Competences needed in the adaptation process

The interviewees commented on the competencies they had needed themselves in their adaptation process and the competencies they thought people would need when adapting to a new culture and when people from different cultures meet. The short-term sojourners were mostly concerned about the knowledge they should have about the new culture. Some specific skills were mentioned. They pointed out some skills which were needed in the adaptation process. Skills were connected to communication situations like using Finnish, asking questions and observing. They were mentioned several times. Comments about their own attitudes before arrival and during their stay were also made several times and the same kinds of expressions were reiterated during the interview. For example, openness, eagerness and interest were emphasized by most of the interviewees. The short-term sojourners had noticed that their own attitudes had had an important effect in their adaptation process.

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“It is important to ask a lot of questions about the Finnish practices.”

(S2/m/US)

“I have tried to use Finnish as often as possible.” (S7/f/RU)

“I observed a lot. Observation was interesting and very important for my learning and understanding.” (S4/mEE)

“I was curious about new things and willing to learn something new.”

(S1/f/GR)

“To be open was the most important thing to me in the adaptation process.”

(S3/f/FR)

“I think I am a positive person. I think positively and I am interested in new things. If people are interested – not forced – it is a good thing. Then they are happy to do many things.” (S6/f/CN)

“I wanted to accept Finnish values.” (S10/m/IN)

The short-term interviewees mentioned the situations in which they had been tempted to interpret the situation very negatively using stereotypes and prejudices.

They had noticed that by avoiding negative attributions they had survived better.

Many of them said that stereotypes and especially prejudices should be avoided in intercultural interactions even if it sounded like a cliché.

“I had met a Finnish man and I had stereotypes about them. But my stereotypes were wrong. Finns are much more reserved. I realised that the man was not a typical Finn. I had to explore things in Finland. Try not to say negative things.” (S2/m/US)

“I knew that I would have misunderstandings in Finland. I was frustrated because I could not express myself 100 per cent. I tried not to draw negative conclusions. Do not think that your own culture is the best. Every culture is good. In Finland this is the best culture. My own culture is also good. My eyes have to be bright not coloured.” (S10/m/IN)

In many interviews the short-term sojourners stressed that their own active role had in many situations been crucial to make things happen. They had noticed that if they showed interest first, Finns also started to get interested – but not always.

“I tried to make an effort to learn more about Finnish manners.” (S3/f/FR)

“I tried to get used to all kind of new things.” (S4/mEE)

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“I showed that I was interested. You have to have motivation to speak to people because it will be much harder than speaking in your own language”

(S10/m/IN)

They also noted that their general mood had affected the adaptation process.

Some of the short-term sojourners commented that overall preparedness to face various kinds of situations had helped them through difficult moments. They also mentioned some strategies for lifting their moods.

“My optimistic mood helped me a lot here.” (S4/mEE)

“When I was down, I had to apply the same attitude as in travelling. I had to find some positive and interesting things to do.” (S2/m/US)

“I was well prepared mentally before arrival. I had to be receptive”

(S10/m/IN)

“I had moments when I was bored but eventually the mood changed in a positive direction again.” (S9/f/DE)

“My mood was so much better when the weather changed to spring and the sun was shining. It was much easier for me to learn.” (S1/f/GR)

The short-term sojourners emphasized their willingness to participate even if it was not easy because Finns did not participate as much as expected. One interviewee stressed that patience was among the most important skills in the intercultural adaptation process.

“If I should give one piece of advice to somebody who is living in a foreign country, I would say: Be patient. Patience is the most important skill. I got frustrated because I could not express myself as well as in my mother tongue.

The other person could not understand me as well as if we had been speaking the same language. Everyone needs patience all the time. If you have not been in a situation where you should speak in a foreign language, you don’t know that it is hard to speak the foreign language all day and day after day.”

(S10/m/IN)

The long-term interviewees had very similar comments about competences needed in the adaptation process. However, they emphasized more respect for cultural differences.

“You have to be aware what is going on around you. You have to respect different ways of doing things.” (L1/f/BR)

“You have to accept and respect their ways of doing things.” (L5/f/LT)

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The long-term interviewees had noticed that they had to change their behavioural practices to fit to Finnish culture, but it did not mean losing their old culture. They commented that it could be called sensitivity of seeing themselves in the light of the locals - taking a different perspective.

“You see what is similar and what is different. You see yourself through their eyes and you become aware what could be considered strange.” (L5/f/LT) They also commented that intercultural competences were social competences – life competences. They said that it was important to be interested in other people and listen to what they had to say. But all the interviewees repeated that both parties should be interested to learn from each other. That was the main competence needed in the adaptation process.

“I wanted to be as open as possible to new ideas. I did not expect many differences but I tried to be prepared to face all kinds of things.” (L6/m/DE)

“I had to respect their way of doing things even if I would have done it differently. (L10/f/DE)