Isaac Coates' story
Category:
Study abroad student
Country:
Finland
At the beginning of the program, we did a fun icebreaker, a personality quiz to find out which Moomin character we were. Moomins are beloved Finnish cartoon characters created by author and illustrator Tove Jansson, known for their gentle, curious nature and whimsical adventures. Now, I know that sounds a bit silly, but it was actually the perfect way to start the journey. I got Moomin! A character known for enjoying the company of friends and seeking new adventures. It felt oddly fitting, as I made many friends that very day and set off on what became an unforgettable experience.
One moment that stood out was during a group workshop where we shared personal definitions of “inclusion.” Hearing how it meant safety to one person, freedom to another, and visibility to someone else gave me a deeper understanding of how layered and personal this concept really is. It was a reminder that inclusion doesn’t look the same for everyone, and that listening is just as essential as speaking when creating inclusive spaces.
Throughout the program, I learned from so many wonderful people who offered a wide range of insights. One person in particular stuck with me, from sharing random facts about Finnish trees to debating whether Swedish or Finnish mustard was superior. Their humour brought so much joy to the group, and they introduced me to the book Finnish Nightmares by Karoliina Korhonen. As I read it, I couldn’t help but laugh; it was incredibly relatable. I realized that, socially, Canadians and Finns share a lot in common, including typical quiet politeness, a love of nature, and a deep respect for personal space.
Oulu is built on diversity, celebrates cultural traditions, and truly values human life. The city’s infrastructure is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, not just for people, but also for the wildlife and plants that share the space. It felt like a place where nature, innovation, and community co-exist in harmony.
An unexpected airport strike in Helsinki cut our program short by a day, forcing us to adjust our travel plans. But even in that twist, there was a silver lining. We spent our final hours exploring Helsinki, a city rich with art, layered history, and quiet charm. It became an unexpected highlight, offering one last chance to reflect, connect, and soak in the beauty of Finland before heading home.
This journey has shaped me in ways I’m still processing. Personally, I grew in confidence and self-awareness. Professionally, I developed stronger communication skills, especially in navigating conversations across cultures and languages. Working alongside peers whose first language wasn’t English required patience, empathy, and creative collaboration, and I’m proud of how we supported one another through those challenges.
As a transgender person and community advocate, I was especially moved by the visibility and respect given to queer voices in Finland. Seeing a country take concrete steps to uplift and protect queer communities gave me renewed hope and new ideas for how we can keep pushing for change at home.
This experience broadened my worldview and reaffirmed my passion for social work. It reminded me of the power of human connection, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and safe. I left Finland with new friends, new insights, and a deeper commitment to inclusion. I’m excited to carry these lessons forward as I continue my education and advocacy journey.