Living in a new culture is not easy but worthwhile

Nursing

Cristina Rus, Romania

I graduated from PIRAMK (soon TAMK) in December 2008 and now I work as a nurse in the Pirkanmaa Hospital District. I came to Finland for the first time in 2004 to visit my boyfriend, who had a scholarship in the Tampere University of Technology. He wanted to stay, while I was thinking about what to do.

I was finishing studying to be a nurse in Romania, when I found the Degree Programme in Nursing at PIRAMK, taught in English. I applied - and got in. Just to increase my chances, I had already taken a course in the basics of the Finnish language.

I did my first clinical training after 2,5 months after I arrived. That was a good opportunity for people to get to know me and for me to prove that I was willing and able to work. I learned more every day by deduction and using intuition. I was in a totally Finnish environment - so I simply had to speak.

In order to find working places, I had my CV translated into Finnish. After an unsuccessful period I ended up working to the same place where I did my first clinical training. They badly needed more nurses. In time, without even asking I was getting job offers from the various training places I had been to. The employers were surprised about my motivation to learn Finnish as well as my open mind.

So, how can a foreign student manage in a Finnish working place? Try to adapt to the environment, don’t wait for the environment to adapt to you. Take initiative, don’t wait to be asked to do something. If you respect others, you will also be respected. People want to know you, share your culture and beliefs - they will be curious, but eventually proud to have you!

Living in a different culture, finding a job and basically building another life is not an easy process but is worthwhile doing it, because you will have the satisfaction of achieving new experiences useful for your future."

Cristina’s tips for foreign students:

  • Learn Finnish.
  • Get a recommendation from your Finnish teacher, tutor, colleague or some other expert.
  • Use your university’s contacts to Finnish employers.
  • Work while you study. It will help you to get a job after graduation.
  • Be patient. It is hard to get into the system, but with patience you can do it.

Updated 01/10/2011