Through the expat’s glass
Housemarque and Finland from a foreigner’s perspective
With a growing number of foreigners becoming Housemarqueans in recent years, we were curious to hear from our foreign colleagues about what their experience in Finland has been like so far, what brought them here, and what drew them to Housemarque in particular.
They all come from different backgrounds, countries and life situations. And they all contribute to making Housemarque the welcoming place we love it to be for both old and new colleagues.
While studies and family are common reasons, others have moved to the “happiest country in the world” specifically to work on Housemarque’s games:
“Housemarque was always my ‘if you could work anywhere’ dream studio”.
To make sure that our new colleagues’ life in their dream studio starts as smoothly as possible, the relocation is handled in-house by our own relocation team, and they are involved from an early stage.
Even before accepting the offer, promising candidates are given the option of spending a weekend in Helsinki with their family, meeting some of their new colleagues, and checking the city they could end up calling home. Nothing like seeing things for yourself!
And, if all goes well, that’s when our relocation team really gets to shine.
According to those that have taken part, the process really took away most of the stress and doubts about uprooting and moving their life, and sometimes their whole family (human and/or pets), to a new country.
You might ask “Ok, but what do they really do?”. And you’d be right: it’s time to actually give some details!
Relocation assistance
Our team will help you with the logistics, transportation, and permits (where needed).
Winter sunset in Helsinki
You will not need to worry about finding a place to stay as soon as you arrive, as Housemarque will provide you with temporary accommodation in a central area of Helsinki for a few months, while you get your bearings in the city.
Shortly after your arrival, they will also help you find your own permanent place by arranging apartment viewings, but also coming with you during these visits should you have any questions.
Support with official processes
Each country has their own system when it comes to foreign talent, and Finland is no different.
To get all the bureaucracy ducks in a row, the relocation team will help you with visa (where needed) and residence permits, setting up bank and tax accounts, signing you up with the national healthcare system, and all those things that can easily become overwhelming for a newcomer.
The team has also prepared and curated a very extensive handbook about “Life in Finland” that is shared with every new colleague upon their arrival.
Language training
While Finnish people are very fluent in English, especially in the capital region, the official languages are Finnish and Swedish.
For those interested in diving into this “elvish” language, Housemarque will set you up with a Finnish course where you will be able to learn with a small group of colleagues.
Social support
You might have heard that Finnish people are reserved, which is true, but make no mistakes: Finnish people are at the same time very welcoming and warm to newcomers.
If you so wish, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet your new colleagues (and sometimes their friends and families) outside of work, to help you create your own network of friends.
Ad-hoc service
As different individuals have different needs, we make sure that we can try and address as many concerns as possible, and help the individual (and their family) move to Finland without worries.
If the relocation team can help with direct assistance, or tips and introductions, they will do all they can to help.
Alright, you have now relocated and started your new job at Housemarque, but don’t know much about the city and country just yet. What have others liked about Helsinki and Finland so far?
Esplanadi Park, Helsinki
A focus on work-life balance
The Nordic work-life balance has been Finland’s trump card for attracting foreigners to relocate here, in addition to the many excellent social services, like health care and education. It is no surprise that Finland has been chosen as the happiest country in the world for five years in a row.
“Work-life balance culture. There's no obsession with work like in many other countries. Life isn't all about productivity or getting ahead or getting rich. People do their work and then go home, relax in the sauna if they want to, and just enjoy living”.
Easy access to nature and a different type of environment
A big reason for many is wanting to live in a city where nature is always a stone’s throw away, in a country with the most forest-covered land in all of Europe, complete with a whopping 187 000 lakes.
“Helsinki is such a clean, spacious and airy city. Lots of green spaces. It just feels comfortable to live in. You're always close to the water and the woods, if you need to slow down.”
For foreigners coming from warmer climates, the snowy winters and the chance of seeing the Northern Lights add even more to the new and exciting experience.
The cultural and tech capital of Finland
Nature is one of the many positive sides of living in or near the Finnish capital: the city is a hub for art and design, music festivals, great exhibits, and tech innovation. Expect great nightlife, a wide range of restaurants, exhibitions, great cinemas, and a city in constant evolution. Plus, Finland is part of Europe, and a city break to the Nordics or other parts of Europe is always possible for a weekend or a longer trip during holidays.
Personal safety in a pocket-sized and modern city
Another aspect of living in Helsinki that our foreign employees are enjoying is the safety in this city.
“I would say the sense of safety compared to other big cities, and the amount of personal space each individual gets.”
With a public transportation network second to none, commuting within the city and from satellite towns is quick and easy: some of our foreign colleagues were surprised to have their commute to work significantly reduced when moving to Helsinki!
And “Cars actually stop when I want to cross the road”.
The Finns
Some might have read how Finns are people of few words, reserved, and humble: while this is undeniable, it is not a complete (and fair) representation.
We have found our local colleagues and friends to be curious, charming, and welcoming!
The concept of “sisu” (perseverance through trough times) is rooted in the Finnish identity, and can also be seen in their loyalty as friends and co-workers.
Becoming friends with a Finn is to make a lifelong friend!
“The most surprising thing is that there aren't any major surprises; there's an initial adaptation to a different country and culture, but the people are wonderful and Finland started feeling comfortable pretty quickly. Finns also aren't nearly as shy as was alluded to”.
A diverse and equal society
Graffiti on a watchtower in Lauttasaari, Helsinki
Even though Finland has become an immigration country only in the past decade or so, its efforts towards gender equality date way back, and are already visible.
“I look up to Finnish women and girls, as they seem to have grown in a more independent and empowered way than I did in my home country.”
Finland is striving to make progress in terms of LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. At Housemarque we feel very strongly about fostering a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone.
“Working here has made me feel safe when I began my transition 2 years go”.
How have the Housemarque expats gotten used to living in a country that is often so different from their home? Pretty well, it would seem!
“My life has improved in all aspects: quality of life, more time outdoors, and spending power when I travel home. In fact I have been able to buy a home with my partner, and my own car!”.
“After midsummer, everyone leaves the city to go to their mökki (summer cabin) for their holiday, and some even tend to work from there for a few months! When I came for the interview, it was in June, and it was amazing to walk around a capital city and have it be almost deserted”.
“As a Finn born abroad, I love how international Finland feels. Where many countries shy away from English becoming a lingua franca, Finns instead embrace it, and it's a great strength of modern Finnish society, which makes me feel right at home!” .
“I've really enjoyed all of the karaoke bars that are seemingly everywhere in Finland. I've seen some people nail Freddie Mercury songs and I've seen people butcher Backstreet Boys tracks and both have been incredibly fun and memorable times!
I've also enjoyed how clean the city is and how reliable and cheap the public transport is. The food is also very varied and the local food delivery services are top notch. It seems like this place has something for everyone”.
Written by: Noemi Cugudda