This blog was originally published in TEK Magazine (in English) 1/2025.
There are different reasons someone decides to begin a life in Finland.
For many, it is for studies. Universities across Finland are seeing their international student numbers rise, with technology and ICT studies representing a large part of this. They may be just visiting, with plans to leave after their studies, or they may be hoping for employment and a life. In most cases, the future is uncertain, just as it is for any young person.
For others, it is employment that brings them to Finland. Finland has many strengths as a country to work in, particularly in factors such as work life balance and workplace fairness. Its safety, and the support it provides in raising a family, are often given as reasons it was chosen to look for work in, as are the closeness of nature and the relative peace. Once again, the fields of technology and ICT are key recruiters.
There are then the family members of those moving here, or those Finnish moving back after years abroad, who face different experiences in finding employment, belonging, and happiness.
Finally are those moving for asylum, who face perhaps the toughest situation of all. All these groups may be just as highly educated as anyone moving for work or studies, perhaps more so.
People move to Finland from every corner of the world, each one with their own story and history. My story was one of both family and studies bringing me to Finland in 2016, with a Finnish partner met in the UK the reason, and a master’s degree at Aalto University the method. In Finland, I have found a country I now love as my own, one in which I have grown and changed.
Why am I writing all this here, in a magazine that will be mostly read by someone who has also gone through one of these paths? In short, it is because I want to explain that TEK understands the individuality that comes in supporting our international members. We understand that with that individuality comes challenges, and that to help overcome these we need to do always better. We also understand that with that individuality comes strength, as a union and as a country.
Nothing in the description of a trade union mentions supporting or protecting only native members. It is at the core of our duty to do better for all members, and to not place one group above another.
If this is your first time reading about TEK – welcome! Whether it is, or whether you have been a member for decades, remember that we will do our best to support you, and will always accept help in doing that.
