Culture Smart! Finland : The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Don’t just see the sights—get to know the people.

The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. They are survivors: if you were stranded on a desert island, your ideal companion would be a Finn. Before you knew it, the sauna would be ready, fishhooks positioned, a fire burning, and any edible berries picked and prepared for eating. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor. Their music is often in the minor key, but they love to dance, sing, and perform. They cherish their traditions, from name days to near-pagan rituals, yet they are great innovators.

Culture Smart! Finland describes the historical, geographical, and cultural influences that have shaped the Finnish psyche, and guides you through the working and social lives of the Finns today, offering you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land.

Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Elena Barrett is a teacher, writer, applied linguist, and long-time resident of Finland. Originally from Connecticut, USA, she has taught English to Finnish adults and upper-secondary students. She is presently finishing her studies and researching language use in legal contexts at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. She also maintains a blog about her life as an immigrant in Finland called Already There.

Terttu Leney is a Finnish teacher, trainer, broadcaster, and writer who worked for the Foreign Office in London as a professional development coordinator preparing British diplomats and businessmen for overseas postings. After graduating in Russian and Swedish language and literature from the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London, Terttu completed a postgraduate diploma in language training at the University of Westminster. She has written several publications, including Teach Yourself Finnish, Finn Talk 1, and Finn Talk 2.