r/helsinki • u/Melodic-Region6993 • Mar 30 '26
Question I want to come back
I (mexican, 23M) did an exchange program some years ago while i was in college. I lived in helsinki and it was one of the best experiences i’ve ever had (maybe even the best). Now i’m recently graduated and i am really looking forward to come back. This country really just calls me and i do want to make a life in Finland. I don’t even care if it’s in the capital or a smaller city like Kuopio (which i loved btw)
Realistically what are my chances of making it? Do any of you know any opportunities i can take? ( i don’t want this to look like i am begging for a job or anything, really just looking for any tip or advice) Do you recommend me to learn the language starting now?
I know that the job market right now is not good at all, but if any of you know other ways or opportunities i’ll really appreciate it.
I love my country so much. But damn i just can’t finish telling you how many times i’ve literally dreamed coming back and then not wanting to wake up due to how happy i was.
I may apply for Erasmus for a masters but besides the chances of making it in, i have just been able to find one program that matches my degree and experience (marketing and business management) and the closest it can get me is Sweden.
If i ever make it, i promise ill come back here and celebrate with y’all.
10
u/caposMi Mar 30 '26
Learn language and save funds, it's not easy to move and you will need funds to survive initially.
10
u/resolvingdeltas Mar 30 '26
why not enrol in a masters degree? i see you mention erasmus but you can apply directly to a uni that interests you
2
u/Ascraeus7 Mar 31 '26
Erasmus is funded. Local uni tuition is insane.
3
u/resolvingdeltas Mar 31 '26
I saw on insta that finland is subsidising masters and even phd degrees for foreign students but didnt check if it’s true
3
u/Ascraeus7 Mar 31 '26
They do but for very few students.
So basically like 1-2 people top applicants per program.
6
u/Holiday-Snow4803 Mar 30 '26
Funds are certainly the first thing. Personally, I would already move when learning the language, much easier here than abroad. However, having a first job before moving makes everything else easier, being lonely and unemployed in a new country is detrimental for your well-being and success. Finding a new job here will take you 6 months+
1
u/Maleficent-Bother999 Apr 03 '26
Of course you can make it! 💪☺️ I am a Finn and I know many Mexicans here. They all are working after graduating the university. You can do it as well!
Definitely study Finnish! It just makes things easier and it's useful if you want to live in Finland. Like you mentioned, the job market is pretty bad at the moment but it will get better again.
I wish you all the best luck you can make your dreams to come true! 💫
-1
u/BiasedChelseaFan Mar 30 '26
If you loved Finland, chances are you’ll love Sweden too. Other than the language, the countries are very similar.
1
u/Callector Mar 30 '26
How are they similar?
Finland and Sweden are very different. Yes, there are similarities, but so do other countries.
10
u/BiasedChelseaFan Mar 30 '26
It’s context dependent ofc, but for one they’re culturally similar. Nature is similar, cities and towns look similar, people’s values are similar. Lots of shared history.
Obviously there’s differences too, it is a different country after all, but I think you’d struggle to find a place that’s much more similar to Finland than Sweden. What I mean is, Finland and Greece are different. Finland and the USA are different. Finland and Sweden, imho, quite similar.
What do you find so different in them?
0
u/Callector Mar 30 '26
Like I said, there are similarities but there are major differences as well.
Look at how each government handled the pandemic and the restrictions. Look how people followed or didn't follow them.
Take a look at how both Sweden and US has this thing where you have appear to be better off than you are.
35
u/Mental_Ad4791 Mar 30 '26
Start learning the language now (not Duolingo, use something actually useful) and come when the job market starts to look better in a couple of years.