A gap year in Finland

Gap years in Finland

Finland: the country with no sense of humour! Ahem. How about Finland: it’s growing (0.5km2) by the month! Here we go – Finland: Father Christmas made it home! Maybe not. It’s hard to find reasons to visit this cold, expensive country. Perversely, this very fact draws more than two million visitors every year. Perhaps it’s the challenge of exploring the unknown – after all, Columbus set out half-expecting to fall off the edge of the world. Put a brave face on it, and dare to discover Finland – for the rewards are rich...

Gap Year Opportunities

For the English-speaking gapper, opportunities for work in Finland include administration and hospitality roles at city hotels, ski resorts or even Santa’s Village. You could provide childcare at a ski chalet or lead walking holidays in Finland’s national parks.

Finland is also part of the EU au pair scheme, placing students with families who need help with childcare, in return for accommodation and food. Gaining some experience in the UK before you leave could net you a better placement –and higher wages.

Getting Around

It’s possible – and environmentally favourable – to reach Finland by train and ferry from London. Using the Eurostar and regional trains, you can get to Helsinki in three days; for a more attractive journey, get off the train at Stockholm and take the Viking Line ferry to Helsinki.

Finland is a very sparsely populated country, so travelling inland is quiet and often scenic. The Finns boast that their public transport systems are efficient and punctual, and it’s true that they cover most of the country. You can travel by rail very easily, choosing a sleeper train across the longer distances.

About Finland

In many ways, Finland is a very high-performing country: that’s to say that its governing forces have done great work in industry, environmental and economic arenas. The country consistently ranks as no1 on Colombia University’s Environmental Sustainability Chart, and it’s in the top 20 of dozens of world comparisons for all kinds of things – economic freedom, the status of motherhood, lowest corruption, global competitiveness.

This translates to a high standard of living. Finns are extremely well educated and employed in the wealthy electronics and manufacturing industries. Architecture and developments have long been inspired by the dramatic geological scenery, which has put Finland way ahead in conservation stakes. The country prides itself on being ‘Europe’s last wilderness’. Finns enjoy plenty of space and can always escape from the crowds.

Drinking is also very popular in Finland. It could be the necessity of a warming shot in winter – but alcohol, and coffee, is drunk by the bucketload. When they’ve finished their 9 daily cups of caffeine young Finns often head out for some serious barflying. You’ll fit in nicely...

What to see in Finland

Helsinki – and indeed most Finnish cities and towns – are best visited in the summer months, before the snow hits hard. The Finnish capital must be one of the only cities in the world where you could expect to see flying squirrels, pheasants and hares. It’s becoming an important world business centre and this increasing commuter population has demanded high standards of cuisine and entertainment. You’ll find no shortage of glamorous bars, gay venues and chic cafes here. Helsinki is a new favourite among the Euro-jet-set; charming open squares, modern museums and coastal excursions combine to provide all-weather entertainment.

But if you stay in the towns and cities, you’re missing a trick: out here, it’s really all about the open space. Visit one of the National Parks for a remarkable trek; book a trip to witness the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights; or take a foraging trip for berries and mushrooms.

Lapland, in northern Finland, is very popular at Christmas – you-know-who attracts more tourists than everyone else in the country put together. Oddly enough, it’s the Brits who go crazy for Lapland in winter; every year, more and more children clamour to visit Rudolph. Indulge your inner 3-year-old with a magical trip up North, get served by elves at Santa’s Post Office, and ride a sled drawn by reindeer.

If you’re too old for Father Christmas, winter brings a host of extra-curricular activities: snowboarding, snowmobile hiring, ice sculpture, cross-country skiing and northern lights trips. Whatever time of year you’re in Finland, you’ll find it far more charming than first appeared....