Working in Finland fulfilled a unique experience for 34-year old nursing assistant Jason. Jason moved to Finland in February 2024.

He had been working as a Filipino nurse assistant for 6 years. He recalled beginning his career working in Kuwait, Middle east as a nurse assistant, also known as nursing aides or patient care assistants. As a nursing assistant, he was assigned in the Outpatient Department (OPD), supporting both the nursing staff and the patients by escorting patients to examination rooms and ensure they are comfortable. He also assisted physicians and nurses during examinations and procedures by handing over instruments and supplies.

Throughout his career, he has been passionate about his profession. Coming to Finland, he is filled with so much excitement for the new experiences and learnings to help him continue growing in his beloved field. 

Where it all began 

Jason started his application process in July 2023. He first heard about Silk Road and its program through a colleague and on social media. After researching and reading several success stories, he became confident that the agency could help him achieve his career goals abroad.

He said he wanted to expand his professional horizons and gain international experience. Knowing that working in a different country offers unique challenges, he is excited about the chance to immerse himself in new cultures.

“My experience with the application process through your recruitment agency has been very positive. From the initial contact, the staff were very helpful and responsive, providing clear instructions and timely updates throughout each stage,” Jason said in an email interview. 

Work and life transitions

He arrived in Finland for work on February 23, 2024. Since then, he has been settling into his new role and adjusting to life in Finland. He is very excited about the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. “My relocation experience to Finland was both exciting and challenging. Moving to a new country comes with its own set of hurdles, but overall, it was a positive transition,” he said. 

One of the main challenges he faced was adapting to the Finnish language and understanding local customs. To overcome this, he made an effort to speak Finnish with locals whenever possible, watched Finnish TV shows, and listened to Finnish music. This immersion helped him improve his speaking and listening skills. He also highlighted the important role that Silk Road played in helping him with his transition. 

“Your recruitment agency played a crucial role in easing my relocation process. The agency provided comprehensive support that made the transition much smoother. This includes the pre-departure orientation, assistance with documentation, and housing support. This comprehensive support from your recruitment agency was invaluable,” Jason added.

New beginnings in Finland

As he started to work in Finland, Jason made a few observations about the culture in Finland. He saw that there is a strong emphasis on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He also observed how Finnish workplaces tend to have a flatter organizational structure, promoting equality and open communication between all levels of staff. 

“This opportunity has significantly contributed to my professional growth in various ways. Working in Finland has exposed me to a new healthcare system,” Jason emphasized. 

It’s been three months since he first arrived in Finland. When he asked how his experience had been, he said, “This period has been incredibly enriching, both professionally and personally, and I am grateful for the experiences and growth opportunities it has provided.”

Adjusting to life in Finland can be a challenging yet enriching experience. Since his arrival, he has significantly improved his Finnish language skills and understanding, enabling him to communicate more effectively with patients and colleagues. 

Advise to future applicants 

As he continue to explore new learnings and experiences with his current role in Finland as a nursing assistant, Jason encouraged other aspiring nurses who’d like to work in Finland. He said finding a reliable recruitment agency like Silk Road is very important. “I can imagine that a reliable recruitment agency could play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the job market, and connect with potential employers in Finland,” Jason said.

“Before committing to a recruitment program, take the time to research the agency and understand their track record, reputation, and success stories. Clarify your career goals and what you hope to achieve through the recruitment program. Don’t hesitate to seek support and guidance from the recruitment agency throughout the process,” he added.

Welcome to Work in Finland!

The journey of Jason highlights the transformative experiences of adapting to a new life and work in Finland. His hunger for new experiences and learnings are truly inspiring. We are proud to have him as part of the Silk Road family and look forward to supporting more recruits in their transitions to work in Finland.