“Oulu Showed Me That You Can Build a New Life at Any Age” – Greek Lawyer Marina Finds a New Home in Northern Finland
Marina Galanopoulou Kettunen, a lawyer originally from Athens, shares her experiences of life in Northern Finland. “It is never too late to change your country, language, and career”, she says.
When Greek lawyer Marina Galanopoulou Kettunen moved to Oulu in the summer of 2023, the city was completely unfamiliar to her. The move was prompted by her Finnish husband’s work, as he had been appointed CEO of a technology company based in Oulu.
Alongside a new hometown, Marina faced a new language, a new culture, and the challenge of building a new life.
Having worked in the legal field for more than 25 years, Marina was used to the vibrant pace of Athens, where she had spent much of her adult life. Oulu offered something entirely different.
– My first impression of Oulu was its peacefulness. Everything works here without noise or rush. I was also impressed by the cleanliness, safety, and the respect people show one another, says Marina in an interview originally made entirely in Finnish.
Although moving to a new country was a major life change, the welcome was warm. She was particularly touched by the openness and kindness of her Oulu neighbours, who played an important role in helping her settle in.
– A truly positive surprise was how warmly our neighbours welcomed us. They invited us into their homes. My Finnish neighbour Tiina spent a lot of time with me on walks and spoke Finnish with me so I could practise the language, and Hellevi introduced me to yoga classes.
“Feels Like Everyday Luxury”
According to Marina, one of Oulu’s greatest strengths is its close connection to nature. Having grown up by the sea in Greece, nature has always been important to her, and the accessibility of natural surroundings in Oulu has made a lasting impression. Her favourite places in the city are its coastline and lakes.
– Nature, forests, and lakes are everywhere here, right outside your front door. On top of that, you can reach almost anywhere by bicycle. It feels like a kind of everyday luxury that is so easy to enjoy in this city.
Compared to the hectic pace of life in Athens, Oulu offers a healthier balance between work and leisure.
– Oulu is calmer, more humane, and makes it easier to maintain a balance between work and personal life.
“Integration Services Well Organised”
For Marina, learning Finnish has been the most important tool for integration. She began studying the language almost immediately after arriving in Finland.
– I started learning Finnish using Duolingo.
Later, she attended online courses offered by the University of Helsinki, participated in integration training, and joined the University of Oulu’s Pathway to University programme.
Studying Finnish remains part of her daily routine. In 2024, she passed the National Certificate of Language Proficiency (YKI) test at level B1.
– Learning Finnish is an almost daily process for me.
Marina also praises Finland’s integration services.
– I was positively surprised by how well immigrant integration is organised here, particularly when it comes to language courses. While there is certainly still room for improvement, it is very encouraging that these kinds of programmes are maintained and offered to immigrants.
A Meaningful Career as a Legal Advisor
Moving to Finland also meant a significant professional transition. After a long legal career in Greece, Marina had to rebuild parts of her career within a new environment.
– A professional transition is a major challenge, but also an important process of personal growth.
Today, Marina works as a Legal Advisor in cooperation with Asianajotoimisto Regelin Oy. She also serves as the representative of the Hellenic-Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Finland.
Her international work allows her to combine her expertise and networks in both of her home countries.
– Oulu has given me the opportunity to learn about a different legal system, study a completely new language, and participate in international cooperation between Greece and Finland.
“Finns Are Never Late”
What Marina values most in Finns is their reliability.
– I came to Finland and moved to Oulu because I fell in love with a Finnish man. For that reason, I have a very positive view of all Finns.
– I appreciate the fact that Finns are honest, reliable, and punctual. And they are not late for appointments.
According to Marina, Finnish society is built on a strong foundation of mutual trust, which makes everyday life smooth and secure.
“I truly enjoy everything connected with a real Finnish winter.”
One of the biggest surprises for her has been the northern winter. Saunas, ice swimming, and winter sports have introduced entirely new experiences.
– Getting to know sauna culture, ice swimming, and winter sports has given me some of my best memories in Oulu. I truly enjoy everything connected with a real Finnish winter.
“Language Opens Doors”
Over the past three years, Marina has learned a great deal about what successful integration requires. Her most important piece of advice for newcomers concerns language learning.
– It is worth starting to study Finnish as early as possible. The language opens doors, not only in working life but also socially.
She also encourages people to participate in hobbies, events, and volunteer activities.
– Getting to know people is extremely important when integrating into a new society. And finally, patience is necessary. Adapting does not happen in a few months, but it is worth the effort.
Oulu has taught Marina that it is possible to start again, even after a long career.
– Oulu has shown me that it is never too late to change your country, language, and career. If you are willing to learn and adapt, you can build a new life without losing your identity.
Text: Annakaisa Vääräniemi
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