Case - Active Ageing

FOREIGN EMPLOYEES
INTEGRATION GUIDE
Koskikatu 5 C, 80100 JOENSUU
Toll Free 800.761.6674
http://www.arcusys.fi/
Table of Contents
Contact Information
Company Profile
Jobs
Introduction to Finland & Joensuu
Culture and Working Culture
Studying in Finland & Learning Finnish
Leisure Activities
Housing
Communications
Taxation
Banking
Healthcare
Day care & Education
Transportation in Finland & Joensuu
Everyday Life
Basic Finnish words & Expressions
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3
4
6
7
11
15
18
21
23
24
27
30
31
33
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Contact Information
MANAGEMENT
Jussi Hurskainen
Managing director
GSM: +358 50 087 9417
Maria Vihtkari
HR Director
GSM: +358 44 525 0932
Kaisu Piisilä
Financial Manager
GSM: +358 40 077 2534
Otto Kuivalainen
Service Delivery Director
GSM: +358 50 542 1672
COMPANY PROFILE
ARCUSYS HISTORY
A strong belief in their own making dates back from the times when the four young men decided
to set up the company in 2003. The goal was to do things in a responsible way from beginning to
the end. This promise was crystallized in the name of Arcusys. The first part of the name stems
back to the Latin word Arcus, which means the arc. It was wanted to reflect the long lifecycle of
the service. The end of the word, sys, was wanted to reflect the goal of making better systems.
The beginning is always difficult and so it was for Arcusys. Even getting potential customers
around the same table produced difficulties for an unknown company. It took countless phone
calls, perseverance and sleepless nights, before the first work got under way. Tenacity was rewarded and the year of 2004 brought with it more customers and staff. The growth of the early
years was created by making systems for the industry by acting as a subcontractor for large
companies.
The fourth year of operation (2007) was a time of stronger technological development when the
co-operation with the universities began. Arcusys was getting more demanding implementations
to be done and the partnerships expanded. The first five years did not treat the young entrepreneurs with silk gloves, but the biggest changes were just to become when the recession hit in
2008. The recession was evident in the industry and thereby also in Arcusys, as almost all of its customers' business activity slowed down. It was time to re-examine the business in a different way.
The challenge was met by a decision to provide services to cities and health care. The principles
established in the beginning of the entrepreneurship was not abandoned, even if they tested.
The decision proved to be right in the following years when customerships came from the local
government sector and success in the competitive tendering.
In 2010 the operations expanded geographically when in the beginning of the year a decision
was made to open an office in Helsinki. The background for the expansion was in the desire to be
close to the customers and to serve them better. At the end of the year a long-term so-operation
and successful projects with partners in Petrozavodsk led to a decision to set up an unit into Petrozavodsk.
Open source has always played an important role in Arcusys mode of operation. Arcusys has
acted in accordance with the principle of transparency with the technologies, as with the customers. This principle of transparency and acting in accordance with it has been even in the difficult times the driving force behind it, in which customerships have remained and increased. We
believe that transparency has also a great impact on our staff being committed to the company
and its practices. Despite all the trials, and perhaps because of them the belief in our own making has only strengthened over the years. What is certain is that many twists and turns are ahead
because the story will still continue.
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ARCUSYS VALUES
Arcusys values are defined by our employees. We are committed to act according to our values
in our work. Values guide our operations and behavior as well as help us accomplish our goals.
CUSTOMER ORIENTATION
We have a desire to understand the needs of our customer and let those guide our operations.
With open communication we want to secure a possibility for our customer to be an active actor.
The benefits and interests of our customer are the starting point for our operations.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We want to operate in a working environment where we can trust one another and where we
take responsibility from our job tasks all the way to the end. We foster openness both inside the
working community and in the customer relationships. We believe and trust that good interaction
is the supporting strength which takes us forwards.
DEVELOPMENT
Each one of us wants to continuously develop our skills further. We don't see work just as a work
but as a possibility for development and working among issues that genuinely are of interest.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
We appreciate each other and respect each and every personality. We believe in the power of
open discussion, listening and to the authentic interaction derived from it without any hierarchies.
JOBS
WORKING ATMOSPHERE AND WELLBEING
Arcusys values personal health and a fair working environment, distinguished by trust between
employees and between the management and the entire organization. We want to take care of
our employees and therefore hold on to regular working hours and sufficient free time. We also
encourage our staff to stay active with different kinds of events focusing on physical exercise and
fitness, and by supporting gym membership.
ARCUSYS EMPLOYMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ENHANCEMENT
Before beginning work at Arcusys, new employees participate in a workplace introductory
orientation designed especially for them. Part of the orientation includes assigning each
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employee with a mentor, someone to offer advice and support to the new employee in their
subsequent professional career at the company. The mentor will instruct the new employee in the
use of the various programs and explain what kind of projects the employee can expect in their
work. The mentor is also available to answer any kinds of questions and is happy to offer advice
and guidance on any issues connected to Arcusys employment.
To this day, Arcusys has weathered the economic storms and market changes without having to
let go of one single employee for production-associated or financial purposes. This remains our
goal as we head into the future as well. Turnover in general among Arcusys employees is virtually
non-existent. Arcusys has every intention of continuing its streak of growth into the future and this
yet another reason why we hang on tightly to our valued skilled and experienced employees.
Twice a year Arcusys arranges an event called "Developer Days", a common forum for
employees to get together and share new ideas, practices, trends, etc. Continuous learning is
also an essential component of working at Arcusys. Certificates on systems development,
techniques and systems as well as trainings, courses, regular performance appraisals and on-thejob learning are our essential tools in our work.
RELOCATION SERVICES – ASSISTANCE IN SETTLING IN
Newly-hired employees from other parts of Finland or abroad are offered an extensive assistance
on settling in to Joensuu. We can help you with arranging an apartment, filling out the official
paperwork and settle in to new environment.
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INTRODUCTION TO FINLAND
Population: 5,4 million
Area: 390 903 km2
Capital city: Helsinki
Official languages: Finnish, Swedish
Unit of Currency: 1 € = 100 cents (1€ = 1,3 USD)
Time zone: UTC +2 (Summertime (starts on last Sunday of March and ends on last
Sunday of October) UTC +3)
Government: Constitutional Republic
Monetary Unit // The Finnish monetary unit is the euro. The euro (EUR, €) is divided into 100 cents.
Bank notes are in denominations of EUR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. The coins are 5, 10, 20 and
50 cents and EUR 1 and 2. Unlike in most euro countries, the coins of 1 and 2 cents are not used in
Finland.
A Bilingual Country // Finland's special richness lies in bilingualism – both Finnish and Swedish are
official languages. Around five per cent of the population speaks Swedish as their native
language. The Lapps also account for a language minority with some 2000 Sámi speakers. English
is currently the most popular language in schools. Along with the compulsory Swedish, other
languages widely studied are German, French and Russian. It is possible to take care of most of
your official business in English.
Climate // Finland has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn. There are great
variations in the weather in various parts of the country.
Winter lasts from mid-December until the end of February. Winter days are short, and it is dark. Snow
and ice make roads slippery. You should look after your health in the winter. Many Finnish people take
vitamin supplements. Exercise also helps to fight tiredness.
Spring is a season of great variations. The light part of the day gets longer very quickly. Nights can be
very cold, and sunny days rather warm. Leaves appear on trees, and flowers are blooming.
The summer may be quite warm, but the weather may be variable. It is light in the summer, also during
the night. Most Finnish people like to take their holidays in July.
The autumn is dark. It often rains a lot. The amount of daylight reduces quickly. Autumn colours in the
leaves make autumn a beautiful season. The autumn colours are at their best in Northern Finland, or
Lapland. Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) can sometimes be seen in Lapland in the autumn and winter.
http://www.weather.fi
INTRODUCTION TO JOENSUU
Joensuu is the the lively capital of the North Karelia Region in Finland. It is located next to the
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Russian border and about 400 km North-East from the capital of the country, Helsinki. Joensuu is a
vital city with a growing and relatively young population. Of the total population of 73,000 almost
20,000 are pupils and students. Joensuu is also growing area-wise: From the 1.1.2009 the
neighbouring municipalities of Eno and Pyhäselkä merged with Joensuu and increased the
population up to 72,000.
Currently, the most important business areas include metal industry, wood and forestry sector, as
well as expertise related to the border region and cross-border collaboration. Joensuu Regional
Development company JOSEK Ltd in collaboration with other stakeholders foster the
development of business activities in the area. Joensuu is also the forestry capital of Europe with a
stronghold in research, inclusive the European Forest Institute and Joensuu Science Park. The
population within the economic region of Joensuu totals up to 123,000.
Besides the higher education institutions, science and business scene, Joensuu is also a city where
a number of recent Finnish films have been made, where you can find the Karelian folk (the most
talkative ones in Finland) and where the summer rock festival (Ilosaarirock) is sold out every year
months before the event. When going out of the city centre you can find silence, peace and
nature like nowhere else in Europe.
Joensuu believes in regional and international cooperation as one of the motors for the
development. This cooperation is materialised in numerous projects in different areas of expertise,
within various networks and between different players. One of the strengths of Joensuu is the
excellent and lively collaboration between the different stakeholders in the city.
Population (2012): 73 758
Area: 2751 km2
Founded in 1848
CULTURE & WORKING CULTURE
Finnish Communication Styles // It is important, when dealing with Finns, to understand the Finnish
communication style. Finns are quiet. On the global scale of volubility, they do not score very
highly. To many nationalities, the Swedes are a silent race - in the eyes of Finns, the Swedes are
big talkers!
People are expected to contribute to a meeting or conversation only when they have something
of import to say. Thus it is not unknown for a Finn to sit through a lengthy meeting without making
any verbal contribution. This lack of contribution should not be confused with a lack of
comprehension or interest. The Finn will respond when he or she feels it appropriate.
Silence is an integral part of the overall communication pattern and Finns are more comfortable
in silence than most other nationalities. In negotiation situations, cultivate your own level of
comfort in silence otherwise you can find yourself giving away more than was originally intended.
Finnish body language tends to be very limited and therefore difficult to read. Over
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expressiveness in word or gesture is viewed with suspicion and it is better to temper ones own
body language. Do not mistake lack of visible or verbal reaction to a presentation as showing
disinterest.
Finns use humour extensively in business situations (although less than the British, Irish or
Australians), but the type of humour may bypass other nationalities' comprehension. Humour is
usually very laconic and self-deprecatory and they tell more jokes about themselves than any
other nation.
The self-deprecating Finns will tell you that they are, as a nation, poor at foreign languages don't believe them. Many Finns speak not only English and Swedish (the other official language of
the country) but one or two other languages as well. An unwillingness to lose face by making
mistakes in a foreign language can create a shyness to begin with in an international
environment, but patience and encouragement will bring great rewards in this area.
Successful Entertaining in Finland // Business meals are usually held over lunch and it is not
considered to be bad manners to discuss business related issues over the meal. Despite the
Finnish reputation for hard drinking, it is unusual for alcohol to be taken with lunch
However, dinner is a different matter and, if invited for dinner you can expect alcohol to be
served. Finns tend to drink beer and vodka and wine is becoming ever more popular. Over
dinner, conversation tends to steer clear of business topics and concentrate more on other issues.
Sport and Finland are common topics for discussion.
No section on business entertaining in Finland would be complete without a mention of the
Finnish sauna and its role in Finnish life. The sauna is a venerated Finnish tradition. (Business
discussions may even be held in a sauna). Business lunch or dinner may be preceded or followed
by a sauna. All Finns sauna naked and, although you do not have to sauna naked, it is
considered strange not to. Finns insist on punctuality for social occasions.
As a rule, service is included in restaurant bills. Many people add an extra gratuity but this is at
your discretion. (10% -15% is a reasonable figure.)
Finnish working culture // The Finnish working culture is based on equality. In working life,
diligence, individuality and initiative are highly valued, together with strict observance of
agreements and agreed schedules.
The majority of employment contracts are permanent, although short-term contracts are
becoming increasingly common. The share of part-time work however remains less in Finland
than in other parts of Europe. Provisions of family leave and child day care support enables
women to actively participate in working life and to enter into full-time employment.
Regular working hours are eight hours per day and forty hours per week, with two days' leave per
calendar month worked.
Finland is a bilingual country (Finnish and Swedish). Knowledge of at least the basics of the Finnish
language is required in practice at all workplaces, although English is often the corporate
language of the largest organisations. The language level requirements are determined by the
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employer.
Current job vacancies advertised through the Finnish Employment Offices can be accessed via
the links shown on the right.
Further information on working in Finland is available from the EURES Adviser at your local
Employment Office. The Työlinja national information service also provides useful job seeking
guidance (links on the right).
Finnish Teams // Finns are more individualist than collectivist and therefore the Finnish idea of
team-working would tend to be that of a group of capable individuals being given the
opportunity to complete well-defined tasks which, when put together, will enable the team to
reach its goals.
The team leader will be expected to lead from the front, by outlining the goals and team roles,
but then will recede into the background to allow each team member to work conscientiously at
their allotted tasks.
Too much day-to-day interest from the team leader could be misconstrued as criticism or doubt
in an individual's ability to complete their tasks.
Finnish Management Style // Industry and management in Finland has tended to be dominated
by engineers. (Indeed, engineers are held in similar social esteem to those as in countries such as
Germany.) The dominance of engineers in the management corpus has led to a strong technical
bent with a reliance being placed on systems and well-organised procedures. Managers place
more emphasis on effectiveness and order than on flair and initiative (which are more useful in
the design and R&D side of the business.)
Finns respect modesty and ironic self-deprecation. People do not like to show any airs and
graces, nor do they like to be on the end of a sales pitch. Therefore managers take a low-key
approach to managing others. It is not particularly the manager's role to motivate the troops
through pep-talks or positive feedback sessions. Delegation is more a matter of setting tangible
tasks and defining benchmarks against which results can be quantifiably and non-emotionally
measured. Once tasks have been delegated, the manager would not expect, or be expected,
to closely scrutinise progress.
Within larger companies, major decisions would tend to be made by a team of senior executives
in a collective fashion. This process can be slow and painstaking - Finns have a history of
conservatism and change happens only after very deep consideration by all involved parties.
Finnish Meetings // Meetings are important in the Finnish context and are essential for the sharing
of information. As individuals like to be allowed to get on with their tasks in isolation, a forum is
needed for the sharing of knowledge gained and progress made.
Meetings can seem strange affairs to people not familiar with Finland or the Finns - long but quiet.
As will be discussed later, (see 'Communication Style'), the Finnish approach to discourse is almost
unique in its sparseness and this can lead non-Finns to make all kinds of erroneous judgements
with regard to the tenor and effectiveness of a meeting they might attend. It is definitely true to
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say that, in Finland, the quality of your intervention is of much greater significance than the
quantity. Less is very definitely more!
Meetings tend to be structured, follow a pre-set agenda and are orderly with one person
speaking at a time - often seeking permission to speak through the Chair. People will be well
prepared, as you are not expected to speak unless you have something concrete to contribute.
There is likely to be little social chit-chat before getting down to business.
Finns view overt enthusiasm and hyperbole with suspicion and it is better to understate your case
than to overstate it. Your actions and words are the basis upon which your worth will be
measured. Finns will weigh you up over a period of time, but once they have decided in your
favour, you have a relationship for life.
Finnish Dress Code // Finns are not ostentatious and this is reflected in the dress code adopted in
mainstream business circles in Finland. A wide variety of styles and levels of formality can be
observed but everything is typified by a desire to be seen as unpretentious.
Men tend to wear sports jackets and trousers in offices and these are often in muted or pastel
colours. Women will often wear trousers and again will be smart without being too 'flashy'.
Casual wear such as jeans and T-shirts can be found in many of the more hi-tech industries.
Be aware of the climatic changes in Finland. Take lots of layers of warm clothes in the winter - it's
cold outside, but sometimes very hot in the office. Hats, scarves, gloves and rubber-soled shoes
are advisable in the winter months.
Important tips:
Tip 1 // Perseverance and stubbornness (sisu) are widely viewed as being key characteristics.
Tip 2 // Finns tend less towards consensus than their Nordic cousins, expecting individuals to take
responsibility for decisions which fall within the perimeters of their responsibilities.
Tip 3 // Industrial relations in Finland have been characterised by co-operation and calm, with all
elements in the organisation working for the good of the greater whole.
Tip 4 // Finnish companies can be quite paternalistic in their approach to the wider community,
seeing the company as having a social obligation to fulfil.
Tip 5 // Engineering and engineers are held in great esteem and managers from this discipline very
often dominate companies.
Tip 6 // Management places great emphasis on the development of orderly procedures and
processes, which will enable everybody to perform their tasks efficiently.
Tip 7 // Major decisions tend to be taken in a collegiate style by a small group of senior managers.
These major decisions can be a long time in the making.
Tip 8 // Finns are uncomfortable with a 'hard sell' approach. It is better to be understated and
somewhat self-deprecating in manner.
Tip 9 // Meetings are very often used for the dissemination of information rather than as debating
chambers.Tip 10Meetings tend to be highly structured and interruptions and diversions are frowned
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upon.
Tip 11 // Punctuality is important but less so than in Sweden.
Tip 12 // Do not feel the need to speak during a meeting merely for the sake of saying something.
Finns respect those who interject in a timely, succinct and appropriate way.
Tip 13 // Being overly enthusiastic about a proposal can backfire on you. It is necessary to look at
the possible downsides before succumbing to optimism.
Tip 14 // Teams consist of groups of individuals who like to be given tangible tasks and then allowed
to perform them with relatively little interference.
Tip 15 // Silence is golden in Finland. Do not feel the need to fill every silence that occurs in a
meeting.
Tip 16 // Body language and feedback are limited and difficult to read. Do not be too disheartened
if your presentation does not meet with the rapturous applause you had anticipated.
Tip 17 // Humour is acceptable in many business situations and Finns appreciate dry, sardonic wit.
Tip 18 // Finns are good linguists and often speak several languages to a good level. Fear of making
mistakes can make Finns reticent to show their level of fluency.
Tip 19 // Work and private are largely separated, with inter-company social functions being formally
organised affairs. The Scandinavian hard-drinking reputation of days gone by still exists to a certain
extent and business dinners can occasionally prove exhausting.
Tip 20 // If travelling to Finland in the winter, be prepared for the worst. Take lots of layers of warm
clothing as well as a hat, scarf and gloves.
STUDYING
STUDYING IN JOENSUU
Finnish education system offers everybody equal opportunities for education, irrespective of
domicile, sex, economic situation or linguistic and cultural background.
Finnish higher education comprises of a dualistic model:
Universities promoting research and scientific and artistic Learning ;
Polytechnics universities of applied sciences (UAS) promoting professional higher
education and applied R&D.
Adult education is arranged by:
Universities and polytechnics ;
Public and private vocational institutions ;
Adult education centers and summer universities ;
Adult upper secondary schools, study centers, sports institutes, and music institutes.
Adult education is provided at all levels. Adults can study for a general education certificate or
for a vocational qualification, or modules included in them. They can take other courses
developing citizenship and work skills, or pursue recreational studies.
Finnish higher education institutions provide over 390 degree programs at Bachelor’s, Master’s
and Doctor’s level. Degree education in English is available in various fields of study.
See the International study programs database:
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http://www.studyinfinland.fi/study_options/study_programmes_database
Bachelor's and Doctoral level programs // As well as many Master's level programs- do not
charge any tuition fees, regardless of the nationality. The cost of this education is covered by the
Finnish government. However, some Master’s programs may charge tuition fees from non-EU/EEA
students.
Scholarships in Finland are mainly available for Doctoral level studies and research only, however,
there are some exceptions. For example, if you are a non-EU citizen and have been accepted
into a Master’s degree program in which you are charged a tuition fee, you can apply for certain
institutional scholarships.
Applying to Bachelor’s programs
For Bachelor’s level entry you are expected to:
Hold educational certificates that make you eligible to apply for higher education in your
home country;
Fulfill the English language skills requirements (and other possible program - specific
requirements) as set by the receiving institution successfully pass an entrance examination
(usually ielts/toefl).
Applying to Master’s / Doctoral programs // If you already hold a higher education qualification
from your home country, and are applying to a Master’s or Doctoral level program in Finland,
then your eligibility is decided based on:
The extent and quality of your earlier academic qualifications - usually a three-year
Bachelor's is the minimum;
Your language skills and other possible faculty-specific requirements.
Note that Master’s level programs at polytechnics (UAS) additionally require that applicants hold
a Bachelor’s degree followed by three (3) years of relevant work experience. The Master's
programs offered by the universities, as opposed to the polytechnic/UAS Master's, do not usually
have any work experience requirements, unless otherwise specified in the entry criteria of the
university Master's program in question.
More information on how to apply: http://www.studyinfinland.fi/how_to_apply
http://www.studyinfinland.fi/ - this website contains a database of English-language degree and nondegree programs, information about Finland as a study destination, our higher education institutions, and
practicalities concerning scholarships, admissions systems and living in Finland.
STUDYING IN JOENSUU
Karelia University of Applied Sciences // The educational institutions in Joensuu include Karelia Uni-
versity of Applied Sciences, University of Eastern Finland and a number of vocational colleges
and upper secondary schools.
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http://www.karelia.fi/en/karelia-uas
In KUAS degree programmes in International Business and Design, it is possible to take the whole
degree in English.
University of Eastern Finland // The University of Eastern Finland offers several international study
programmes (the language of instruction is English). The student can choose from all courses offered in English by the different Faculties of the UEF, according to his/her interests and personal
study plan. Programmes offered in English:
Non-degree studies in English,
Master’s Degree Programme in Educational Sciences,
Master’s Degree Programmes in Forestry ( Transatlantic Forestry Master, Master’s Degree Programme in European Forestry, Master’s Degree Programme in Forestry and Environmental Engineering, Master’s Degree Programme in Environmental Biology, International Master’s degree programme for Research Chemists, Master’s Degree Programme in Information Technology,CBU Master’s Degree Programme in Information and Communication Technology, MSc Color in Informatics
and Media Technology, International Study Programme in Environmental Science and Forestry),
Border Crossings: Global and Local Societies in Transition, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change in Environmental Policy and Law.
http://www.uef.fi/studies/joensuu-campus-study-programmes
The Community College of the Joensuu Area organises adult education activities and offers a
wide selection of courses ranging from philosophy to car repairing; the courses are open to everyone, regardless of a person’s previous education. Finnish for Foreigners courses are also offered.
http://www.joensuunseudunkansalaisopisto.fi
North Karelia College Joensuu Services // The Service section in Joensuu offers education for individuals who want to work in the service industry
http://www.pkky.fi/Resource.phx/pkky/amo/joensuup/english.htx
North Karelia Adult Education Centre // A regional and versatile training centre specialized in
adult education and developing working life. Education is provided also in the evenings and during weekends. The services include vocational upper secondary education and training, as well
as education and training leading to further vocational qualifications and specialist vocational
qualifications. In addition, further and supplementary training for people already in working life is
organised. Education provided by the North Karelia College and the Adult Education Centre is
free of charge for students aiming at obtaining vocational upper secondary qualification.
LEARNING FINNISH
Learning finnish will facilitate your everyday life in Finland and help you to understand the people
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and culture better. There are several organisers of Finnish courses in Finland throughout the year.
The following places offer Finnish courses in Joensuu for foreigners:
The University of Eastern Finland Language Centre offers Finnish as a Second Language study
modules from a survival course to courses on an advanced level. Study modules are intended
mainly for registered international students (exchange, degree and postgraduate students) and
staff members of the University of Eastern Finland, but other participants are welcome if there is
room in the groups
http://www.uef.fi
Community College of the Joensuu Area // Finnish as a foreign language courses are run twice a
year with two two-hour session per week, totalling in 48 hrs.
o Levels offered
Finnish for Absolute Beginners
Elementary Finnish
More Finnish
Pre-Intermediate Finnish
Intermediate Finnish
YKI Preparation Course
o Online and blended courses
o Intensive Grammar Weekends
http://www.joensuunseudunkansalaisopisto.fi/
:
FINNISH ONLINE
http://www.oneness.vu.lt/fi/
http://donnerwetter.kielikeskus.helsinki.fi/FinnishForForeigners/
http://www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/Finnish_on_the_Internet/
www.tilacommunications.fi
http://www.uuno.tamk.fi/
http://people.uta.fi/~km56049/finnish/
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Here are some tips about the leisure activities you can do when you are have some free time.
SPORTS
Joensuu arena
Joensuu Arena, the largest wooden building in Finland offers a magnificent setting for various
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types of events in Joensuu // Mehtimäenaukio 2 - 80100 JOENSUU
www.joensuuareena.fi/
Lykynlampi Outdoor Centre // Lykynlampi is located just 10 km away from the city centre. It is an
outdoor recreation area for the whole family, all through the year. In the summer you can enjoy
walking, hiking and orienteering, play volleyball and badminton or take a swin in the lake. In the
early autumn there are plenty of mushrooms and berries in the forests and in the winter great sliding possibilities and tracks for cross country skiing - Adress: Onttolantie 94, 80510 Onttola
Aquatic Centre Vesikko // In Vesikko you find Kiddies pool, pools with slides and wave machine,
25 m pool, diving platforms, water massage, baby swimming, four saunas, gym, aerobics and
café – Adress: Uimarintie 1, 80100 Joensuu, Tel: +358 (0)13 267 5354
Joensuun kuntokeidas // All through the year: Bowling, courts for tennis, badminton and squash,
climbing walls, golf simulator, snooker tables and floorball court. Summer-time: Mini-golf and terrace for instance for petanque and basket-ball - Contact Information: Linnunlahdentie 10, 80110
Joensuu, Tel. +358 (0)13 126 558
Central Sports Ground // Ice halls for ice hockey and skating – Contact Info: Kuntopolku 2, 80100
Joensuu, Tel. +358 (0)50 550 8146
Sport Hall – Joensuun Palloilukeidas // Bowling, tennis, squash, badminton, indoor climbing, table
tennis, minigolf, billiards, and golf simulator - Linnunlahdentie 10, tel. +358 13 126 558
Ice-swimming // Joensuun Jääkarhut (Joensuu Polar Bears Ice-Swimming Club). Swimming and
sauna for non-members by a single payment.
www.joensuunjaakarhut.fi/index_en.html
Fishing // Persons 18 years of age and over must pay a fishing management
(kalastuksenhoitomaksu in Finnish) and a local fishing license (kalastuslupa) which can
purchased at post offices. Fishing licenses for the rapids of the River Pielisjoki are available at
Joensuu Tourist Office, Carelicum and Hotel Kimmel, Itäranta 1. However, no fishing licenses
needed for ice fishing or angling. Please refer to the booklet Everyman’s right
fee
be
the
are
www.ymparisto.fi/
Skiing // Koli National Park is a national park in the municipalities of Joensuu, Lieksa and Kontiolahti in the North Karelia region of Finland. You can ski or walk in the forest. You can reach Koli ski
resort by bus of Matkahuolto.
Fitness clubs and gyms
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BB-Gym Yliopistokatu 41, tel. +358 13 610 0160
Itä-Suomen liikuntaopisto (ISLO) Kalevankatu 8, tel. +358 13 267 5092
Naisten kuntokoulu (women only) Torikatu 33, tel. +358 13 248 1248
Fitness & Aerobic club Teollisuuskatu 1 , tel. +358 13 123 258
Kuntoklubi Ladysport (women only) Kauppakatu 20 A, tel. +358 50 382 1785
Vesikko (swimming hall) Yliopistokatu, tel. +358 13 267 5354
Kuntokeskus Kaisla, Kaislakatu 4, tel. +358 50 3821785
Horse riding
RM Hevostaito, Purolantie 28, tel. +358 50 598 2203 Joensuun Ratsastusopisto, Kuurna-Kulhontie 93, tel. +358 13 824 570
Pubs, restaurants and cafés // There are several pubs, restaurants, pizzerias and cafés in Joensuu.
The opening hours vary, but cafeterias are usually open at 8:00 -18:00, while restaurants stay open
till later in the evening. Most pubs open around 13:00 and close around 02:00. Nightclubs open at
22:00 and close at 04:00
Jet Set Bar is a local sports bar that is, of course, very popular among the local sportsman, and there
seem to be plenty of them. Small and good ambient, relatively low prices.
Public Corner, beers and ciders. Also internet.
Palaveri, The best selection of beers in Joensuu.
Night, The biggest night club in Joensuu, located inside Sokos Hotel Kimmel.
Kerubi, rock club and restaurant located at Ilosaari island in a centre of Joensuu middle of Pielisjoki
river. Main venue for live music in Joensuu. Serves both food and drinks. Free wifi.
MEETING PLACES
Multicultural Activity Centre VATAKKA // The Activity Centre Vatakka offers an easily approachable meeting place for interaction between the majority population and different ethnic groups in
Joensuu. Also, Vatakka offers different kinds of courses, e.g. Finnish courses – Adress: Yläsatamakatu 9, 3rd floor (entrance from the inner courtyard)
Community Resource Centre of Joensuu // An Internet cafe, a meeting place, bikes for rent –
Adress: Kansalaistalo Torikatu 30
www.kansalaistalo.fi
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Culture and Tourism Centre Carelicum // The Carelicum, situated just opposite the market square,
is the cultural and tourism centre for Joensuu. A visit there is a great way to get to know the city of
Joensuu and the entire Carelia area, its culture and its characteristics. Besides all the versatile exhibitions, Carelicum is also home to Kids' Street, a fantasy town for kids, as well as to a pleasant
café, a gift shop and free Internet posts.
The house offers also a host of services: ticket reservation
and sales service for theatre, concerts and a variety of events, tourist information and Karelia Expert tourist service.
www.carelicum.fi
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Joensuu Town Theatre // Town Hall, Rantakatu 20, information and tickets are available at
Carelicum, tel. +358 13 267 5222 or at the Town Hall one hour before the performance, tel. +358
13 267 5295.
Cinema // Foreign films are shown in the original language with Finnish and Swedish subtitles.
Tickets cost approximately 6.50-8.50 euros - Adress: Tapio Kauppakatu 27.
Joensuu orchestra // Concerts at the Carelia Hall usually on Thursdays. Information and tickets
are available at Carelicum and can be purchased at the Carelia Hall one hour before the concert - Adress: Yliopistokatu 2
RockJoensuu // Joensuu is known as one of the most lively rock cities in Finland. Dozens of promising bands train in the cellars and attics of the city - with the attitude. A number of major Finnish
rock bands have their roots in Joensuu. And the musicians, hang-arounds, fans and all the rest
meet at least in the summer rock festivals. These have the reputation of being gorgeously organised – and good fun. No wonder that they are sold out well in advance every year. In the heat of
July the city centre also turns into a pop-street, with attractions for the whole family.
http://www.popkatu.fi/
A popular rock festival called Ilosaarirock happens every year in mid July. At other times there
are several live performances weekly.
Art Museum // A permanent collection of Finnish art, sections of Chinese art, ancient Greek and
Roman art, and Orthodox icons from the monastery of Megri. Changing exhibitions - Kirkkokatu 23
(the large red-brick building)
taidemuseo.jns.fi Art Centre Ahjo // A fresh view of North Karelian and other Finnish art in exhibitions of photographic art, paintings and handicrafts – Adress: Kirkkokatu 23 (the yellow wooden building)
www.taidekeskusahjo.net/ Carelicum - North Karelian Museum
// A modern museum of history and culture. An exhibition
entitled “Karelia
– both sides of the border” takes a look at the region of Karelia in its historical
and cultural entity. Please ask the Tourist Information Desk in Carelicum for information on the
smaller art galleries - Adress: Koskikatu 5
Joensuu Regional Library - North Karelia Provincial Library
// The Joensuu regional library has 18
branch libraries and four mobile libraries. The collection of the library includes literature in foreign
languages and music and videos for both adults and children. There is plenty of literature in English but also in Swedish, German, French and Russian. The Reading Room Vipunen offers foreign
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newspapers and magazines as well. There are computers with Internet connection available in
each library, where the clients may read their emails, for example. Library cards can be obtained
from the main desk. The library card is not needed when reading magazines and books or using
computers in the library. The use of library is free of charge - Adress: Kaupunginkirjasto
Koskikatu
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HOUSING
SHORT-TERM HOUSING
The University of Joensuu has some guest rooms that offer hotel-type accommodation primarily
for the invited guests of the University. The contact person at the department concerned makes
the reservation. The rent is 110 EUR per week for a one-room flat.
There are also some hostels that are intended both for long-term residence and competitively
priced short-term accommodation, e.g.
Apartamentos Joensuu, Torikatu 47 puh. +358 13 224 886
www.freewebs.com/apartamentosjoensuu/
North Karelia Adult Education Centre, Hall Of Residence, Kaislakatu 8, tel. +358 13 244 2321
LONG-TERM HOUSING
Renting // Rented housing can be obtained from the private housing market. Friends and
colleagues are often the good contacts when trying to find accommodation, but there are
many other options as well. The coordinator of the “Service for International Scholars” at the
Research Liaison Office of the University will also be happy to assist the scholars searching for
housing in Joensuu. You and your host institution should also be proactive and explore some
options on your own.
Private agencies // You may use housing agents, who often have online advertisements for
targets that are for rent and for sale. It is important to understand the agent’s conditions before
signing a contract. It is common practice for a contract to be drawn up between the client and
agent, authorising the latter to collect the commission fee if housing is found through his help.
Below are listed some of the real estate agencies in Joensuu, many of whom also rent apartments and houses:
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www.etuovi.com
www.asuntoverkko.com
www.huoneistokeskus.fi
www.oikotie.fi
www.opkk.fi
www.huoneistoketju.fi
www.ovv.com
www.kiinteistomaailma.com/en/
Most agencies already have experience with foreign buyers and their documents are available
in English. However, it may be useful to contact the agencies beforehand, so that a person with
adequate English skills is available.
Private rooms or apartments // If you choose to look for accommodation yourself, you should be
aware that it may take considerably longer to find suitable accommodation. Private owners who
rent apartments do not usually charge a fee. The local newspaper Karjalainen and especially its
Sunday edition is a good source for housing put on the market directly by the owner. Houses and
apartments available for rent are found under title “Vuokrattavana”.
There is also an advertising forum for housing on the University’s intranet-website “Kirpputori (Flea
market)”.
Municipal housing // Joensuun Kodit Oy is a housing company owned by the City of Joensuu.
They provide rented housing in the Joensuu area
www.joensuunkodit.fi
Student housing // Accommodation for postgraduate students is offered also by Joensuun Elli, an
independent Student Housing Company, which has several student dormitories. Students are
usually accommodated in a flat where they have a private room and a shared kitchen and toilet
facilities with 2-3 other students. Most international students are offered a furnished room, with a
bed and a mattress, a desk, a shelf and a wardrobe – Contact: Student Housing Company
Joensuun Elli, Merimiehenkatu 30, Tel. +358 13 223 300
www.joensuunelli.fi/
General info about renting // The amount of rent on the private market varies depending on how
near the city centre the apartment is located. For a one bedroom apartment (with a living room
and a kitchen) the rent can be anywhere from 450 to 700 euros depending on the size, age, and
level of ‘luxury’ of the apartment (e.g. sauna). Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways are not
counted in the number of rooms, so a one-bedroom apartment with living room, for example, is
called a “kaksio” (two-room) apartment.
If you rent a house or a flat, be sure to make a written contract with your landlord or landlady. It is
important to understand all aspects of the contract before signing. When renting a flat, you may
have to pay a deposit that is equivalent to 1-2 months rent. This deposit will be returned when you
move out. Rent is paid monthly usually at the beginning of each month. A rental contract does
not mean that the rent cannot be raised during that period. When you move out, you have to
inform your landlord one month in advance. With electricity and water practices vary, and you
should check them with your landlord.
Buying a house // If you are planning on staying in Finland for a longer period, you may want to
buy an apartment or house. On Fridays and Sundays agencies list the available houses and
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apartments in newspaper Karjalainen (in Finnish, so you may need some help).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ON HOUSING
Electricity // Electricity is usually separate from rent, and you have to make an agreement with
an electric company. One of the electric companies is Pohjois-Karjalan Sähkö - Contact Info:
Rantakatu 29, Tel: +358 800 98 095
www.pks.fi
Water // The tenancy agreement will indicate whether water bills are included in the rent or
whether they are payable separately each month.
Waste Disposal and Litter // If you are living in an apartment building or equivalent, you don’t
need to worry about collecting garbage once you have taken your household waste outside to
the designated waste-bins. But if you live in a house, the house-owner is responsible for the
collection of garbage. You can ask your neighbour how collection is organised in the
neighbourhood. You probably need to make arrangements with a waste management
company.
Litter is discarded in closed-up bags into containers that are indicated for that purpose. Poisonous
materials, electrical waste and scrap electronics are hazardous waste and cannot be deposited
in the waste containers of the property. A container for biological waste is provided for food remains. Do not put plastic or other litter in the biological waste container. The paper collection
boxes are only for newspapers and advertisements − do not put plastic or other litter to these
boxes.
Furniture // The biggest furniture stores in Joensuu can all be found at Pilkontie, located not too
far from the centre of the city. The biggest include Isku, Asko and Sotka. The same area also has
smaller shops. If your stay is not very long, you might also want to buy second hand furniture from
the Salvation Army or other flea markets.
Fire alarm // By Finnish law, each residence must have a fire alarm. Make sure your fire alarm is in
operation. Home insurance does not cover a fire if the fire alarm was out of order prior to and
during the fire.
Home insurance // Home insurance is provided by insurance companies. Insurance companies
will help you to choose the right kind of insurance for you. Make sure that you know exactly what
is covered by the insurance.
COMMUNICATIONS
TV Channels // Additional TV channels have become available with the introduction of digital
broadcasting. As of October 2011 there’s access to 13 "basic" free-to-air channels, comprising 5
government and 8 private channels, without subscribing to payTV packages. The government
channels include YLE TV1, YLE TV2, YLE Teema, TV Finland and YLE FST5 (Swedish). Private network
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channels include MTV3, Nelonen 4, SubTV, JIM, The Voice, LIV, AVA and SuomiTV. While these 13
channels are 'free', a TV licence is required in Finland.
Finland has not adopted the practice of broadcasting dubbed versions of programmes; all shows
are broadcast in their original languages, with Finnish sub-titles. This has undoubtedly aided the
Finns' remarkable language abilities, as well as making life easier for non-Finnish speakers!
On the website bellow, you can see the complete programs of the channels with information
language of the show, subtitles, kind of program, etc).
http://www.tvguido.com/
Finnish Television Licence // Finland has television licence fees! When you start using a TV set, you
must notify the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority, FICORA, of it. On the basis of this
notification, the authority will send you a television fee invoice.
The obligation to pay the TV Licence fee occurs regardless of how you receive TV broadcasts,
such as:
Via a digital television or television with a digital set-top box
Via a satellite receiver
Via mobile television
Via the computer
Further Information & Online Notifications: www.tv-maksu.fi
You can pay the television fee in one-month, three-month, six-month or twelve-month
instalments, by contacting FICORA by phone or e-mail, or by completing a form available at post
offices or online. You can also arrange regular payment though your online bank.
Radio // There are many different stations, dedicated to music and news.
Yle1: classical music and cultural programs ;
Radiomafia: pop music ;
Radio Suomi: news in English and German after 23 o’clock ;
Capital FM: programs for foreigners (in different languages).
On the following website, you can see where the radio station is located and what it is broadcasting.
http://www.listenlive.eu/finland.html
Newspapers // You can easily buy Finnish newspapers in Joensuu, like Karjalainen or Viikko PohjoisKarjala. There are not expensive, less than 2€.
Here are some online newspapers set up for foreigners in English:
www.6d.fi/
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/
http://www.finnbay.com/
http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/
http://www.finnbay.com/
USEFUL LINKS:
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TV fee - www.tv-maksu.fi/eng_navi1.html
Finnish Broadcasting Company- www.yle.fi
Digital television in Finland: receivers etc. - www.digitv.fi
TELEPHONE & INTERNET
A Finnish courtesy rule is to always introduce oneself when calling someone and answering the
telephone, regardless of whether it is a business or a personal call.
International calls // The telephone area code for Joensuu is 013 - (within Finland) and +358- 13(from abroad). You can dial direct to all countries from Finland. There are several phone
companies with varying prices for phone calls. The prices vary according to the time of day. For a
list of countries, codes and charges, you should consult a phone book. Calls made between
17:00 and 8:00 (5 pm till 8 am) and at weekends are usually charged less than the normal rates.
There are several international prefixes depending on the company you choose. You can always
use the pan-European code 00, then dial the country code, the area code and the phone
number. Note that the first number of the area code (often 0) is usually omitted.
Calls within Finland // For long distance calls within Finland, dial the area code (include the initial
0) and then the phone number. The telephone area code for Joensuu is 013 - (within Finland) and
+358-13- (from abroad). A list of area codes can be found in the phonebook. Please note that an
area code is always needed when using a mobile phone. For domestic number enquiries call
118, but please note that there will be an extra charge.
Mobile phones // As the home of mobile phone maker Nokia, Finland is one of the most wired
countries in the world. You can purchase a mobile phone in Finland with prices varying from 30
euros for a used phone to 90+ euros for a new one. The cheaper models may not come with an
Internet connection or other fancy features, but they have all the functions you need to make
ordinary local and international phone calls.
Depending on the length of time you will be in Finland, and your predicted calling habits, you
may opt to sign up for a contract or purchase a pre-paid start-up kit. Those signing up for a
contract (with various lengths available), should be prepared to deposit anywhere from 300 to
500 euros, as a non-permanent resident. The deposit will be refunded upon departure and you
have settled all of your bills. Pre-paid start-up kits are available at convenience stores across the
country (R-Kioski is one popular chain). The start-up kits range in price from 14 to 20 euros, and
include a Finnish phone number and approximately 10 euros in credit. Additional credit may be
purchased at convenience stores. You can start using your new phone number immediately,
along with text and voice mail services. Finnish mobile phone operators are listed below, and
many provide service in English.
Beware of placing international long distance calls from your mobile phone while travelling
abroad. This is especially true for calls placed to and from Russia, which can incur charges of
several hundred euros.
If you already have a mobile phone bought in your home country, please note that there might
be some difficulties in compatibility with Finnish SIM cards.
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USEFUL LINKS:
DNA - www.dnafinland.fi/english/
Elisa - www.elisa.com/english
Saunalahti - www.saunalahti.fi
Sonera - www.sonera.fi/eng
TAXATION
The level of taxation in Finland is quite high in comparison with many other European countries.
Tax revenue is used to finance services of an internationally high standard, including healthcare,
education, security as well as care for children and the elderly.
Tax Offices (Verotoimisto) are local units of the regional tax offices. Tax offices impose the income
and net wealth taxes as well as inheritance and gift taxes in a tax district.
Information about Finnish taxation in English for an individual Tax Payer // Tel. +358 20 697 050
Kansainvälinen henkilöverotus (Service in Finnish) // Tel. +358 20 697 024
Joensuu Tax Office (Joensuun verotoimisto) // Torikatu 36 A, Tel. +358 13 253 8111 (switchboard)
TAX CARDS
Foreigners who reside in Finland for more than 6 months must request a tax card (verokortti).
Foreigners residing in Finland for a maximum of 6 months must request a tax-at-source card
(lähdeverokortti). The tax card must be presented to the employer as soon as possible after
accepting employment, so that tax can be withheld. Tax cards can be obtained from local tax
offices. To obtain a tax card, you should give the tax office the required application form
(application forms are available online as well).
They will calculate the tax percentage, which will then be recorded on your tax card. Usually you
will get the card on the same day you apply for it. The tax card indicates how much tax on a
percent-age rate you will pay on any income in Finland for the coming year.
The tax card should then be given to the employer. Taxation also depends on the tax
agreements ratified between Finland and your country. It may be that you are eligible for a
deduction on some basis. If no card is presented, 60 per cent tax is withheld. After every calendar
year you have worked in Finland you have to submit an income tax form to the Finnish tax
administration. You do not have to declare income you received before moving to Finland nor
income you receive after moving away from the country.
Two main principles of taxation based on the duration of the visit:
1) Stays of six months or less: Taxation at source // If people residing abroad are in Finland for a
maximum of 6 months, they are obliged to pay tax in Finland on income earned here. On the
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basis of the tax-at-source card, the employer deducts 35% in withholding tax. Before collecting
the tax your employer may exempt 17 euros per day or 510 euros per month if the duration of the
payment period is less than one month. This deduction is applicable only if the local tax office has
recorded it in your tax at source card. Taxable pay also includes benefits.
This tax-at-source is the final tax, and income subject to tax-at-source need not be declared in
Finland. Employees receive a certificate of taxation at source from their employer and they must
append it to their tax form in their home country. Besides tax, your employer will also withhold
from your pay an employment pension contribution and an unemployment insurance
contribution. People staying in Finland for less than 6 months do not need to submit a tax return in
Finland.
Foreign employees who are working for less than 4 months in Finland do not need to have the
employer’s social security contribution or the employee’s health insurance fee deducted from
their wages, nor are they covered by the Finnish health insurance scheme.
2) Stays over six months: Tax on income // People who stay in Finland for more than six months
are taxed on their income according to the same rates as the permanent residents. They are
obliged to pay tax in Finland on assets and income earned here and elsewhere. The tax rate
increases progressively as the annual income earned increases.
The tax on income comprises the following ;
Progressive state income tax on earned income ;
Health insurance premium ;
Communal tax at a flat rate ;
Church tax (if you are a member of the Lutheran or Orthodox Church of Finland).
Besides tax, your employer will also withhold social security payments from your pay (amounting
to approximately 7% all payments combined). This payment contributes, in part, to funding the
general social security handled by Kela.
A person staying in Finland over 6 months must submit a tax return in Finland. Remember to keep
all receipts on purchased books, research materials, travel expenses etc. for deductions. Original
receipts need to be enclosed in the tax return.
Scholarships and taxation // Many scholarships and grants are tax-free income. If you participate
in a scholarship program, please find out the taxation rules before your arrival.
www.vero.fi
BANKING
Opening an account // When you want to open an account in a bank, an advance
appointment is recommended where you must first fill in a form available from the bank and
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afterwards an agreement is drawn up with the selected bank for the purpose of opening an
account. For that, you will need a passport or an identification card and your address in Finland.
The bank may also ask for an employment testimonial from the employer. A bank account can
be opened despite the fact that the person has not yet received a Finnish personal identity
number, but it is recommended that the person apply for the personal identity number prior to
opening a bank account.
When your account is opened, you will get a bank card for the cash dispenser automate and a
password (a number series) needed to use your card. You will also receive after a couple of days
a bank card (automaattikortti), with which you can check your balance and withdraw money
from ATMs (AutomaticTeller Machines) in Finland: Otto machines are for withdrawing money and
Maksut machines are for paying bills.
With Finnish bank cards the ATM machines function in Finnish only. If you have an international
credit card (e.g. Visa or MasterCard), the ATMs will be in English.
Here are some Finnish key words needed with ATMs:
Tunnusluku
Seteliotot
Luotto
Valitse summa
PIN Code
Cash
Credit
Choose Amount
Banks are usually open between 10:00 – 16:15. Contact the infodesk of the bank so they
can guide you to the person handling account matters. They will also assist you with getting the
right queuing number (they are usually in Finnish). When opening an account, you also need to
make an initial deposit.
USEFUL LINKS:
Nordea // Siltakatu 10 - www.nordea.fi/sitemod/default/portal.aspx?pid=760000
Danske Bank // Siltakatu 16 - http://www.danskebank.fi/enfi/Personal/Pages/Personal.aspx?sc_clink=redirect|danskebankFI|uk|personal
Joensuun Osuuspankki // Siltakatu 4, Niinivaarantie 52 (Suvitori), Puronsuunkatu 1 A - www.okobank.com
Säästöpankki Optia // Kauppakatu 27b - www.optia.fi (only in Finnish)
Handelsbanken // Torikatu 29 - www.handelsbanken.fi
POP-bank // Siltakatu 16 - https://www.poppankki.fi/etusivu?b=4785-30 (only in Finnish)
Aktia // http://www.aktia.fi/en/
S-bank (in Finnish) // http://www.s-kanava.fi/web/vk/en/asiakasomistajalle
Paying invoices // You can pay invoices in many different ways. One way is to withdraw money
from your bank account and go to pay the invoice. You can also pay the invoice in the bank,
but bank will charge you a small fee for this service. If you use an invoice paying automate
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(available in banks) for paying the invoice, it will cost you less than paying the bill in the bank.
The most inexpensive way to pay your bills and transfer money (within Finland) is to use the banks’
Internet banking services, which are often available in English as well as in Swedish and Finnish. It
is a lot cheaper than visiting the bank every time a bill is due. Banks charge service fees for every
bill handled in person. When you open an account at a Finnish bank, you can get personal
codes for banking online.
Payment defaults and credit information // Invoices and debts must always be paid in time. Every
invoice has a due date, the last day to pay the invoice. If you do not pay the invoice by the due
date, you must pay an additional fee (a penalty for delay). The additional fee increases every
day until you pay the invoice. If you do not pay the invoice, you will get 1 – 2 letters (reminders)
by mail. If you do not have money to pay the invoice, call your credit grantor at once and try to
agree on a new due date.
If you do not pay the invoice or agree on a new due date, the invoice will go to a collection
agency, which will collect the debt by execution. The execution officer will collect the money for
the invoice from your salary or property. After this the information about the payment default will
be entered to the credit information register of Suomen Asiakastieto Oy and it will be very difficult
for you to get any credit from shops or banks! In that case you cannot for example get a credit
card or by anything on hire purchase. Often it is also difficult to get a rental apartment if you
have payment defaults in the credit information register. If you apply for a job, the entrepreneur
often finds out whether you have payment defaults. In addition, if your debt is collected by
execution, the debt sum increases continuously until the debt has been paid.
HEALTH CARE
Health care in Finland is mainly provided on the basis of residence and primarily financed with
general tax revenues. There are both public and private sector providers. Primary health services
are generally the responsibility of municipalities and provided through local health centers. People who live in Finland permanently (for more than one year and have the KELA card) have the
right to use the services of the health centers (Terveysasema).
Those who are here on a shorter visit have the right to treatment only in case of acute illness; otherwise they have to use private medical services. The costs of medical services have to be paid
by the patients themselves. The health centers provide residents with physician, dental, laboratory and radiographic services.
Private sector services, which mainly provide out-patient care, complement the public services.
The private sector is available to all, but it is more expensive to the patient than the public sector.
Patients who use private sector services pay the entire cost of the service to the provider, after
which they can apply for refund from Kela (if they are entitled to it).
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PUBLIC HEALTH CARE
Health care is organized regionally, with each residential area having its own health center.
When visiting a health center, please present your Kela card/other insurance information/valid
European Health Insurance Card (for EU-visitors). Some health center services are by law free of
charge, but the health centers may charge for certain services. For a visit to a doctor (including
laboratory and X-ray services), the health center usually charges 11 - 22 euros.
The City of Joensuu has three health centers, in Siilainen, Rantakylä and Niinivaara. During its
opening hours on weekdays, the health center can be reached by telephone or on a walk-in
basis. The urgency for patient care can often be evaluated over the telephone by any health
care professional. If it is deemed necessary to personally visit the health center, you will be given
an appointment within three days.
You can make an appointment from Monday to Friday by calling to the local health center from
8:00 to 14:00.
CONTACTS:
Siilainen, tel. 013 267 4056
Rantakylä, tel. 013 267 4509
Niinivaara, tel. 013 267 4431
The city’s health centers organize special care for children (vaccinations, etc.) and expecting
mothers. A trained nurse is appointed to the task, and children and expecting mothers are entitled to regular check-ups.
North Karelia Central Hospital // Address: Tikkamäentie 16
Hospitals require a referral from a physician in order to admit a patient. However, in emergencies
patients can contact a hospital directly. A KELA-card or a valid European Health Insurance Card
(EU/EEA-citizens) must be presented in order to get the medical benefits to which residents are
entitled in a public hospital. For an out-patient visit to a hospital, a fee of 22 euros will be
charged.
If you are in need of urgent care in the evening, Mon-Fri the service hours are 14:00-22:00 and SatSun the service hours are 8:00-22:00. Nurse on call: +358 13 267 4060. Address: The emergency duty of the primary health care, North Karelia Central Hospital, Tikkamäentie 16. At night 22:00 08:00. Nurse on call on very urgent cases: +358 13 171 3300.
General emergency number // If you need help in case of fire, sudden illness, traffic accident or
other accident, call the general emergency number 112. Calls to this number are free of charge.
When dialing the emergency number, you do not need an area code, not even when calling
from a mobile phone.
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How to make an emergency call:
1. Dial 112. If you can, make the call yourself.
2. Explain what has happened.
3. State the address and municipality precisely.
4. Answer any questions asked.
5. Follow the instructions given.
6. Do not hang up until told to do so.
Guide assistance to the scene. Redial 112 if the situation changes.
Dental care // Dental care is available by appointment at the public health centers (treatment is
charged according to health center rates) tel. +358 13 267 4555.
In cases of emergency, first aid is available by appointment at Siilainen health center, Mon-Fri the
service hours are 08:00-14:00, tel. +358 13 267 4555. On Saturdays the dentist on duty is at Siilainen
health center at 10:00-11:00 without appointment. There are also many private dental care clinics
in Joensuu. Private dental care fees are partly compensated by KELA (if you are entitled to KELA
benefits). For Out-of-Hours contact details of private dentists, call +358 13 10023
Private clinics // Although Finnish public health care is of a high quality and the doctors working
in health centers are partially the same people who also work at private clinics, you may want to
turn to private clinics in some cases. It may be easier to get an appointment, especially if you
need to see a specialist. If you are entitled to partial compensation from Kela, it is not too expensive.
CONTACTS DETAILS
Lääkärikeskus Ite
Torikatu 25 A
80100 JOENSUU
Tel. +358 13 253 6200
Lääkärikeskus Suinuu
Torikatu 17
80100 JOENSUU
Tel. +358 13 257 2200
Joensuun Hoitoasema Oy
Kauppakatu 21 A
80100 Joensuu
Tel. +358 13 123 450
Joensuun Lääkäripalvelu Oy
Mielikinkatu 5
Tel. +358 13 138 380
Suomen Terveystalo Joensuu
Tikkarinne 3
Tel. +358 13 172 2522
www.terveystalo.com
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Pharmacies
Yliopiston apteekki, Koskikatu 7, tel. +358 203 20200, open daily 8-23
Joensuun uusi apteekki, Siltakatu 10, tel. +358 13 122 575, open Mon-Sat 8:00
– 21:00, Sun 12:00 – 21:00
Keskusapteekki, Kauppakatu 25, tel +358 13 123 901, open Mon-Fri 8:30 –
19:00, Sat 9:00 – 15:00
Noljakan apteekki, Noljakankaari 1-3, tel. +358 13 228 870, open Mon-Fri 10:00
– 18:00, Sat 9:00 – 14:00
Niinivaaran apteekki, Niinivaarantie 52 (Suvitori), tel. +358 13 311 033, open
Mon-Fri 9:00 – 18:00, Sat 9:00 – 14:00
Rantakylän apteekki, Puronsuunkatu 1, tel. +358 13 823 550, open Mon-Fri
9:00 – 18:00, Sat 9:00 – 14:00
DAYCARE & EDUCATION
Daycare // In accordance with Finnish law, all preschool-aged children are entitled to municipal
day care either in day care facilities or with a private family. The amount of the day care fee,
between 18 - 200 euros per month, is determined by the size and income of the family. The fee
reduces for each additional child. Those with the lowest minimal income are not required to pay
the fee.
A day care place for a child should be applied for 4 months before the intended start of day
care. However, if need arises unexpectedly, a day care place should be applied for immediately, no later than two weeks before the start of the daycare.
Day care can be full-time or part-time, and a child is entitled to it until he or she starts school at
the age of seven. There are also other ways to organize daycare. If one of the parents is staying
home, Kela grants financial support for the permanent residents.
www.kela.fi
Day care centers operate throughout the year. Many centers close for a few weeks in the summer, but alternative care in some other daycare center will be offered for this period.
Joensuu has an English-speaking playschool, in which children from many nationalities spend their
days. English is used in the daily activities. Contact information: Englanninkielinen leikkikoulu, Hasanniementie 1 B, Tel +358 13 227 621, [email protected]
The contact person at the City of Joensuu daycare office is Ms. Anu-Helena Turtiainen, tel. +358
13 267 5682, email: [email protected]
Preschool // Each six-year-old has the right to preschool education free of charge. Preschool education is voluntary. Since the year 2000, over 95 percent of all six-year-olds in Joensuu have attended preschool education yearly. Operating periods and holidays are the same as those at
comprehensive schools. Instruction time is four hours per day with an average of 19 hours per
week.
The core curriculum defines the subject fields and objectives in preschool education. All schools
and day care centers provide preschool education as part of their curriculum. Preschool education is based on the child's own knowledge, skills and experiences. If a family needs child care in
addition to preschool, partial day care fees are charged.
Comprehensive School // In Finland, children start school in the year in which they turn seven (7).
Compulsory education applies to all children. This means that a child who lives permanently in
Finland must complete a certain syllabus. Children usually do this by attending comprehensive
school.
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Comprehensive school takes nine (9) years. The child starts comprehensive school in the autumn
of the year in which he or she turns seven (7). Before comprehensive school, the child may attend
pre-primary education. While pre-primary education is not compulsory, most children attend it. It
aims at practising the skills that children will learn at school through games and play. The age and
skills of the child are taken into consideration in the education.
Compulsory education ends when the child completes comprehensive school. If the child does
not complete comprehensive school, his or her compulsory education ends at the end of the
school year in which he or she turns 17.
TRANSPORTATION IN FINLAND & JOENSUU
By plane // Flights are the fastest but generally also the most expensive way of getting around.
Finnair and some smaller airlines operate regional flights from Helsinki to all over the country,
including Kuopio, Pori, Rovaniemi and Ivalo.
Main airports:
Helsinki airport // Vantaan lentoasema, 01531 Vantaa
Joensuu airport // Lentoasemantie 30, 80140 Joensuu
http://www.finnair.com/INT/GB/Home
By Train // The train is the method of choice to travel from Helsinki to Tempere, Turku and Lahti,
with departures at least once per hour and faster speeds than the bus.
For example:
Pendolino tilting trains (code S), the fastest option (€32, 1:26)
InterCity and InterCity2 express trains, with IC surcharge (€26.9, 1:46)
Ordinary express, with express surcharge, only slow night trains for this connection (€24.6, 2:12-2:16)
Local and regional trains, no surcharge, quite slow (€21, 2:03)
Residents of Europe can buy InterRail Finland passes offering 3-8 days of unlimited travel in one
month for €109-229 (adult 2nd class), while the Eurail Finland pass for non-residents is €178-320 for
3-10 days.
By Bus // Joensuu is a transport hub for North Karelia so there are regular buses to all points,
departing from the bus terminal east of the river. Services include Kuopio (€23.20, 2½ hours),
Savonlinna (€22.90, 3 hours), Jyväskylä (€36.90, 4 hours), Helsinki (€58.50, 8 hours) via Mikkeli,
Ilomantsi (€11.50, 1 to 2 hours) and Nurmes (€20.50, 2½ hours). For Kuhmo, change at Nurmes or
Sotkamo.
By Ferry // In summertime, lake cruises are a great way to see the scenery of Finland, although
most of them only do circular sightseeing loops and aren't thus particularly useful for getting from
point A to point B. For example, Joensuu – Koli: one way/return €30/45, 6½ hours
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TRANSPORTATION TO AND IN JOENSUU
By Taxi // The per-kilometer charge starts at €1.43/km for 1 or 2 passengers, rising up to €2,01/km
for 7 or 8 passenger minivans. A 20-25 km journey (say, airport to central Helsinki) can thus easily
cost €30-40.
Contacts:
Taxi Joensuu, tel. +358 13 10041
Airport taxi, tel. +358 600 90100
By Plane // The airport of Joensuu is located in Onttola, approximately 11 km from the city centre.
There are 4-6 flights daily to and from Helsinki. The flight time is about 50 minutes. An air fare costs
between 50 and 200 euros. There is an airport bus departing from Hotel Kimmel 50 minutes before
each flight departure and from Kirkkokatu 25 (in front of Suomen Matkatoimisto) 45 minutes before each flight departure. The fare is approximately 5 euros.
When you are planning to travel by air, do not forget to compare the prices and conditions between the travel agencies and airlines and ask for all possible discounts.
Information about timetables and prices: www.finnair.com
By Bus // For all questions concerning travelling by bus, turn to the Matkahuolto
office. Timetables are also available in long-distance buses and in Carelicum, Koskikatu 5. Bus
station, Matkahuolto office, Itäranta 6.
www.matkahuolto.com
By Train // There are 12 daily train connections from Joensuu to various destinations in Finland.
VR – National Railway: www.vr.fi/heo/eng/
By Bicycle // A bicycle is a very practical and popular form of transportation in Joensuu and also
a good way to familiarise yourself with the town. There are plenty of paved cycle tracks in
Joensuu. Bikes can be rented from the Community Resource Centre (Kansalaistalo).
www.kansalaistalo.fi/soroppi/fillarit.htm
If you stay in Joensuu for a longer period of time, you may want to buy a bike of your own. A few
times a year there is an auction of lost and found items at the Joensuu Police Station
(Suvantokatu 17), where - with good luck - you may find a decent bicycle at a reasonable price.
Since the auction is carried out in Finnish only, please ask your colleague to accompany you.
When parked or not in use, your bicycle should always be locked and preferably fastened to a
bicycle rack or some other solid structure.
Here is a list of some bike repair shops near the centre of Joensuu:
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ET-Sports Kauppakatu 33
Pyörähuolto Sarola Huvilakatu 9
Joensuun Pyöröhuolto ja tarvike Torikatu 33
Joensuun Pyöräkellari Koskikatu 23
MT-Bike Koulukatu 40
Sportman Torikatu 37 B
EVERYDAY LIFE
Driving Licence // In Finland, you have to be 18 years old to drive a car. If you have a driving
licence issued in another EU or an EEA country, you may drive in Finland. The class of vehicles you
have a right to drive is shown on your driving licence. A driving licence issued in a Nordic country
is also valid in Finland.
If you have a driving licence issued in a state that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Convention
on Road
Traffic, you may drive in Finland. Your right to drive is valid for one year only from the date on
which you arrived in Finland.
If your driving licence is not valid in Finland, you may be issued with a temporary licence.
Temporary driving licences are issued by the police for a maximum of one year. You may have
your foreign driving licence replaced by a Finnish one, but a fee is charged for this. The police
may require you to present a doctor’s certificate stating that you are in good health. You may
also be requested to provide an authorised translation of your driving licence into Finnish. For
more information, contact the police. The police do not usually require you to take another
driving test if you replace your driving licence with aFinnish one within one year of arriving in the
country.
For more information: http://www.trafi.fi/tieliikenne/AKE_EN/
Shopping // It is not usual to haggle in shops in Finland, and the price indicated on a product or on the side
of the shelf is the price you pay.
The price you pay in a shop is a total price that includes a valueadded tax (VAT ). In large cities, there are
shops that sell food products typical of different religions or cultures; you can ask people where to find
these so-called ethnic shops, or a certain product.There also are some ethnic clothes shops and
hairdressing salons.
Grocery shops are usually open from 9.00 till 21.00. Small food shops may open earlier and close later than
this. Other shops, for example clothes shops, are usually open between 9.00 and 20.00 from Monday till
Friday, and between 9.00 and 18.00 on Saturdays. Some shops are also open on Sundays.
Offices // In Finland, it is necessary to visit an office in person to conduct certain types of business. The
offices also provide many services on the telephone, by post and online.
The office employees will help you if you have difficulty in understanding anything. Employees of state
offices and government are called officials. Police officers are also officials.
32
Finnish officials are reliable. They do not take bribes, and you do not need to give them gifts. They treat their
customers equally. You can talk to them safely.
State and municipal offices are usually open between 8.00 and 16.00. The opening hours of the customer
service department in an office may be different from the general opening hours. You should check the
opening hours of an office before your visit.
Alcohol and Drugs // In Finland, selling or serving alcohol to persons under 18 years of age is against the
law. Food shops only sell beer and cider. Wine and strong spirits are only sold in Alko off-licence outlets.
Alko is a state-owned company that sells alcohol.
If you have been drinking alcohol, you must not drive. The limit for drunken driving is 0.5 per mille. Driving
under the influence of alcohol may lead to serious consequences in Finland. You may be fined, and you
may lose your driving licence. Drinking alcohol in public places is also against the law.
All recreational drugs are banned by law in Finland. Importing, buying, selling, cultivating and using drugs
are offences. Khat and cannabis are also banned substances.
Bringing pets into the country // If you have a pet that you want to bring with you to Finland, familiarise
yourself in good time with the requirements related to the process. Finland adheres to the guidelines set by
the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. You can find the current guidelines on the pages of the Finnish Food
Safety Authority in Finnish, Swedish and English.
BASIC FINNISH WORDS & EXPRESSIONS
FINNISH-ENGLISH DICTIONARY
ENGLISH
Hello!
How are you?
My name is…
What is your name?
Nice to meet you!
Where are you from?
I’m from Helsinki.
Sorry.
Excuse me.
Good morning!
Good evening!
Good night!
Good bye!
Have a good weekend!
Thank you!
Yes, please.
No, thank you.
Do you speak English?
How do I get to…?
ENGLISH
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INTRODUCING, CONVERSATIONS
FINNISH
Hei!
Mitä kuuluu?
Minun nimeni on…
Mikä sinun nimesi on?
Hauska tavata!
Mistä olet kotoisin?
Olen kotoisin Helsingistä.
Anteeksi.
Anteeksi.
Hyvää huomenta!
Hyvää iltaa!
Hyvää yötä!
Näkemiin!
Hyvää viikonloppua!
Kiitos!
Kyllä, kiitos.
Ei, kiitos.
Puhutteko englantia?
Kuinka pääsen…?
ASKING FOR HELP AND DIRECTIONS
FINNISH
I’m lost.
Can I help you?
Can you help me?
Where is the pharmacy?
Go straight.
Turn right/left.
I’m looking for Mirja.
One moment, please.
I can show you.
Come with me!
How much does this cost?
What time is it?
It’s 10 o’clock.
Hotel
Room
Reservation
Hotelli
Huone
Varaus
ENGLISH
A table for two, please.
The menu, please.
What would you like to have for drink?
I would like to have…
We would like to order!
Enjoy your meal.
I’m hungry.
Do you like your food?
It is delicious!
A check, please!
34
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Soup
Salad
Rice
Aamupala
Lounas
Päivällinen
Keitto
Salaatti
Riisi
Passport
Passi
one
two
three
four
five
six
seven
eight
nine
ten
eleven
twelve
thirteen
fourteen
fifteen
yksi
kaksi
kolme
neljä
viisi
kuusi
seitsemän
kahdeksan
yhdeksän
kymmenen
yksitoista
kaksitoista
kolmetoista
neljätoista
viisitoista
Olen hukassa.
Voinko auttaa sinua?
Voitko sinä auttaa minua?
Missä on apteekki?
Mene suoraan.
Käänny oikealle/vasemmalle.
Etsin Mirjaa.
Pieni hetki.
Voin näyttää sinulle.
Tule minun mukaani!
Kuinka paljon tämä maksaa?
Kuinka paljon kello on?
Kello on 10 (kymmenen).
IMPORTANT WORDS
Airport
Lentokenttä
Train station
Juna-asema
Bus station
Bussiasema
FOOD PHRASES
FINNISH
Pöytä kahdelle, kiitos.
Ruokalista, kiitos.
Mitä haluaisit juotavaksi?
Minä haluaisin…
Me haluaisimme tilata!
Hyvää ruokahalua.
Olen nälkäinen.
Pidättekö ruuastanne?
Se on herkullista!
Lasku, kiitos!
FOOD WORDS
Ice cream
Jäätelö
Bread
Leipä
Butter
Voi
Egg
Kananmuna
Potato
Peruna
Milk
Maito
Ticket
NUMBERS IN FINNISH
sixteen
seventeen
eighteen
nineteen
twenty
thirty
fourty
fifty
sixty
seventy
eighty
ninety
one hundred
one thousand
one million
Lippu
kuusitoista
seitsemäntoista
kahdeksantoista
yhdeksäntoista
kaksikymmentä
kolmekymmentä
neljäkymmentä
viisikymmentä
kuusikymmentä
seitsemänkymmentä
kahdeksankymmentä
yhdeksänkymmentä
sata
tuhat
miljoona
JOENSUU MAP
35
COMPANY LOCATION MAP
INFORMATION SOURCES
http://www.pkky.fi/Resource.phx/pkky/english.htx.i1667.pdf+
http://www.joensuu.fi/tutkimustuki/koovee2/sisallot/things_to_take_care_of_when_you_arrive.htm
http://www.joensuu.fi/tutkimustuki/koovee2/sisallot/living_in_the_joensuu_region.htm
http://www.joensuu.fi/tutkimustuki/koovee2/sisallot/things_to_take_care_of_when_you_arrive.htm
http://www.joensuu.fi/tutkimustuki/koovee2/sisallot/living_in_the_joensuu_region.htm (mainly for
leisure activites and traveling)
http://www.suomi.fi/suomifi/suomi/valtio_ja_kunnat/perustietoa_suomesta/index.html
http://www.jns.fi/Resource.phx/sivut/sivut-jns/info/joensuulukuina.htx
http://www.joensuu.fi/tutkimustuki/koovee2/sisallot/living_in_the_joensuu_region.htm#health
http://finland.fi/public/default.aspx?nodeid=41812&contentlan=2&culture=en-US
http://www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/Associations/
http://www.infopankki.fi/en-GB/welcome_to_finland/
http://www.jns.fi/Resource.phx/sivut/sivut-jns/generalinfo/index.htx?lng=en
http://www.worldbusinessculture.com/Business-in-Finland.html
http://www.suomi.fi/suomifi/suomi/valtio_ja_kunnat/perustietoa_suomesta/index.html
http://www.jns.fi/Resource.phx/sivut/sivut-jns/info/joensuulukuina.htx
36
http://www.expat-finland.com/telecommunications_and_media/television.html
www.arcusys.fi/
37