7 Information on the Host Country

7.1 Finland in a Nutshell

7.2 Historical Survey

Finland and the Finnish national consciousness have been moulded by the country's location between east and west. Although Finns, no doubt, count themselves as part of western culture, the Finnish lifestyle has undeniably been enriched by the proximity to Russia. Finland today has, as it always had, a special closeness to both Stockholm and St. Petersburg.

From the 13th century Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden and Finns fought in many a Swedish army. In 1809, after Sweden had lost the war against Russia, Finland was ceded to Russia and became an Autonomous Grand Duchy within Imperial Russia, its Grand Duke being the Tsar himself. During the 19th century the Finnish national awareness grew stronger.

After the October Revolution in Russia in 1917, Finland declared itself independent. During World War II Finland managed to retain its independence in the Winter War and the Continuation War against Russia. Since the war, Finland has pursued a policy of military non-alliance and this created the basis for the present welfare state.

Finland is a democracy in the normal western sense of the word, a parliamentary republic with a multiparty political system. The social structure in Finland is typically Nordic, resembling particularly that of Sweden.

The most important recent change in Finland's position in Europe took place in the beginning of 1995, when Finland joined the European Union.

7.3 A Bilingual Country

Finland's special richness lies in bilingualism - both Finnish and Swedish are official languages. Around 6 % of the population speak Swedish as their native language. The Lapps also account for a language minority with some 5,700 Sami speakers. English is currently the most popular language in schools. Along with the compulsory Swedish, other languages widely studied are German, French and Russian. It is possible to take care of most of one's official business in English.

7.4 Cost of Living

The cost of living is comparable to the rest of Europe on average. The monthly living expenses of a single student are around FIM 2 500/month, which is spent roughly the following way:

 Rent 500-1 500
 Food 500
 Transport 300
 Leisure, other personal costs 500

Occasional expenses are the housing deposit (around FIM 1 000), which will be refunded at the end of the tenancy period. The expense for course books is very low, since most of the course books can be borrowed from the libraries.

NOTE: There are always unexpected expenses for any international traveller.

7.4.0.1 Some Sample Prices/FIM:

7.5 Health Care and Insurance

There are public Medical Centres (terveyskeskus) and hospitals throughout the country. An appointment is usually expected, although one can see a nurse immediately. In a dental emergency, all foreigners may turn to the Dental Clinic at a Medical Centre. In an emergency you are advised to go to the nearest Medical Centre or Hospital Emergency Unit.

7.5.0.1 The general emergency number is 112

7.6 Transportation

You will find a very efficient transportation system in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. There are four forms of public transportation: buses, local trains, trams and the underground. The same ticket is valid on all four.

A single bus/train ticket within the city costs about FIM 10, whereas a monthly regional ticket is about FIM 250. This ticket allows you to travel in the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen

7.7 Visa and Residence Permit

Students from the EU and EEA countries do not need a visa to enter the country. However, students who intend to stay in Finland for more than three months have to apply for a Residence Permit from the local police station. The application for the Residence Permit requires two photographs, a Certificate of Registration form from the Espoo-Vantaa Polytechnic and a certificate that the student is capable of supporting him/herself during the stay in Finland. The fee for the Residence Permit is FIM 130. Citizens of the EU and EAA countries do not need a Work Permit. Citizens of the Nordic Countries do not need a residence permit.

7.8 Office Hours and Public Holidays

7.8.0.1 Office Hours

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