In this engaging discussion, Hamed, a 43-year-old software engineer originally from Iran, recounts his experiences adapting to life in Finland. Hamed shares his journey of learning Finnish, which was initially challenging due to his temporary mindset and resistance to the language. Eventually, his perspective shifted as he accepted Finland as his new home. Hamed highlights the role of making Finnish friends, listening to music, and immersing himself in Finnish culture as crucial to his language acquisition. He recounts specific experiences, such as working in a multicultural center, participating in language courses, and navigating daily interactions. Notably, he discusses how expressing emotions in Finnish significantly improved his fluency. Hamed emphasizes the importance of mindset, cultural immersion, and having fun in the process of learning a new language. His story provides valuable insights for anyone struggling to learn Finnish or integrate into a new culture.
🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with OheHelping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.
-- Table of Contents--
00:00 Mindset Shift: Accepting Finland
00:28 Introducing Hamed
03:27 Journey to Finland: A Twist of Fate
09:14 Settling in Finland: Early Struggles and Acceptance
13:18 Learning Finnish: The Turning Point
14:35 Language Learning Journey: Courses and Immersion
30:12 Practical Experiences: Internships and Jobs
34:16 Customer Service and Learning Finnish
35:31 Navigating Finnish Formalities
37:29 Overcoming Language Barriers in Sales
41:13 Embracing Finnish Culture
42:00 Effective Language Learning Strategies
42:49 Mindset and Integration
46:39 Practical Tips for Language Learning
01:03:56 Challenges and Encouragement
01:08:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
#GrowthMindset #NeverStopLearning #MindsetShift #LearningJourney #CulturalAdaptation #EmbraceTheProcess #ImmigrantStories #FromStruggleToSuccess #KeepLearning #resilienceinaction #LifeInFinland #FinnishCulture #LivingInFinland#FinnishLanguage #SuomiLife #FinlandExperience #FinlandStories #FinnishMindset#IntegrationJourney
In this episode of 'How I Learned Finnish with Ohe,' we sit down with a special guest, Kseniia, a 27-year-old musician and singer originally from St. Petersburg. Kseniia shares her raw and inspiring journey of moving to Finland at 18 and the challenges she faced in learning Finnish. From her initial struggle with speaking Finnish and the discomfort in everyday interactions to her persistence and the unconventional methods she used to integrate and learn the language, this episode is filled with valuable insights. Kseniia opens up about her approach to overcoming fears, the importance of routine, the impact of integrating into Finnish society, and the personal milestones that have made her language learning journey unique. Join us for an honest conversation about the ups and downs of learning a new language and the strategies that led Kseniia to where she is today.
🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with OheHelping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.
-- Table of Contents--
00:00 Overcoming Language Barriers: My Finnish Journey
00:38 Introduction to the Episode and Guest
01:19 Kseniia's Background and Arrival in Finland
02:53 Settling in Finland and Initial Challenges
05:55 Academic Pursuits and Early Language Learning
10:22 Cultural Integration and Personal Growth
14:13 The Turning Point: Deciding to Learn Finnish
20:39 Practical Language Learning Experiences
31:37 Effective Learning Strategies and Resources
42:49 Reflections on Language Learning and Cultural Adaptation
46:42 Unconventional Learning Methods
46:59 Translating Hip Hop Lyrics
50:59 Passive Learning Techniques
56:01 Active Learning Strategies
01:02:32 Integrating into Finnish Society
01:08:52 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
01:18:19 Rapid Fire Language Learning Tips
01:32:53 Encouragement and Final
Thoughts#HowILearnedFinnish #LearnFinnish #FinnishLanguage #FinnishPodcast #LifeInFinland #MovingToFinland #LivingInFinland #ExpatInFinland #IntegrationJourney #FinnishCulture #FinlandLife #FinlandExperience #FinnishSociety #LanguageLearningJourney #LanguageMotivation #FinnishLearner #FinnishLessons #StudyFinnish #FinnishFluency #FinnishMusic #MusicianInFinland #SingerLife #ArtistJourney #CreativeJourney #InspiringStories ##LanguageMotivation #GrowthMindset #KeepLearning #StayConsistent #LanguageTips #FluencyGoals #MotivationalPodcast #LearnLanguages
In this episode, we dive into the life story of Jojo Pratt, a 37-year-old nurse originally from Ghana. Jojo shares his unique experiences and challenges of learning Finnish, from his early days in a Finnish refugee camp to becoming fluent and integrated into Finnish society. Join us as Jojo recounts the creative and relentless methods he used, the cultural and societal barriers he overcame, and the crucial mindset needed to master a new language. Discover valuable insights and tips for anyone striving to learn Finnish or any new language. This is an episode filled with inspiring anecdotes, humorous moments, and practical advice you won't want to miss!
🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with Ohe
Helping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.
-- Table of Contents--
00:00 Intro & Jojo’s background
02:05 High School memories in Ghana
04:58 The secret flight to Europe
08:40 Arrival: Red Cross & first winter
12:10 Refugee camp classes & the doorway story
16:45 Mindset over comfort (why courses aren’t enough)
21:30 Bar reps, churches & real-life practice
26:10 Dictionaries, kids’ shows & Pimsleur
31:00 Accents: Imatra → Turku → Salo → Helsinki
35:35 From student to nurse: workplace Finnish
41:00 Swedish twist: Tammisaari army hack
46:10 Integration, jobs & quality of life
51:40 Rules for learning Finnish as an adult
57:20 Closing thoughts & takeaways
#LearnFinnish #FinnishLanguage #HowToLearnFinnish #SuomenKieli #Suomi #HowILearnedFinnish #OhePodcast #GhanaToFinland #ImmigrantStoryFinland #RefugeeToNurse #IntegrationFinland #ExpatFinland #LifeInFinland #AdultLanguageLearning #MindsetOverComfort #SpeakFinnish #FinnishVocabulary #FinnishGrammar #FinnishPronunciation #SpeakingFinnish #WorkingAsANurseInFinland #RedCrossFinland #RefugeeCampFinland #Helsinki #Turku #YKITest
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Magdalene Awahnde, a nursing manager in Finland. In this episode, Magdalene shares her journey from Cameroon to Finland, her challenges and triumphs in learning the Finnish language, and her rise in the healthcare sector. Discover her key strategies for overcoming language barriers, her motivational tips for aspiring immigrants, and how her determination and positive attitude opened doors to remarkable opportunities. Magdalene's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of embracing opportunities. Don't miss this insightful and motivational episode!
🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with Ohe. Helping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.
00:00 Intro
00:48 Meet Magdalene
01:57 Journey to Finland: Love and Education
02:41 Nicknames and Cultural Connections
03:13 Learning Finnish: Challenges and Motivations
07:25 First Steps in Finland: Education and Early Career
12:52 Navigating the Finnish Job Market
19:51 Overcoming Language Barriers in Nursing
32:20 A Brief Move to the US and Return to Finland
35:34 Resources and Methods for Learning Finnish
41:09 Multidisciplinary Team Meetings
41:21 Observations on Learning Finnish
42:29 Challenges in the Job Market
43:37 Adapting to Life in Finland
45:24 Importance of Learning Finnish
47:10 Active and Passive Learning Strategies
47:43 Role of Family in Language Learning
53:33 Integration and Cultural Adaptation
01:14:16 Motivation and Overcoming Challenges
01:20:04 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
#FinnishLanguage #ImmigrantSuccess #LanguageLearningJourney #LifeInFinland #CameroonToFinland #NursingInFinland #HealthcareLeadership #WomenInHealthcare #FinnishHealthcare #InspiringStories #MotivationalPodcast #FromStruggleToSuccess #PerseverancePaysOff #LearnFinnish #ImmigrantVoices #AfricanDiaspora#NursingManager #FinnishIntegration #FinlandPodcast #RealTalkFinland
Meet Emily, an entrepreneur and hairdresser who shares her unique strategies, challenges, and experiences that shaped her language-learning process. In this episode, we dive deep into Emily's journey of learning Finnish. From studying abroad to integrating into Finnish society, Emily covers essential topics like vocabulary building, speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing. She also discusses the importance of mindset, staying motivated, and leveraging resources like podcasts, books, and online platforms to master Finnish. Learn how Emily overcame the hurdles of learning a new language and how you can apply her insights to your language-learning journey.
🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with OheHelping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Meet Emily
02:59 Life in Finland
04:04 Learning Finnish: Challenges and Strategies
08:16 Work and Language Integration
09:27 Effective Learning Resources
13:46 The Role of Technology in Learning
15:38 Reaching Proficiency Levels
18:11 Test Preparation and Strategies
30:58 Observations on Language Learning
33:55 Understanding the Challenges of Learning Finnish
35:03 Overcoming the Fear of Making Mistakes
36:47 Unconventional Learning Strategies
38:43 The Importance of Practice and Immersion
39:50 Balancing Active and Passive Learning
43:15 Integrating into Finnish Society
46:43 The Role of Personal Relationships in Language Learning
50:44 Common Obstacles and Encouragement
56:12 Effective Language Learning Techniques
01:06:12 The Benefits of Speaking the Local Language
#LearnFinnish #FinnishLanguage #LanguageLearningJourney #LanguageMotivation #LanguageTips #FinnishGrammar #VocabularyBuilding #SpeakFinnish #ListenAndLearn#StudyAbroadFinland #LifeInFinland #ImmigrantExperience #ExpatInFinland#FinnishForBeginners #LanguageMindset #PodcastEpisode #LanguageLearningPodcast #HairdresserInFinland #EntrepreneurInFinland #MasterFinnish #LanguageLearningTips #FinnishVocabulary #ReadingInFinnish #WritingInFinnish #OnlineLanguageLearning
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Deborah Laajanen, a lawyer from the Philippines who managed to get accepted into a Finnish law school despite being in Finland for just a few years. Deborah shares her struggles and strategies for learning Finnish to an advanced level, including the use of resources like Suomen mestari, podcasts, and integrating herself into Finnish society. She also discusses the motivation behind her efforts, the role of discipline, and the importance of setting concrete goals. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone facing the daunting task of learning a new language, especially in a new country.🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with OheHelping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.---------------- Table of Content -------------------- 00:00 Overcoming Challenges and Setting Goals00:43 Introducing Deborah Laajanen03:11 Deborah's Journey to Finland04:58 Learning Finnish and Integration09:10 Facing Professional Hurdles15:32 Effective Learning Strategies20:40 Resources and Tools for Learning Finnish24:26 Advanced Finnish Proficiency31:16 Immersion and Integration Programs34:52 Unconventional Learning Methods39:21 Integrating Finnish into Daily Life39:48 Active vs. Passive Learning Strategies40:30 Overcoming Language Barriers41:33 Setting and Achieving Language Goals42:52 Immersive Learning Techniques43:47 Challenges and Mindset in Language Learning47:19 Importance of Integration and Community58:56 Personal Stories and Cultural Connections01:02:01 Rapid Fire Language Learning Tips01:11:07 Encouragement and Final Thoughts#LearnFinnish #FinnishLanguage #FinnishFluency#LanguageLearningJourney #FinnishLessons #SuomenMestari #LanguageMotivation #StudyInFinland #LawStudentLife #LawStudies #InternationalStudent #ExpatInFinland #MovingToFinland #FinnishCulture #LanguageLearningTips #StudyAbroadFinland #LanguageGoals #BecomingFluent #FinnishForBeginners #FinnishLawSchool #LearningLanguages #FluencyTips #PodcastEpisode #StudyMotivation #ExpatLifeFinland
What if the best way to learn Finnish isn’t in a classroom — but at lunch with an 85-year-old stranger?
Meet Erik Åkesson, a Swedish dad of four, former global head of FX trading, and now a Finnish speaker thanks to one of the most original language learning methods I’ve ever heard. He didn’t qualify for integration courses. So what did he do? He offered to buy lunch for anyone willing to speak Finnish with him — and ended up having over 100 lunches with strangers.
In this episode, we talk about:
Why Duolingo didn’t work
The power of non-reversible promises
Finnish vs Swedish education systems
The dark side of “easy English in Finland”
Why the government should fund immigrant-lonely elderly lunches
And why, if you're serious about learning Finnish, this method might be your new secret weapon.
🎙️ Welcome to How I Learned Finnish – with Ohe
Helping immigrants thrive (not just survive) by mastering one of the world’s toughest languages.
👉Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this inspired you or made you think differently about language learning.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Struggles
00:51 Meet Erik Åkesson
01:38 Life Journey and Career Moves
03:11 Challenges in Learning Finnish
05:22 Innovative Methods to Learn Finnish
06:55 The Power of Social Interaction
11:45 Reflections on Language Learning
13:36 The Role of Older Generations
15:37 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
31:11 Challenges of Learning Finnish
31:25 Passive and Active Learning Strategies
33:11 Balancing Multiple Languages
34:18 Making Irreplaceable Promises
36:43 Diversity and Integration in Finland
45:59 Difficulties of Learning Finnish
56:07 Commitment and Social Integration
58:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Finnish language, learning Finnish, how to learn Finnish, Finnish fluency, language learning tips, integration in Finland, immigrant experience Finland, Duolingo, language immersion, lunch with locals, language hacks, adult language learning, suomen kieli, suomi, Erik Åkesson, podcast Finland, Finnish for immigrants, unconventional language methods, language and identity, retired mentors, language motivation
#LearnFinnish #FinnishLanguage #LanguageLearning #ImmigrantsInFinland #HowILearnedFinnish #SuomenKieli #IntegrationInFinland #LanguageFluency #DuolingoFail #LanguageMotivation #LunchToFluency #FinlandLife #RetiredMentors #ImmigrantStories #Suomi
Anita Anttila shares her compelling journey of moving to Finland nearly 30 years ago and her struggles to learn the Finnish language amidst personal challenges, including losing custody of her children due to a misunderstanding of legal documents. She dives into the language learning methods she tried, both successful and unsuccessful, the importance of daily practices to learn the language. Anita emphasizes the need for intentional learning, integrating into society, and not being ashamed of making mistakes. Her story highlights resilience and the importance of truly immersing oneself in the language to understand and be understood in a new country.
—- Contents of the video ——
00:00 intro
07:49 Too busy with kids at start
10:56 Switch from the english way of thinking
20:54 Resources used
24:13 Useless practice methods
26:35 Observations about other people
29:46 Surprising or unconventional things
34:02 Passive actions that help
48:05 Tired Brain
57:35 Why others fail
01:00:16 6 parts to learning a language
01:00:43 Vocabulary
01:03:21 Speaking Practice
01:03:52 Listening Comprehension
01:04:06 Grammar
01:05:45 Writing
01:06:36 Moments of difficulty
01:11:52 Words of encouragement
01:16:24 Exit
How I Achieved Fluency in Finnish in Just One Year! | Language Learning Tips
Join me, Oheneba Poku-Marboah, a.k.a Ohe, as I share my inspiring journey of mastering the Finnish language in just one year! In this episode of 'How I Learned,' I reveal the key elements that helped me achieve high-level fluency by the end of 2022. From setting specific targets and creating a language immersion environment to utilizing podcasts, books, and articles, I provide actionable tips that can help you learn any language. Learn about the six essential components of language learning—vocabulary, speaking, listening, grammar, reading, and writing—and discover how I overcame challenges, kept myself motivated, and adapted my strategies along the way. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to refine your skills, this video is packed with valuable advice for achieving your language learning goals. Don’t miss out—watch now and get inspired to take your linguistic abilities to the next level!
00:00 Intro
00:59 My Story
01:24 Affecting my pockets
03:01 My Goal
04:45 How others learnt fast
05:06 Pretend you don't speak English
07:17 Daily Podcasts
09:00 Vocabulary into Excel
12:01 ChatGPT can be bad for this
12:54 Translated phrase bank
14:15 Books
17:07 Articles
17:53 Sit down to study
19:16 Your relationships
19:49 Integration with locals
21:10 The HOW wrap-up
So you want to learn the Finnish language. How, you ask? How I learnt Finnish is a podcast that shows you the choices, daily habits, lifestyle and changes that people who have successfully learned Finnish as adults did to get to learn a language - any language. This is my way of helping you to also achieve this very difficult goal.
