Näiden sivujen tarkoituksena on tukea ja opastaa ammatillisia oppilaitoksia myönteisen Suomi-kuvan levittämisessä ja kehittämisessä.
Miten kertoa Suomesta, sen erityispiirteistä ja suomalaisesta luonteenlaadusta ulkomailla tai ulkomaalaisille vieraille?
Finns love their country and their domesticity, but not only on an abstract level. They value their own warm and safe home and the land around it and care for what is theirs in the best possible ways: in winter snow is removed from yards, in autumn raking takes place, in springtime flowers are planted to brighten the gardens. One of the best Finnish features is stubbornness. The unbelievably strong Finnish stubbornness which most likely is caused by the Finnish nature.
TThe most traditional features of the Finnish people can be considered as signs of a kind of individualistic culture in the country. Members of individualistic culture are independent people who survive without much support from the environment. A Finn respects others who are similar to him, but does not make this a competitor by attacking him, but assumes that with this respect he can maintain his own private life. A Finn protects his nest from intruders and wants to maintain a free mental and physical space, his own territory. A Finn doesn’t touch others when speaking nor makes big gestures near their faces.
Photo: Harjunsalmi, Kuhmoinen (Mika Heino)
A Finn is contradictory, slightly mad, introvert and, above all, a patriot. He defends what is his with all his might, despite its possible flaws or mistakes, and is sure that “where there is a will, there is a way” to get what he wants.
A Finn is also very cautious and, with that, not-so-confident. He makes friends slowly, but after doing that, the friendship usually stays strong for a long time. If a Finn is offended, he will bear deep resentment for a long time. In the event of a dispute, a Finn easily always blames others before himself.
Even in relationships, he respects the others own time and expects to have it himself. A Finn does not see being alone as a bad thing but embraces the situation and even feels comfortable with himself – in the best possible company. He is shy and quiet, not sociable, not to mention taking initiative in dealing with strangers. A Finn blushes and becomes easily confused in a strange company, but when with his friends and relatives becomes a great talker.
Photo: Nuuksio, Espoo (Mika Heino)
Finland is one of Europe’s last places of true wilderness. The forests and national parks of Finland hide thousands of strange stories and secrets to be revealed by those who love nature hiking and trekking.
Photo: Geta, Ahvenanmaa (Mika Heino)
The most obvious contrast is between the annual seasons. The same lake where people come to swim and sail in summer forms a perfect skating rink or skiing arena in the winter. Warm, light summer nights gradually lengthen, until the snow settles and the late dawn merges colourfully into the early sunset during the midwinter season known to Finns as kaamos.
Photo: Kivenlahti, Espoo (Mika Heino)