UEF student Yoshitha Vidanagamage champions intercultural communication through kindness and empathy. She dreams of Finland becoming a more inclusive and compassionate society.
- Text Tiina Weman | Photo Niko Jouhkimainen
Originally from Sri Lanka, Yoshitha Vidanagamage arrived in Joensuu on a snowy evening in December 2022 with her husband and their two-year-old son. In her home country, Yoshitha was a German teacher at an international school with university degrees in German studies and international relations and affairs. However, the economic crisis following the pandemic led her family to seek a more stable future abroad.
“The middle class in Sri Lanka vanished. Finland stood out to us as a meritocracy that values skills and knowledge. We moved here for the safety and education this country is renowned for,” she shares.
Enrolling in the Master’s Programme in Early Language Education for Intercultural Communication at UEF, Yoshitha embraced the opportunity to rebuild her life in a foreign land. In her final semester, she is immersed in her thesis on fostering intercultural communication through early language learning. Her educational journey has been transformative.
“Studying at UEF has been eye-opening. The freedom and responsibility given to students here are unlike anything I’ve experienced.”
Yoshitha's internship at Tulliportti Teacher Training School was a wonderful experience. She also conducted cultural workshops with other teacher students at Tulliportti and Rantakylä Teacher Training Schools, introducing children to traditions from countries such as Sri Lanka, Japan, Pakistan, Germany and Turkey. These workshops were part of the Active Breaks Project established by Tulliportti Teacher Training School.
“The pupils were so open and accepting. It was heartwarming to see them embrace new experiences without prejudice. Children have this incredible ability to accept the world with pure hearts.”
Dreams beyond the classroom
While education remains her passion, Yoshitha envisions a future beyond teaching. She aspires to become an international education policy specialist. However, she acknowledges the challenges.
“The language barrier is significant, and integrating into the Finnish professional landscape isn’t easy.”
Active in the student union ISYY, Yoshitha tirelessly advocates for the voices of international students. Despite her commitment, she finds the Finnish language daunting.
“It takes time and effort to build fluency, but I’m doing my best to keep learning.”
The Finnish work culture values balance, inclusivity, and creativity, but the integration of internationals remains challenging.
Yoshitha Vidanagamage
Student
Adjusting to life in Finland can be challenging, particularly during the long, dark winters. Yet Yoshitha has found solace in the country’s serene landscapes.
“Coming from sunny Sri Lanka, the initial isolation was tough. Now, watching the snowy trees from my living room window is therapy.”
Her husband's support has been crucial. His determination to learn Finnish and secure a job at Ficon Oy exemplifies their resilience. Their journey hasn’t been without setbacks—they lost their savings in a phishing scam—but Yoshitha believes these experiences have strengthened them as a family.
Building bridges in Finnish society
Reflecting on her experiences, Yoshitha calls for greater inclusivity in Finland’s job market and society. She emphasises the need for local communities, particularly in Eastern Finland, to embrace diversity.
“The Finnish work culture values balance, inclusivity, and creativity, but the integration of internationals remains challenging.”
Yoshitha highlights the disparity in support for refugees and skilled immigrants, urging authorities to focus on those already in the country. She remains hopeful for a more inclusive Finland where opportunities are accessible to all.
“Immigrants bring expertise and skills to Finland. We’re asking for compassion and a chance to contribute. Open your hearts to us.”
Helping international talents find their place in Eastern Finland
The Talent Hub Eastern Finland project aims to bridge the gap between international students and employers. The project offers opportunities for the groups to meet and get to know each other, such as the mentoring programme. International students learn how Finnish working life functions and build their networks with the help of local professionals.
Employers are also provided with concise and practical online material on diversity in the workplace and language learning. The training themes are the workplace as a language learning environment, ways to lower cultural barriers, receptivity skills in the work community, and diversity management.
Talent Hub Eastern Finland is a cooperation network of the University of Eastern Finland, Karelia, Savonia, Riveria, Sakky and YSAO. The project is co-funded by the European Union. You can read more about it on our website.
