Finland is one of the wealthier EU countries and has unspoilt landscapes as well as rich culture. The country boasts countless lakes and is a fascinating place to visit, especially for an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme stay. As Finnish companies play a major role in the international market and repeatedly stand out, especially in the areas of technical development and research, the country offers great opportunities for an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme internship abroad.
Why is Finland Perfect for an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme Adventure?
Finland is renowned for having the most woods in Europe and has a vast woody landscape, interspersed with over 180,000 lakes. It is increasingly becoming a popular country to visit for nature lovers and for those looking for something a little different and extra-special. As legend has it, the probability of encountering trolls, fairies and forest spirits in the woods and lake areas of Finland is relatively high, because this area is sparsely populated! If you like hiking, swimming, picking mushrooms and berries or hunting and fishing, you will get your money's worth – because in Finland "Everyman's Right" applies. This means you have free access to nature and numerous leisure activities, such as hiking, camping, sailing, etc. One thing to note is that on the country roads of Finland, caution should be exercised, because moose and reindeer often cross the roads.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Finland for an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme Internship
Helsinki. This is the largest city in Finland is located in the south of the country in the Uusimaa region.
Oulu. Located at the mouth of the Oulujoki River in the Gulf of Bothenonia, was founded in 1605 by the Swedish King Charles IX.
Turku. This city is located at the mouth of the Aurajoki River in southern Finland. The fifth largest city in Finland can be reached via its own airport or by ferry.
Tampere. Located on a narrow area between Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi, Tampere is the third largest city in Finland with about 210,000 citizens.
Mariehamn. This is the capital of the Åland region of Finland and is the only city in the Åland Islands. It is located on the island of Fasta Åland. in the south of the country.
Rovaniemi. This is the largest city in Lapland, is situated at the mouth of the two rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki in the Arctic Circle.
Savonlinna. This is a small town in eastern Finland near the Russian border. It is located in the province of Etelä-Savo in the middle of the Saimaa Lake District.
Imatra. This area is a town and municipality of Finland.
Finnish Food
Finnish cuisine is heavily influenced by Swedish and Russian cuisine. It is essentially based on potatoes and bread with fish and various types of meat. You’ll find that often, dishes will be a mix of different types of meat or even fish and meat combined together. Finnish recipes are kept very simple, and few spices are used, usually only salt. The Finns do enjoy their food! When you visit, you’ll find lots of seasonal and local food items in the market and in summer, the blueberries are particularly abundant. There are also various regional specialties, especially the fish tap (Kalakukko) from eastern Finland, where most typical Finnish dishes come from, and black pudding (mustamakkara) from Tampere. At Easter time, mämmi is served, a traditional pudding baked from rye malt. Likewise, there is no summer without "Grillimakkara" (large, thick sausages with mustard).
Finnish Weather
The aurora and the long winters are well-known in Finland, and it’s no surprise that this is the country that is supposed to host Santa Claus. Generally, snow can be found in the central parts of the country from November to April. Skiing and sledging – a dream for winter sports’ fans!
Finnish Legends
Did you know that according to Finnish mythology, the world consists of the seven eggs of a singing swan? When these seven eggs fell from the knees of the Goddess Lütfe Ilmatar into the primordial sea, they broke. From the eggshells came the land and the sky – from the egg yolk came the sun and from the egg white the moon. Then from the remaining eggshell pieces the stars were created.
Have we managed to inspire you to enjoy an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme adventure in Finland? If so that’s great but remember that your Erasmus+ and Turing Scheme internship in Finland needs to be well organised. Contact us for information about costs, application and financing.
See also this blog article: What are the Basic Requirements to Participate in An Erasmus+ Mobility?
Feel free to read our Educator’s Handbook and Guide for Erasmus+ Funding Applicants. By the way, did you know that you can subscribe to our Newsletter to always stay up-to-date.
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