The way that we evolve as people is so interesting, don't you think? Maybe you have seen a little brother or sister grow up, or maybe you even noticed you have grown, yourself - it doesn't happen all at once, and sometimes you don't even realize you're changing until you've already changed!
Integrating into the culture of another country is gradual, too. Finland had nearly 400 years of history of war, famine and forced labor. Sweeden, Germany and Russia all wanted to conquer this important land. Until Finland became its own country on December 6, 1917, there were often rules against being "too Finnish," speaking the Finnish language or eating Finnish foods. It's easy to see why Finns often say that they just want to be alone with some peace and quiet. Finnish people also love the forest, saunas, summer cabins on the lake and quiet reflection. Finns often say "silence is golden!"
These factors could make it difficult to integrate into Finnish culture at first. Many Finns like personal space, do not like talking to strangers and are wary of speaking English if they do not think they are very good at it.
