Juliana Friedrichsen boldly jumped into the unknown when she moved from the tropical south to the cold north. The reason for the big change in her life was her interest in sustainability, which she got to study more at UEF.
Juliana Friedrichsen’s love of nature has also shaped her professional path. She studied biology and after graduation worked as a Science and English Teacher in primary and secondary schools in southern Brazil. Over time, her interest in biodiversity and sustainability grew.
When Juliana found out about the Master's Degree Programme in Pedagogy and Teaching for Sustainability at UEF, she had to seize the opportunity. The programme focuses on pedagogical approaches to promote sustainability through education. Much to her surprise, she was elected which meant a move to a country she knew nothing about.
"My sister lives in the Netherlands and it felt nice to get closer to her. I knew Finland's location in the north, not much else," Juliana says.
The start of the journey was not entirely straightforward. In 2021, the coronavirus pandemic raged around the world and complicated the process of obtaining a visa. Many things required learning and adaptation in the beginning: demanding weather in terms of dress, a new culture, and a completely different way of studying.
"In Finland, students work very independently. Most of the studies were online, which was partly due to the coronavirus. I had expected more practical teaching on campus", Juliana describes.
Juliana has managed to turn the initial difficulties into an asset. Thanks to independent study, she feels that her research and reporting skills have improved. In addition to general life skills, the experience of living in a new country has brought with it contact with Finnish national sports.
"At first, I didn't know how to enjoy the cold weather. Now I've tried ice skating, and this winter it's time for skiing. I also took an icy plunge into a lake with my Finnish friend and did as many as five rounds on the same visit. It made me feel relaxed afterwards."
In the right place at the right time
Juliana works as a Project Coordinator at the Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences at UEF. At the moment, the Biodiversity Now project is on the table, and there are other projects related to sustainability and nature-based solutions on the way.
I graduated in May last year and my job search yielded no results. I got to work as a waitress in Koli National Park for the summer. There I stumbled upon an acquaintance from the university. She promised to pass on my CV to the professor who was looking for an employee for the research project.
Juliana Friedrichsen
Project coordinator
When it comes to a job that matches her education and skills, Juliana feels very lucky that she happened to be in the right place at the right time.
"I graduated in May last year and my job search yielded no results. I got to work as a waitress in Koli National Park for the summer. There I stumbled upon an acquaintance from the university. She promised to pass on my CV to the professor who was looking for an employee for the research project," Juliana recalls.
In Juliana's experience, the Brazilian work culture resembles the American one – everything is measured in numbers, which puts a lot of pressure on the work. On the other hand, she considers the Finnish way of working stress-free. Of course, adapting to local working life has taken time, and Juliana hopes for more support from Finnish professionals.
"Here, work is done independently, flexibly and based on mutual trust. I like that a lot."
Finding a job she likes has made Juliana think about her future in Finland. The idea of a temporary stop has been replaced by a longing for stability. She has already restarted her Finnish language studies at an adult education centre. Perhaps the home could be in North Karelia for a longer time.
Tools for language learning in the workplace
Language skills increase participation in the surrounding society. Life is not just about the workplace; for example, participating in hobbies or dealing with authorities requires Finnish language skills. However, for an international expert, the need to learn a language often arises in situations related to working life, such as working in customer service.
Language learning can be supported in many different ways. It all starts with raising language and cultural awareness. When the workplace is aware of practices that are characteristic of Finns but do not open up to newcomers, they can be made better understood across cultural boundaries.
"It's all about everyday things, like greeting a colleague and asking how they're doing. It is important to show genuine interest in a new workmate. Getting to know each other begins with an encounter", explains Virpi Moilanen, Trainer and Language Specialist at UEF.
At its best, the workplace can serve as a language learning environment, and employers need help with this. The Talent Hub Eastern Finland cooperation offers employers concrete tools not only for recruitment and onboarding but also for language learning at the workplace.
– We provide information and tips on different models of Finnish language learning. UEF also offers specific training, for example, on how a colleague who speaks Finnish can teach a language to an international expert while working, Virpi Moilanen says.
Talent Hub Eastern Finland is a project co-funded by the European Union. You can read more about it on our website.
