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 - Intro

00:43 - Meet Deborah Laajanen

03:11 - Deborah's Journey to Finland

04:58 - Learning Finnish and Integration

09:10 - Facing Professional Hurdles

15:32 - Effective Learning Strategies

20:40 - Resources and Tools for Learning Finnish

24:26 - Advanced Finnish Proficiency

31:16 - Immersion and Integration Programs

34:52 - Unconventional Learning Methods

39:21 - Integrating Finnish into Daily Life

39:48 - Active vs. Passive Learning Strategies

40:30 - Overcoming Language Barriers

41:33 - Setting and Achieving Language Goals

42:52 - Immersive Learning Techniques

43:47 - Challenges and Mindset in Language Learning

47:19 - Importance of Integration and Community

58:56 - Personal Stories and Cultural Connections

01:02:01 - Rapid Fire Language Learning Tips

01:11:07 - 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

In 2022, I embarked on a radical experiment — I pretended not to speak English for an entire year in order to immerse myself in Finnish and reach fluency as an adult. My journey of mastering the Finnish language in just one year starting from a weak level! 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.