60
Mi s ce l l aneou s
is included in restaurant bills. Tips are sometimes
given when eating in restaurants, but it is not
very common when e.g. buying a drink or paying
your taxi driver. People usually tip only when the
food or service is outstanding. You will not be
considered rude if you do not tip.
Smoking
According to Finnish law, smoking is forbidden
in all public places, even in bars and restaurants.
Normally Finnish people do not smoke inside.
This includes both homes and public buildings.
Smokers usually go outside, even in the winter.
When visiting a Finnish home, smokers should
always ask where
they are allowed to smoke.
Sauna
The sauna (Swe. 'bastu', Fin. 'sauna') is an
important part of Finnish society. There are over
1.7 million saunas in Finland and almost every
house has one. Additionally, saunas are especially
popular at summer cottages. However, the
importance of the sauna differs from one region
to another.
A Finnish sauna is usually heated up to 80-100 °C
(176-212 °F). Be sure to take a quick shower or dip
in the sea/lake before going into the sauna. You
stay in the sauna as long as you are comfortable
with, and then go for a swim in the sea or a roll
in the snow in the winter. Traditionally, you
are naked in the sauna, but that is sometimes
overlooked when foreigners are present. There
are usually separate turns for women and men,
but not within the family.
To learn more about the Finnish sauna, health
aspects, history and recommended bathing
procedures, visit the website of the Finnish Sauna
Society
and most importantly, try it
yourself!
13.2 How to Deal with Culture Shock
Culture shock, though not always as dramatic as
the term might imply, is a perfectly normal and
temporary reaction when adjusting to a new
culture. Not everyone experiences a cultural
shock. However, for some people the shock may
be quite severe while for others it is easier to cope
with.
When living and studying in a new culture,
the integration period can last for a while.
Surrounded by new people, customs, values and
environment; one is constantly receiving new
information, so it is quite common to feel a bit
out of place. Individual expectations affect how
one reacts to a new country, so try to be open-
minded.
Culture shock is not entirely a negative phase
to go through. It can be a significant learning
experience, after which you are more aware of
aspects of your own culture as well as the new
culture you have entered. Realising that you
might go through this phase when studying
abroad and recognising the symptoms will
help you coping with it. Common symptoms
include homesickness, depression, difficulty to
concentrate and irritability. Culture shock can
also cause physical symptoms such as nausea,
insomnia and loss of appetite.
Stages of Adaptation
When you are experiencing culture shock there
are four basic identifiable stages of adaptation.
Not everyone goes through these exact stages,
but it is quite common to have these feelings
when dealing with the positive as well as the
negative aspects of a new culture.
1. Euphoria
The new environment is exciting and you are
enthusiastic and curious about the new country
and its culture. Your own home culture with its
habits is still fresh and active in your mind.
2. Conflict
Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common
as you become more aware of the cultural
differences. They seem more obvious and may
be frustrating. Familiar things, such as food from
home and being with other students from your
