Four things you should know about the Finnish way of life (that are not necessarily true)

It is general knowledge that Finns are quiet, nature loving people who are passionate about the sauna and foraging. Or are they really? My yet another trip to Finland this last week confirmed what I had already known before — there is much more to the stereotypes we usually have about five million Finns and their way of life. Here are four things you should know about the Finnish way of life that ...  (continue reading)

Return to Rovaniemi

One of the things I was most excited about in the FCP alumni program was a return to Rovaniemi and a reintroduction to the Arctic Circle. I have long been fascinated with Arctic issues. Since my last trip to Finland in 2013 the Arctic has resurfaced as a big topic in geopolitics – and, according to Timo Koivurova, Director of the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre, not always with the nuance ...  (continue reading)

A brief resumé of Finland

For the newcomer to Finland, this day 1 of FCP 2016 could have been a perfect introduction to the art of Finnishness. For the 12 of us – some of us being here for the first time in 20, 18 or 7 years – we could finally catch up with the country and jump straight into it.

A short briefing with Kai Mykkänen, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, updated us on current affairs with ...  (continue reading)

Coming home to Finnish nature

One day in Finland and I already feel like I’ve come home to an old friend, even if we are both a little older and wiser. Catching a tram through Helsinki with a gaggle of international journalists, all chatting in a score of languages about current affairs, was as stimulating as the first time I tried it, back on the Foreign Correspondent’s Programme in 2010. It was also a little bittersweet ...  (continue reading)

Summer cottage, sauna, good food and wonderful talks: the ultimate Finnish experience

Welcome to a Finnish summer cottage in Hyvinkää. Take off your shoes (as the Finns always do) and be ready to enjoy the summer sun, the smell of old wood, sauna, wonderful people, interesting conversations, starry nights and delicious food.

Being with a Finnish family for the weekend has been one of the best things of the Foreign Correspondents’ Programme so far. Jaakko Jokio, and Annukka and ...  (continue reading)

Finland, surprise me!

I am about to tell you why I am eager to take off to Finland. But first, let me start with a little story of the most pessimistic country in the world – France. I promise there will be a connection in the end.

You may have heard that if you come to France, you might get stuck in public transportation because of a strike. Or you will probably meet a nasty taxi driver who will take the wrong ...  (continue reading)

Following my heart to Finland

“I must apply to this programme. It is a must!”

This is the first thing that crossed my mind and heart when I heard about thisisFINLAND Foreign Correspondents’ Programme. And I am really happy that I got accepted. This programme provides a perfect opportunity to build a global network of colleagues whose hearts also beat for new adventures.

I’ve written some articles about Finland ...  (continue reading)

Finland, the pioneer in gender equality

Gender equality is one of the issues that I focus the most on as a journalist. I think that gender equality is a human right and an important element in the society. It is also a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty. I believe that empowered women could give a huge positive impact for a country.

Yet gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise in my country Indonesia. On ...  (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)

Nordic Peace

Freedom

In Finland, you can feel as free as a child. There is always something for everyone. You can find yourself easily in Angry Birds Activity Parks. It does not matter if you are child or not. That’s why when I found myself in a swing in Angry Birds Activity Park in Rovaniemi, I was there more than 2 hours.

Photo by Gunjan Sharma

Safety

In residence where I stayed, my room was near the road so ...  (continue reading)