Anne-Lise Mty

Planning to study in Helsinki? You are among many since student life in all its aspects is one of the city's characters. But first, one has to know how to finance the studies. The financial aid built for Finnish students doesn't cover international ones. Therefore, proving that you can afford your stay is necessary since it is a prerequisite for a residence permit. Otherwise, the infrastructure is in place for international students to build up their future.

When approaching Helsinki on a plane, the announcement to fasten your seat belts may surprise you. Outside the window, you can see mostly forests, coastline and a pond here and there. Where is the city? Even if the Helsinki Metropolitan area has some 1.5 million inhabitants they are quite spread out leaving many green pockets between residential areas.

How do you build a social circle and make new friends as an expat in Helsinki? The same basic rule is applicable in Helsinki as it is everywhere else. Choose the things that interest you most and then go and search for like-minded people.

Helsinki may be situated on the outskirts of Europe, but it has managed to create a handful of high profile business gatherings. So if you are looking for new business or work opportunities, there are various ways to reach them. This article tells you about the networking opportunities available in a wide range of fields and popular events you should watch out for in Helsinki.

There is an enduring saying when it comes to Finnish people and their social skills. It was first launched by a German author and playwright, Bertolt Brecht back in 1940 when he visited Helsinki. The Finns, they keep silent not only in one language, but two. He was referring to the country's two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Do you want further proof? Well, here's another saying, used by the Finns themselves: Speech is silver, silence is golden.

What should one absolutely do in Helsinki? What would be the quintessential Helsinki thing to experience, to try, to eat? Well, first you should take your clothes off, literally.

It is the middle of the working week, and you need an evening out just to carry on the rest of the week. In Helsinki, ways to indulge oneself are many. This article tells you more about the leisure activities you can choose from.

There is not only one Helsinki, but two. Or even three or four. There is winter, and there is summer. And spring and autumn. Four distinctive seasons. And they all have an effect on how you may want to spend your time in the city.

It is not an exaggeration to claim that Helsinki is an excellent city for practising various sports or enjoying them as a spectator both winter and summertime.

The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. The same applies to an accidental tourist or someone who has just moved into town. Every place has its own taste. What would that be in Helsinki?

The labour market in Helsinki can be described as unbalanced, a bit schizophrenic even. Simultaneously, there is an increasing number of vacancies available, but unemployment remains quite high especially among the newly arrived immigrants. For the past few years, Helsinki has been struggling in its efforts to integrate newcomers from abroad. However, applicants and jobs do not meet.

The statistics don't lie. By looking at them, one can presume that in Finland, and in Helsinki, there will be an increasing demand for the workforce from abroad. The demographic forecasts show that the elderly population is growing rapidly vis-à-vis the younger generation. And not only that, the population is shrinking. The country needs more taxpayers and especially skilled labour force.

If there is one thing you should know about the work environment in Helsinki (or indeed Finland), it must be this: do not talk about salaries or other income. At least not openly at coffee breaks. People asking about other peoples paychecks are considered rude. Those bragging about how much they make are seen as an embarrassment to themselves. When it comes to money, modesty is a virtue. The same applies to education and former career. Listing your universities, titles and positions earns you quickly a reputation for trying to be better than the rest.

In Finland, urbanisation is accelerating, and people are flooding to the south and particularly Helsinki Metropolitan area. Therefore, house prices are surging even if there has been a construction boom. One reason for high prices is that a fairly large number of flats are kept uninhabited, even empty. Incentives to rent out may not be sufficient to rent them out.

Moving to Helsinki and wish to rent out an apartment in a block of flats? First, decide the parameters. How many rooms, how much are you able to pay for rent? Then, go online and contact a person or an agent. There are a number of companies and entities to assist you, and it is worth asking your employer as well. Also, the City of Helsinki has rental homes on offer; look for "Stadin asunnot".

Wish to live in downtown Helsinki? In principle, and in practice, buying a property in Helsinki is simple. However, there are some bureaucratic procedures one must obey and follow. Reserve some time and patience.

Thanks to New Zealand's large economy and required workforce, along with its relatively small population, New Zealand can't rely on its own population alone. This means that New Zealand is dependent on expatriate workers to help sustain some of its industries. No matter what industry you work in, you are likely to find a job. 

At midnight on the 31st of January, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union after a three-year tug-of-war within the British parliament itself. So, now that it is done, what does it mean for British expats living in the EU and EU expats living in the United Kingdom?

The coronavirus has claimed the life of twenty-six people to date and is seriously starting to worry public health experts all over the world. Indeed, the virus has spread to other countries of Eastern Asia as well as to the USA, Belfast and Scotland. Several Chinese cities are under a transport ban.

The idea of living overseas for a year or so, working small jobs to pay your way as you travel sounds like a dream. And for anyone between the ages of 18-30, this dream can become a reality, thanks to a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). 

Home to almost 5 million people, New Zealand is located in the bottom corner of the world - southeast of Australia. Consisting of two main islands (the North and South Islands), New Zealand is made up of a total of 600 islands, including Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island and Waiheke Island, and hosts other small islands that litter the coast. 

Ireland is going through a sustained period of economic growth. As a result, unemployment levels in the country are near all-time lows. There is plenty of demand for skilled works throughout the country. While the economy may slow down in the future, there are many key industries that will still need top-quality talent to be on board.

If you are looking for a job in Ireland and you are living abroad, then you will have plenty of opportunities to choose from. Employment levels are near all-time highs, and there is always room in the job market for those from outside of Ireland. While there may be some restrictions in place for those people that are not living in an European Economic Area (EEA) country, there are still opportunities to be availed of.

There is a good communications network in place in Ireland, whether you are using landlines or mobile devices. Naturally, you will want to get a phone shortly after arriving in Ireland. It is a good idea to take your time and shop around to see which package and provider are best for your specific needs. 

In India, the principle of citizenship has been largely discussed in the media and on the political sphere in the last few weeks. We seize the opportunity to talk about dual citizenship. An opportunity which often arises for expatriates. What is it? And what the pros and cons?

When we think of “moving abroad”, we often think of living the big life in a big city. There does not even seem to be a need to explain why moving to a big city would make sense. Everything is just easier in a big city. In small towns, everything is more complicated. Do the residents themselves not “go up to the city?” But, far from the clichés, small towns have many advantages.

Isn't love beautiful? Denmark is a country with plenty of romantic cobblestone streets, waterside restaurants, and beautiful parks for a loved up picnic. Anybody who meets the criteria set by the Danish authorities can get married in Denmark.

Choosing a new school for your child is a daunting task, especially for families who have relocated to a new city. Luckily, Denmark has a very high standard of childcare services and schools that welcome non-Danish children of all ages.

Denmark remains on the list of the top ten happiest countries in the world, coming in at an impressive second place in 2019. From untouched natural beauty to well-developed transport systems and a prosperous social system, it's easy to understand why Denmark is a top destination for expatriates from all over the globe. 

Have you decided to relocate to Denmark? Here are some guidelines to help you get started with your move.

Expats can rest easy knowing that pets such as dogs, cats, and other small animals can easily accompany owners to live in Denmark. Below is a guide to bringing your pets with you when you relocate to Denmark.

Expats can rest assured, knowing that Denmark offers an extensive transportation network with reliable and affordable services. Depending on the preferred method of travel, expats can choose between trains, buses, airplanes, taxis, boats, and even bicycles – after all, Denmark is one of the best countries for cycling in the world. Here's a summary of the different ways to travel around Denmark. 

Whether you want to exercise in the great outdoors, stroll along a historic cobblestoned street, or cosy up in a ‘hyggeligt' café, the Scandinavian country of Denmark has it all. There are activities suited to kids, families, couples, and solo travellers. 

Once you arrive in Denmark, you need to get connected. Here are some tips for choosing a mobile phone operator, paying bills, and connecting to internet and television services in Denmark. 

Every country has different rules when it comes to driving and Denmark is no exception. If you plan on driving in Denmark, you need to understand the local rules for foreign driver's licenses. It is also important to be aware of Danish traffic regulations. 

Denmark is renowned for its high standard of living and prosperous economy. However, the good social welfare system comes at the cost of high tax rates imposed by the Danish tax administration, known as SKAT. Taxes are paid by almost everyone, including those who receive state benefits and pensions.

The banking system in Denmark is modern, safe, and easy to understand. All expats with a valid residence permit are able to open a bank account and will have to do so in order to work in Denmark and receive a salary. 

Danish students are spoiled with a choice of world-class educational institutions, and luckily, international students are also able to study in Denmark and enjoy the wide selection of universities and institutions. 

Finding accommodation is one of the first steps for expats moving abroad. Denmark has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and lifestyles. Depending on the city where you will be staying, accommodation can be both expensive and hard to find. Here are some of the things to look out for when deciding where to stay. 

Located on Denmark's southwest coast, Esbjerg is a hub of activity for international oil, offshore, and energy activities. The city has a strategic position for trade and houses many expats who work in engineering, shipping, and offshore sectors. The University of Southern Denmark and Aalborg University campuses in the city make it an attractive location for international students and academic professionals. 

Aalborg is a prominent Danish city that is paving the way for research and education in the field of information and communication technology. Aalborg University has the largest selection of ICT study programmes available and draws thousands of students each year.

Most expats who find work in Odense enter the city's ever-growing ICT sector, while manufacturing and offshore activities also draw professionals from all over the world. Efforts to make the city more liveable have resulted in some of the best bike-friendly initiatives in Denmark. Since the city is still growing, accommodation options are very affordable, and it's easier to find housing here than in other busy cities in Denmark. Here is a guide to the neighbourhoods in Odense to help you find the best accommodation type for your needs. 

Aarhus is Denmark's second-largest city; abuzz with students and a strong start-up community, the city is one of Europe's cultural hotspots and a welcoming place for expats to call home. Its strategic location as a port city also makes Aarhus a busy area for shipping and offshore activities.

With a population of just over 200,000, Aalborg is Denmark's fourth-largest city. It is situated in northern Jutland and features a waterfront along the Limfjord. An abundance of museums, theatres, and performance venue give it a strong cultural scene, while the city's vibrant buzz can be accredited to the 25,000 students that attend Aalborg University. This upcoming city has plenty of opportunities for expats. 

The city of Esbjerg is located on the southwest coast of Denmark. It is a flourishing port city and the second largest after Aarhus. Expats looking to work here might find luck in the oil, energy, and offshore activities sectors.

Up-and-coming. Young. Dynamic. Aarhus is Denmark's largest port city and second to Copenhagen in size only. Its growing tourism sector, buzzing arts and culture scene, and selection of high-quality music easily match Copenhagen's sophistication. In fact, Aarhus was voted as one of the top European Capital of Culture cities in 2017. 

Located on the large island of Funen (Fyn) which connects Jutland and Zealand is Odense, one of Denmark's larger cities with a population of 175,000 inhabitants. Its strategic position as a port city makes Odense a major industrial and commercial hub, while its cultural significance as the birthplace of legendary Danish author Hans Christian Andersen draws tourists to the area. 

Denmark is an attractive destination for expats: its high quality of life, good wages, and urban development make it a promising place for digital nomads. However, it does not feature on the stage of digital nomad destinations. 

Denmark is one of the easiest countries to set up your own business. The procedures are relatively clear-cut, business services are accessible online, and most of the registration can be done in English. However, non-EU/EEA and Swiss residents will have some additional requirements which must be fulfilled. 

If you are under 34 years of age and looking to gain experience abroad, why not consider an internship in Denmark? With a prosperous economy and a high standard of living, Denmark is a great place to gain working experience. There are various types of internships available in Denmark, each with individual requirements.