At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Finland and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.International English Speakers in Finland (IESAF)
Facebook Group
This is the Facebook group of the International English Speakers’ Association of Finland (IESAF) – a non-profit volunteer organization of international, English speaking people living in the country. The organization provides a forum for questions, discussions, networking, and the sharing of information for expats. They host regular events year-round, and they also have a dedicated buy and sell sub group that members can join.
Helsinki Expat Meetup
Facebook Group
A non-commercial meetup group helping Finns, expats and tourists in Helsinki to network and socialise. They usually arrange a meetup once a week somewhere in the city, and welcome new members with open arms. On the group members are encouraged to share information about local events, activities and information to help fellow foreigners.
Finn Guild in Finland
Facebook Page | Twitter
Bringing people together through community, language and culture, this is a non-profit organisation that exists for the benefit of the Finnish-British community. It represents its members in different expatriate forums, supports and coordinates the Finnish Schools, and organises language courses, seminars and events for members including bilingual families and expats.
Expat Mothers in Helsinki
Facebook Group
A women’s-only Facebook group for mums living in Finland, with a focus on Helsinki. The group aims to be a welcoming space where expat mothers can to ask questions, share a laugh, exchange tips, and give and receive support openly and without fear of judgement.
Learn Finnish
Facebook Page
An 8,000+ strong community interested in learning the Finnish language. Follow for ‘Word Wednesday’ and contribute to the shared resources, including useful links, that are frequently posted to the page. From reading and listening practice exercises to information about various free and paid courses on offer.
Helsinki Times
Facebook Page | Twitter
Finland’s first ever independent online daily English language newspaper. Its Facebook and twitter accounts are updated several times a day. Helsinki Times provides updates on news and events in Finland alongside culture, sport, lifestyle and it also reports specifically on Finland in the world press. A great resource with a core readership made up of expats, diplomats, businesses and tourists.
Finland Explorer
Twitter
This is the hobby account of a passionate local who delights followers with curated content on Finland, Finns and their way of life. Tweets and retweets cover everything related to the country; from the latest science and tech innovations, news stories, stunning photography, expat articles, what to eat and drink – and more.
This is Finland
Facebook Page | Twitter
Published by the Finland Promotion Board, this page aims to be an attractive window on Finland for everyone interested in the country. Content is mostly curated from numerous sources. Do you know the Finnish word for getting drunk in your underwear at home? Have you heard about the Finnish five-piece heavy metal band of dinosaurs? Join this group and you will!
Ink Tank
Facebook Page | Twitter
This is the Facebook page and Twitter feed of ‘Finland’s most internationally visited blog’ and those behind the accounts pride themselves on posting cool stories for interesting people. Think Buzzfeed-style posts with a Finnish flavour. Ink Tank covers Finland (of course), books, history, music, film, TV, high brow, low brow… if it’s trending online they’ll probably post about it.
Foreigners and Finns in Finland
Facebook Group
Post the usual expat-seeking-advice question in this group at your peril – it’s a ‘no holds barred’ discussion group for anyone living in Finland. Group members are encouraged to start an actual topic of conversation as opposed to simply posting a link to an article. Members are from all backgrounds, however the group language is English.
We’re always on the lookout for more accounts to feature – if you write about living in Finland on social media, leave us a link in the comments and we’ll take a look!
