How can Lapland UAS prepare its students to Finnish work culture?

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to give a better understanding of Finnish working life and work culture including international experiences to other internationals whilst supporting and giving recommendations to the Talent Boost program on what information could be included in a Guide on Finnish work culture for the students at Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The objectives of the thesis are to understand Finnish work life and work culture, to discover if international people’s experiences in the Finnish labour market are similar to what can be found in books, and to find the most common obstacles among foreigners. The main research questions are What are the biggest obstacles in Finnish work culture from the international point of view? and What information can improve the chances of entering the Finnish labour market for students?

This thesis is based on qualitative research methods whilst for accuracy reasons this research is including statistical data analysis from different sources. Furthermore, it includes common cultural theory with the work culture and unique features being in focus.

This thesis as a whole can be a great source of information for foreign students on Finnish work culture and working life as well as it can improve the accuracy of a guidebook for students. It is made by an international student from an international perspective and with experiences of foreigners.