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Mi s ce l l aneou s
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory in Finland and service
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
www.sauna.fiand most
importantly, try it yourself!
13.2HowtoDeal withCulture 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