end if you find that things don't work out for you here. Besides thinking of moving to Finland only because of your boyfriend, why not think of the move as a cultural exchange trip? In universities, there are student exchange programs, so look at this move in a similar way.
I came to Finland from Singapore (not so far from Australia!) because of a job. I was excited and at the same time, had cold feet when the time to leave was near, coupled with the fact that it was the first time I was going to live by myself and I had 'chosen' to go to a place that could not be anymore different from Singapore. So I understand how you feel. But I chose to take the plunge, no matter how scared I was, because I knew that I would regret, forever, if I did not come. I also thought that if I just couldn't take it for whatever reason, then there was nothing to stop me from packing my bags and head home.
It has been exactly six years since I arrived. And I will be leaving soon. I have enjoyed my stay in Finland. There have been a lot of down moments but the up moments outnumber the downs. I might still come back. If I had to relive everything, I would not change anything.
I came to Finland from Singapore (not so far from Australia!) because of a job. I was excited and at the same time, had cold feet when the time to leave was near, coupled with the fact that it was the first time I was going to live by myself and I had 'chosen' to go to a place that could not be anymore different from Singapore. So I understand how you feel. But I chose to take the plunge, no matter how scared I was, because I knew that I would regret, forever, if I did not come. I also thought that if I just couldn't take it for whatever reason, then there was nothing to stop me from packing my bags and head home.
It has been exactly six years since I arrived. And I will be leaving soon. I have enjoyed my stay in Finland. There have been a lot of down moments but the up moments outnumber the downs. I might still come back. If I had to relive everything, I would not change anything.
like the famous clothes people say, Just Do It!
I have done it on a whim as life at home was boring and had a run of bad luck i really liked the place when i visited for a few days on a recent trip to russia.
so i arrived here on saturday with a few hundred euros in my tail. am staying with a friend for the moment until i can find somewhere.
I spend most time pawing through my finnish phrase book and annoying my friend by making him talk fin to me. oh not to mention bumming around the park taking in the live music and othersuch things
I have got myself a job working in a bar in Helsinki, Molly Malones incase anyone cares? probably not but then have i ever cared where you work??
so here begins my adventure in Finland
look at it this way. whats the worst that can hapen, you dont survive happily ever after, A-you fly home and go back to what you know or B-you love the place anyway and hang around for a bit!!
but then you could live happily ever after!!
so come on dive in!!better to regret doing than wondering what if for years to come!!
I have done it on a whim as life at home was boring and had a run of bad luck i really liked the place when i visited for a few days on a recent trip to russia.
so i arrived here on saturday with a few hundred euros in my tail. am staying with a friend for the moment until i can find somewhere.
I spend most time pawing through my finnish phrase book and annoying my friend by making him talk fin to me. oh not to mention bumming around the park taking in the live music and othersuch things
I have got myself a job working in a bar in Helsinki, Molly Malones incase anyone cares? probably not but then have i ever cared where you work??
so here begins my adventure in Finland
look at it this way. whats the worst that can hapen, you dont survive happily ever after, A-you fly home and go back to what you know or B-you love the place anyway and hang around for a bit!!
but then you could live happily ever after!!
so come on dive in!!better to regret doing than wondering what if for years to come!!
If its muddy, Can I drive it?
I'm an Aussie who has actually made the move (nearly 2 years now) and all i can say is go for it!
If you never at least give it a try, you wil always be asking 'what if...?'
And if you really feel strongly enough then things will sort themselves out, with a bit of hard work as well!!
p.s. That book that mago mentioned is a bit of a crock imo, was pretty disappointed by it and am glad i got it for free!
If you never at least give it a try, you wil always be asking 'what if...?'
And if you really feel strongly enough then things will sort themselves out, with a bit of hard work as well!!
p.s. That book that mago mentioned is a bit of a crock imo, was pretty disappointed by it and am glad i got it for free!
Have you ever visited Finland before? If not I'd recommend you take a vacation here to get an idea of what Finland is like (preferably one during summer and one during winter to get an idea of the diff. seasons).
Although if you don't have the money fior that I suppose you should try to learn about Finland's culture and language from books or the internet.
Worst thing that could happen is you move here and hate so you just move back home.
Although if you don't have the money fior that I suppose you should try to learn about Finland's culture and language from books or the internet.
Worst thing that could happen is you move here and hate so you just move back home.
You're not crazy, you're going sane in a crazy world
I actually was able to relate with that book. Not every single chapter but quite a few things. Made me feel that I'm not the only one who thinks this way. Especially the Finns and alcohol consumption and language part.Pete wrote:p.s. That book that mago mentioned is a bit of a crock imo, was pretty disappointed by it and am glad i got it for free!
You're not crazy, you're going sane in a crazy world
Yes - more than likley
I am seriously considering moving to Finland next May....