An International Student in Finland: Planning a Future in an English-Speaking Country

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Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out because I'm feeling frustrated and uncertain about my future here in Finland. I moved here from the Philippines to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, hoping this path would provide me with more security and better opportunities. After finishing high school in the Philippines, I came straight to Finland, full of hope and determination.

However, the journey has been much harder than I expected. The Finnish language is a significant barrier for me. While I can speak and understand it to some extent, I'm far from fluent, and this has limited my opportunities to work in healthcare settings. I dream of working in a hospital, but the language fluency required—and the preference for hiring locals—makes this goal feel out of reach.

I've been living in Finland for almost three years now, and with the current economic challenges and the growing number of international students and workers, finding a job has become even more difficult. I've applied to many care homes, but unfortunately, I haven't had any luck securing a position. While I do have a part-time job, it's unrelated to my field, and my work as a gig worker in care homes isn't consistent enough to sustain me.

One of my biggest worries is what will happen after graduation. Without a permanent job offer in healthcare, I'm unsure if I'll be able to meet the visa requirements to stay. This uncertainty is making me question whether coming to Finland was the right decision for me.

I'm now seriously considering moving to an English-speaking country after graduation if no viable opportunities open up for me here. I feel like I need a fresh start in a place where language isn't such a significant obstacle.

Have any of you been in a similar situation? Do you have advice on navigating these challenges or preparing for a move to an English-speaking country? I would be incredibly grateful for any insights, tips, or shared experiences.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and for any guidance you can offer.

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