Researchers coming to Finland

Living

Living in Finland means that you are likely to need information concerning at least some of the following issues: childcare facilities, schools, health and medical care, language learning, and leisure activities. Your host organisation's local contacts will be able to tell more detailed information about the local services. 

Childcare facilities

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health provides basic information. In practise, contacting the municipality's day-care service directly is the best way of finding out relevant facts concerning a particular area of residence.
The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare is an NGO; its membership is open to everyone. The League produces for example short-term childcare services.
Childcare subsidies can be found from the pages of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA).  

Schools

When you are moving to Finland with school-aged children, you will need to find school(s) for them. In most university towns there are international schools. Therefore one can find schools that provide education with other languages, such as English, German, Russian and Swedish, in addition to Finnish.
 
More information about Finnish education system in the website for National Board of Education
If you know the name of the school Edu.fi will help finding the school's homepage.
Ministry of Education is responsible for the development of Finnish education policies and administration.
Opintoluotsi's English pages, education and training in Finland  

Health and medical care

 
Everyone will need health care services at some point, be it for regular check-ups or treatment for some condition. Make sure you are aware what health care services you (and your family) are entitled to and what insurances you may need. Be aware, that entitlement for public health care depends on many factors, such as the type of employment and residence status. Your host organisation's local contact point will be able to provide more information about health and medical care on local level.
 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health: Healthcare policy
Health promotion in maternity, child and school health care
Federation of Finnish Insurance Companies
Insurance market and insurance sector activities, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health  

Language

Even if working in research organisation where most people speak English, you will have to be able to survive outside of the work place. It is helpful to know at least some basic expressions in Finnish, especially when staying in Finland for longer than 3 months. Please be aware that most universities arrange Finnish for Foreigners courses on regular basis. These courses are available for students and staff. Your host organisation's local contact points will be able to tell you more about current courses.
 
The Summer Universities organise a wide selection of Finnish language and culture courses. In addition, many universities have language centres, which offer open enrolment Finnish courses.
Virtual language book: Tavataan taas!
Information about the origins of the Finnish language and a quick guide to its grammar
International English Speakers Association of Finland promises fun, free, and easy way to learn the Finnish language.

For those who know a bit of Finnish the web material provided by the National Board of Education is useful: Suomea, ole hyvä! Finnish here you are!  

Leisure

When not working, you might want to take up a hobby or just find some other way of entertaining yourself. Here are some good resources for getting started.
 
Finnish Tourist Board
Culture and leisure  

Customs and manners

 
If you are not yet familiar with Finnish communication style and customs, these following links might provide you with some useful tools for communicating with Finns.
 
Guide to Finnish Customs and Manners
Living in Finland (pdf), practical guide for international students and trainees