Member-only story
The Biggest Mistake I Made When Moving to a New Country (And How You Can Avoid It)
In 2010, I left everything familiar behind and moved to Finland, a country I had only read about in books and seen in pictures. With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class education, and high quality of life, it seemed the perfect place to start a new chapter.
For 14 years, I called Finland home, navigating the joys and challenges of expat life. In 2024, I returned to my home country, bringing many experiences and lessons learned.
Reflecting on my time in Finland, one mistake stands out more than any other — an error that shaped much of my early years there. If you’re planning to move to a new country or are already settling into one, this insight could save you a lot of frustration and loneliness.
My Biggest Mistake: Underestimating the Finnish Language
When I arrived in Finland, I thought I could get by without learning much Finnish. After all, English is widely spoken, right? While it’s true that many Finns speak excellent English, relying on it was one of my biggest missteps.
Finnish is a complex language; its unique structure and vocabulary can overwhelm new learners. It’s not related to most…
