News & Events
Finding the American dream in a Finnish sauna
Posted on 08.23.2010
News, 8/14/2010 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland
Originally posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland website.
“I wouldn’t want to go back yet. I’m like a Finnish granny who only wants to bathe in the sauna all day every day,” says Lydia, an American, in summarizing her feelings. Lydia López from Boston and Hana Arch from Kansas City took part this summer in the Finland–US Senate Youth Exchange Program, which lasted six weeks. The young people talked about their experiences during their visit to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. In their own words, the exchange students didn’t know much about Finland before their arrival. Among the things familiar to them in advance were the midnight sun, Nokia, the sauna and the fact that Finnish belongs to the same family of languages as Estonian and Hungarian. In line with stereotypes, Finns’ quietness and even somewhat brusque behaviour were on the girls’ minds before their departure. Their image of Finns, however, has changed a lot during the weeks of their stay. The young people, who come from the promised land of small talk culture, had an open attitude towards the differences in conversation culture “It’s obvious that it isn’t customary to talk to strangers on the street. Friends on the other hand are very loyal, polite and nice,” says Hana succinctly. Finns’ foreign language skills, and their modesty about it, surprised both Lydia and Hana, as did the positive attitude towards new languages. Helsinki’s small size, as seen from an international angle, was another surprise, though not at all in a negative way. The young people were also surprised at Finns’ open attitude towards nudity. “I really liked how open Finns are about their bodies and nudity. They also accept themselves as they are,” Lydia and Hana mused. The Senate Youth Exchange Program itself was praised, too. Meeting politicians was among Hana’s most memorable experiences. For Lydia, the best experience was learning about Finnish family life. “The time spent with my host family was a window to the Finnish culture.” Lydia was also impressed with the “truly beautiful Finnish language.” Both girls thought that, to some extent, families are much the same on both sides of the Atlantic, though there are differences as well. “Finnish families don’t spend as much time together and aren’t as close as families in the States. On the other hand, the time that Finnish families spend together is good quality time,” Lydia remarked. Hana continued the idea: “Family members can do their own thing in peace and come together when they want to, without having to do so.” The stereotype of taciturn Finns won’t go back with Lydia to Boston or Hana to Kansas City. The participants in the exchange program intend to recommend Finland as a destination for travel, studying – or simply as a new acquaintance. One shouldn’t believe in stereotypes – that, at least, is something the girls will talk about back home. Finland–US Senate Youth Exchange Program (FUSYE) • An exchange program between Finland and the United States, meant for high school students. Learn more about and apply for the 2011 FUSYE scholarship hereFinding the American dream in a Finnish sauna
“Finns haven’t been quiet and withdrawn; they’ve been really friendly. It’s as though Finland had welcomed me with open arms,” Lydia continues, laughing.
• A group of fourteen young people were invited to take part this year.
• Youth for Understanding (YFU), a youth exchange organization, handles the Senate Youth Exchange Program arrangements in Finland. The State of Finland supports the exchange through the Centre of International Mobility (CIMO).
• The young people chosen for the program spend two months living with Finnish host families located throughout Finland.
• The program includes, for instance, a visit to the Finnish Parliament, the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The young people also become acquainted with leading Finnish companies and historic sites.
• The Finland–US Senate Youth Exchange Program takes place this year for the 28th time.
