Helsinki: a (paradise) city that allows you to be… just you

A weekend in the capital of Finland, Helsinki, is a synonym of experimentation. The wide variety of activities that the city has to offer let you play with the different facets of your personality. And during the summer, one activity stands out: the Flow Festival.

Helsinki sharpens all your senses. The capital of Finland has the capacity to widen your pupils, make your inhalations deeper and your ...  (continue reading)

The greatness & challenges of Finnish art and culture

As a journalist, reporting about arts and culture, this was my day: a chance to learn more about many artistic disciplines in Finland, from design to music and the fine arts.

We started at Design Forum Finland, a non-profit organization that aims to promote design as a key to success for companies.

According to Petteri Kolinen, the newly appointed Managing Director of the Design Forum Finland, Finland ...  (continue reading)

Go with the Flow

One of the best things about festivals is that you are able to check out lots of different artists and that the atmosphere can change completely in a matter of minutes. This is the case of Helsinki’s Flow Festival as well.


The first day was all about raving, when Major Lazer tore the place down. The second day was wrapped in rainbow colours, and Belle & Sebastian, Years & Years ...  (continue reading)

Finland found its way to my heart through its culture

I already know what to expect from my visit to Finland. My friend Daniel who participated in thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme a couple of years ago summed it up in one sentence: “The best month of my life”.

But my expectations are high both for the trip and for myself! I want to work hard on getting to know all there is to know. I want to find perspectives on Finland that ...  (continue reading)

How different can it be?

I come from Oslo, Norway, and we are often told that the culture here is very weird for foreigners. There is even a popular blog that explains how Norway and Norwegian are actually seen from foreigner’s perspective. You should read some of it to get an idea of how we are.

We don’t talk to strangers here, unless we meet them in the middle of nowhere or in the mountains while hiking, skiing or ...  (continue reading)

Travel to Finland is a wonderful birthday gift

I noticed my wishes come true, when I don’t think about them all the time. A good example of this observation is how I received the final decision letter about participating in thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme 2015 from the Embassy of Finland in Astana.

After sending in my application for the programme I was so busy with other things that I totally forgot about it. Eventually, ...  (continue reading)

Why do the Finns love Los Serrano – and other important questions to ask in Finland

Participating in thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme this summer is a once in a lifetime opportunity that comes at the best time for me.

Freshly graduated from university, I’m now a journalist, based in Barcelona, aiming to build an international career in the field of communication.

This programme is not just another experience abroad, but a great chance to learn from Finland through ...  (continue reading)