From Saudi Sands to Finnish Snow
At 33 years old, Jonel Mapute has already lived what many would call a remarkable life. Originally from the Philippines, he spent nearly a decade in Saudi Arabia. Life in the Middle East offered stability for a while, but when national policies began shifting and job security weakened, Jonel found himself seeking something more and something different.
“I wanted a place that was colder, more peaceful,” Jonel recalls with a smile. “And Finland stood out with its quality of life, healthcare, and strong work-life balance. It was a complete contrast to the desert heat I was used to.”
Discovering Finland through a friend
Jonel’s introduction to Finland came unexpectedly, through a close friend and classmate during his nursing assistant studies. That friend was already exploring a pathway to Finland through Silkkitie. Intrigued, Jonel began learning more and eventually applied alongside three classmates. What stood out immediately was Silkkitie’s transparency. There were no hidden fees, no false promises. Everything was laid out clearly in the orientation. Free language training, relocation assistance, paperwork support. You could feel it was legit, Jonel says.
Jonel’s experience with Silkkitie’s recruitment process was defined by structure, professionalism, and support. From application to deployment, every step was coordinated carefully. “The Finnish language was the hardest part,” he admits. “It’s not something you master in a few months. But every class, every day with our instructors, we learned something new. It was difficult, but it also became enjoyable.”
Language wasn’t the only hurdle. Moving to a new continent meant letting go of familiarity and stepping into uncertainty. But Jonel never felt alone. “Silk Road was there from the moment we arrived at the airport. They told us what to expect and what to do next. It wasn’t just a job placement it was a real human process.”
He was also proud to of his success he gained in language training due to his dedication and hard work. “I became the top student in our group,” he adds. “It gave me first pick of placement, which was a huge opportunity.”
Building a Life in Finland
Arriving in Helsinki during the middle of winter might be daunting for some, but for Jonel, it was magical. “It was snowing when we arrived. I couldn’t believe it! Just a year ago it had been a dream and now we were here.”
His first impressions of Finland were overwhelmingly positive. “It’s quiet, clean, and people are respectful. If you need help, they help. No questions asked. I felt at peace here from the start.”
Work life in Finland, Jonel emphasizes, is deeply respectful. “You’re valued as a healthcare worker. If you’re sick, they encourage you to rest. There’s no pressure or suspicion. It’s very different from anywhere else I’ve worked.”
He also appreciates the cultural differences. “In the Philippines, birthdays mean big parties. Here, it might be just a cake and song. And when you go out, everyone pays their own bill. It’s all so independent and low-pressure it really suits me.”
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Now that Jonel is settled in Finland, his focus has shifted from simply being to truly thriving as part of a growing international community. Currently, he’s completing his studies to become a licensed practical nurse, a critical milestone that will allow him to fully practice in Finland’s healthcare system.
“My short-term goal is to graduate by next May and secure my license,” he explains. “But I’m not stopping there. I’m keeping the door open to pursue higher studies in nursing or another related field. I’ve realized that once you take the leap and step outside your comfort zone, more opportunities start appearing.”
Jonel’s journey has also sparked a deeper purpose, to help others discover their own path. Beyond his full-time job and studies, he’s become a vocal advocate for ethical recruitment and responsible migration. Through his vlog Jminfinland, he shares candid stories about everyday life in Finland from language struggles to cultural surprises, and from job interviews to making friends in a new country. He also shares recruitment opportunities he comes across and regularly reposts Silkkitie’s posts.
“What I post isn’t about going viral, it’s about helping people avoid the wrong turn. I’ve seen friends and strangers fall for fake recruitment agencies, lose money, or give up because they didn’t know where to start. That’s why I tell my story. If it helps even one person make a safer decision, it’s worth it.”
Jonel is also preparing to reunite with his fiancée and start a shared life in Finland. “It’s not just about my career anymore. It’s about building something stable and long-lasting. Finland isn’t a stepping stone for me it’s home.”
He speaks with deep gratitude about the people and systems that made his transition smoother. “Silkkitie didn’t just give me a job. They gave me a future. And my employer in Finland treats us with such care it’s not something I take for granted.”
For Finnish employers looking to welcome international workers, Jonel offers sincere advice: “Be patient with us. Understand that we’re adapting not just to a workplace, but to a whole new world. Language, culture, climate, really everything is new. The smallest gesture, like checking in with us or offering language support, goes a long way.”
He also encourages employers to engage more meaningfully with their international staff. “It helps to ask us how we’re doing, not just at work, but in life. That kind of human connection builds loyalty, motivation, and a stronger workforce.”
Looking back, Jonel sees his journey as proof that taking bold steps can open doors to a better future. “There were so many moments I could’ve given up. But I held onto a Finnish phrase I learned early on: ‘Kaikki on mahdollista sille, joka uskaltaa unelmoida’ = Everything is possible for the one who dares to dream. That’s my story in one sentence.”
Jonel’s final message is one of hope, especially for those who may feel stuck or uncertain. “If you’re thinking of working abroad, and you want a real future not just a job Silkkitie is your gateway. Trust in the process, commit to the hard work, and don’t be afraid to dream. Because if I made it, so can you.”