Finland (Cultureshock Finland: A Survival Guide to Customs & Etiquette)

I, unfortunately, found the book after our recent trip. I had to laugh at so many of the customs and especially the traits, as I am of Finnish decent. It was light hearted, and I found it to be right on the mark, especially in helping me find out why I am the way I am. Have passed the book around and everyone agrees that it's a winner!

I'm leaving in August to be an exchange student to Finland and this book told me everything the Lonely planet guides were afraid too! This book was divided into nicely planned sections with a wonderful section dedicated to doing bussiness in the country. No book about Finland would be complete without the sauna chapter- and this book spares nothing. It has been by far the best preparation book I've read. The only downfall is that it is written by a Brittish woman- but she makes both Bristtish and American comparisons whenever possible.

I have actually read many of the Culture Shock books, as I have lived in, traveled to, and/or reported to managers of several countries. I find it fascinating to learn about other cultures and nationalities, and so find the Culture Shock series indispensable. Although I have lived in Sweden, I realized that I knew little of the Finns and of Finland.

This book covers the level of detail that I would expect from a cultural overview, and it provides insight from other individuals beyond that of the author's. The previous Culture Shock book I had read was about Canada, and that one was terrible -- I did not feel that I knew much more about the country than when I had started reading. In contrast, the Finland edition is very detailed and engaging -- I have learned a lot. Perhaps it is simpler to write of a relatively small country with a population of less than 6 million as opposed to the 2nd largest in the world with great diversity, but nonetheless, I can attest that...Read more