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own country offer comfort. You might reject
everything around you and feel hostility towards
the new culture. Com- paring this new culture to
your own is common, and many things seem to
be much better at home.
3. Gradual Recovery
You accept the differences and similarities as you
become more familiar with the new culture and
new situations. You may feel relaxed and more
confident in dealing with different aspects of the
new culture.
4. Acceptance
As you become more involved in different social
activities and get to know the people and places
around you, you will adapt to the new culture
and create some sense of belonging. You may
not even realise how well you have adjusted to
the new culture until you return to your home
country. Then you may experience a reverse
culture shock.
Coping
When you are experiencing culture shock, it is
important that you deal with it in a constructive
way. When you find yourself in the middle of
strange surroundings and people you do not
know, it is advisable to pursue "a normal life".
Explore your new surroundings and locate useful
places such as the post office, shop, bank, the
Finnish Student Health Service Centre and the
hospital. Get settled in your apartment and make
it cosy. Introduce yourself to your neighbours and
fellow students or researchers. Other newcomers
are in the same situation and you can support
each other. Make the best of your time abroad
by getting to know Finnish students as well. Take
part in different social activities organised by the
student associations, e.g. ESN (Erasmus Student
Network) and ISTU (International Students of
Turku Universities). If you are having a hard time
coping in the new environment, do not hesitate
to talk about it with friends, colleagues, your
tutor, teachers or study advisors. Talk to your
family and keep in touch with your friends back
home. If you feel that you need professional help,
please contact the Finnish Student Health Service
(see chapter 5.3).
Keep an open and curious mind. If the Finnish
social customs puzzle you, do not be afraid to ask
questions and get to know the culture, customs
and values better. Also keep in touch with your
own culture (for instance a list of churches,
temples and mosques can be found in chapter
11.2).
Throughout this period of cultural adaptation,
remember to take good care of yourself. Adapting
to a new country, culture and social customs can
sometimes be a complex and difficult process
but in the end, experiencing new cultures is
rewarding and enriching. Relax and fully enjoy
your exchange period!
13.3 Festivities and Public Holidays
N.B. 2014-2015!
On public holidays all shops are closed (with very
few exceptions) and on the eve of the holiday
they close at the same time as on Saturdays.
During public holidays the universities are closed,
and public transportation follows the timetables
for Sundays. Since some of the public holidays
fall on a Saturday, many shops stay closed on the
following Sunday also.
Almost all days on the following list are public
holidays. In case they are not, but still are
celebrated in some way, it is noted in the text.
November 1 - All Saints' Day
(
Alla helgons dag/
Pyhäinpäivä
)
On All Saints' Day, people light candles on the
graves of their loved ones. Halloween-like events
also occur but are not traditional.
November 9 - Father's Day
(
Farsdag/Isänpäivä
)
Decembe r 6 - I ndependence Day
(Självständighetsdagen/Itsenäisyyspäivä)
The Independence Day is a solemn celebration of
Finnish independence. People light two candles
in the windows between 18.00 and 20.00. A
Presidential Independence Day Reception is
organised in the Helsinki Presidential Palace on
December 6, where the president acts as host for
some 2000 guests.
