The Things Finland Gave Me That I’ll Never Forget

Vol.28, Issue 13, 12 December 2025  

After four months in Finland, this country has left a deep mark on me, both personally and culturally. I wanted to share with you the things from my Finnish daily life that I will miss the most once I’m back in France.

First of all, the omnipresent nature. What a luxury it is to be constantly surrounded by unspoiled landscapes, no matter where you are. Relaxing there, walking there, exercising there… The breathtaking Finnish nature reminded me of how essential it is to maintain a close connection with it.

One of the places where I found peace during my months in Finland.

And of course, it’s impossible to talk about Finland without mentioning the sauna. This tradition turned me into a true enthusiast. I instantly embraced that enveloping warmth which brings such a unique, almost therapeutic sense of well-being.

But what will strike me most when I return to France are the differences in the education system. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to study in Finland, where everything is designed with the student’s well-being in mind: a balance between school life and personal life, respect for each individual’s pace, and both personal and professional development. This vision of education has deeply inspired me.

Finally, what I may miss the most are the Finnish people themselves. Behind their seemingly reserved nature lies remarkable warmth and helpfulness. They are discreet yet generous, profoundly sincere, always kind-hearted. I loved watching them cheer passionately at hockey games, stroll with their families in the forest, and share their culture with such simplicity and authenticity.

Thank you so much, XAMK, and thank you to everyone I had the chance to meet here. You turned my experience of studying abroad into a waking dream.

Each week, I took great pleasure in sharing my Finnish daily life with you. It is with deep emotion that I write these final lines. Thank you for reading, and thank you to Mr. Hugh Clark for giving me this opportunity.

Today, I close the Finnish chapter of my life.
Kiitos Suomi — thank you, Finland, for everything.