Seinäjoki through international eyes

What is Seinäjoki like from an international perspective? Four residents who moved to Seinäjoki from abroad tell about their experiences of Finland and their everyday life in South Ostrobothnia.

Blooming nature and a safe everyday life were a pleasant surprise

Svitlana, who moved from Ukraine to Finland, settled in Seinäjoki 11 years ago. The beginning was not easy: learning Finnish and getting used to the new climate took time. In return, Finland and Seinäjoki have offered many good things – clean nature, beautiful summers and, above all, a safe everyday life.

Finland already feels like a second homeland to Svitlana. Close people, patience and time have helped her adapt. In particular, the first moments in Seinäjoki remain memorable: the bright summer nights, blooming nature, a bike ride in the forest and green lawns made an indelible impression.

Nowadays Svitlana appreciates Seinäjoki’s diverse cultural opportunities. She enjoys spending her free time at the library, the theatre and various concerts.

Seinäjoki feels like a dream come true

Faysal and Srabony, originally from Bangladesh, moved to Finland because of Srabony’s polytechnic studies. The couple actively share their everyday life in Seinäjoki on social media and tell about their life in their new hometown.

Srabony is especially impressed by Seinäjoki’s nature and by how kindly the townspeople treat residents with a foreign background. From the start, the couple has felt safe and welcome.

Moving to Finland has been a dream come true for Faysal. He appreciates the fresh air, clean water and food, and people’s friendliness. Faysal is currently studying Finnish at Sedu, and his language skills are already quite good.

The darkness and length of autumn was a surprise, but they have gradually gotten used to it. The couple’s favorite places in Seinäjoki are Y-talo, Joupinmukka and Seinäjoki Arena. A special memory is meeting President Alexander Stubb at an event at the Arena in October.

You can follow the couple’s everyday life on social media: Faysal & Anna’s Vlog on Facebook and TikTok.

From a big city to a smaller town

Anna, who lived in Saint Petersburg, Russia, moved to Seinäjoki with her family in 2024. For someone used to a big city, the small town felt challenging at first, but daily life has gradually found its rhythm.

Studying at Sedu has eased Anna’s settling in, finding new friends and learning Finnish. During her maternity leave, Anna likes to spend time at the library, which has become her favorite place. On weekends the family often goes together to the swimming pool, which has become a shared hobby.

Read more: 10 reasons to choose Seinäjoki