Finnish In Spain, Leevi Touru

The Beginning:

The journey began with confident happiness. Arriving in Spain was exciting, but safe at the same time. I started to get to know Agres and I was received kindly. I got to know the people at Agres and approached the working circle. The culture is very different compared to Finland. There is no rush to get anywhere and socializing is open. I got to know the afternoon club and worked with the children. the children were excited, but it was new to them that not all communication can be expressed through speech. I can’t speak Spanish, and they don’t speak English or Finnish. The workforce and my team are amazing, they help in everything and show interest in my needs and my profession.

Getting Into It:

Back in Agres it was super calm and kind. We went to a Fair that was filled with people and that’s when it hit me.

”I am far from Finland, this is Spain, this is Awesome”.

Changing Plans:

I arrived at Quart De Poblet. i was supposed to arrive earlier but there was really bad flooding in the valencia area. I settled in Quart De Poblet very well. In my eyes, working with young people is very different than in Finland. In Finland, more emphasis is placed on unity and grouping. Here, Youth Work is more focused on the individual needs of customers, but it works. I spent a week with my cousin in Barcelona and got to know the great Spanish city. The week was relaxing and familiar. I arrived back at Quart De Poblet’s familiar work group and got to know the various activities and facilities.

Finnish In Spain, How Does It Work?

We went to the flooded areas of Valencia to donate supplies to those who need them. The conditions were not familiar to a Finnish guy. They were scary and sad. The floods had destroyed a large part of the surrounding areas. It’s safe here anyway so I can focus keep focus on myself and the trip. I have visited the local youth centers and social services. I’m really an outsider because of my native language, but my coworkers help me. Fortunately, my coworkers speak fluent English, so I can communicate with them without any problems. I am grateful that I was able to participate in an international project right here. I have met new people and brought out a lot of Finnish culture and work image to Spain. There are a lot of things that I don’t understand and are completely new to me. I’m not afraid to ask for help and support when needed. Finland is know for it’s antisocial personality but here I feel very different about it. Now I see what that means. Here anyone can ask you anything. Here personal space is not as strict as in Finland. I like it, any bystanding stranger may suddenly ask you about your day. It really does warm my heart. I feel like Finnish people see me as a crazy super social weird person once I come back to Finland! I’ve gotten super social here.

My Feelings And Thoughts:

I hoped the trip would be memorable, educational and full of experience for myself and my profession. So far I have achieved these goals. If I understood correctly, in Spain Youth guidance is not a direct career, but more of a social profession. The values, operating models and personalities of youth workers are very close to the Finnish youth working standards.