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be frustrating. Familiar things, such as food from
home and being with other students from your
own country offer comfort. You might reject
everything around you and feel hostility towards
the new culture. Comparing 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.
2015-2016!
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.
October 31 - 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 8 - Father’s Day
(
Farsdag/Isänpäivä
)
December 6 - Independence 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.