When Ataur Rahman first arrived in Finland, uncertainty clouded his future. For nearly a year, he tried applying his old system to a new environment, but little seemed to work. The turning point came through the Future in Finland 2025 mentoring programme. With the support of a dedicated mentor, Petri Lehmus, Ataur experienced a transformation.
“I realised there was a path. I just needed help to see it”, he reflects.
Over time, his confidence grew. He learned how to speak about his strengths, gained clarity about his direction and began to feel more at home in Finland. What started as uncertainty slowly turned into purpose.
Finding Direction Through Mentoring
The mentoring process helped Ataur reflect on what his future in Finland could look like and how to move towards it. He is now completing his master’s thesis at a Finnish university and hopes to continue his professional journey in Finland after graduation.
The journey, however, was not without challenges.
“When we come to a new country, we often feel a kind of internal blockage. It’s not always about others. It’s something we carry within us. But when a mentor listens openly and shows trust, that is when you open up. You start expressing yourself and taking steps forward with confidence.”
For Ataur, trust, openness and a shared commitment from both mentor and mentee formed the foundation of a successful mentoring relationship.
Language and Fear as Barriers
Language was one of the earliest first challenges.
“We have our own native language, then English and then we come to Finland. Speaking with a Finnish professional can feel intimidating at first.”
Ataur’s mentor, whose first language is Finnish, made a conscious effort to communicate clearly in English.
“He gave me his full attention and made the effort to understand me. We found a balance and worked through it together.”
Fear was another barrier.
“When I arrived, I was full of questions. Will I be accepted? Will Finnish people talk to me? I needed someone to listen, and I found that in my mentor.”
Challenges in Integration
Coming from Bangladesh, Ataur encountered differences in education systems, work culture, and everyday practices.
“For someone from outside the EU, it takes time to understand how things work here. In Finland, people often move independently and quietly solve problems on their own. In my culture, asking for help is more common.”
But when Ataur did reach out, he was surprised.
“People were actually very helpful once I asked. That changed my perspective.”
Bridging Two Worlds
Cultural background shapes communication and expectations.
“In Bangladesh, communication is often emotional and indirect. In Finland, it’s calm, short and honest. This mentoring experience helped me bridge those two different worlds.”
Through discussions with Petri Lehmus, Ataur gained insight into Finnish views on work, trust, responsibility and initiative. The knowledge that supported both his studies and his active involvement in events and community programmes.
“When I arrived, I was very reserved. Through mentoring, I became more confident speaking with people. I now understand my strengths and how to express them clearly. This process shaped not just my career thinking, but my life in Finland.”
Giving Back: Helping Others
Today, Ataur shares his experiences with fellow international students and newcomers.
“Many are afraid of failing or being rejected. I tell them: Ask for help and there is nothing wrong. You might get support or you might not. But either way, you move forward.”
He encourages others to participate in events, express themselves and engage with many Finnish activities, for example: sauna.
A true people’s person and perhaps a future mentor himself – Ataur embodies the spirit of integration and resilience.
Welcome to Finland, Ataur and to all who walk this path!
Ataur’s Advice for Newcomers in Finland
- Don’t hold yourself back. Take the first step, even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Speak up. It really pays off more than you think.
- Make an effort to learn the language; people truly appreciate it.
- Stay curious. About yourself and the culture around you.
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Ataur Rahman is originally from Bangladesh, where Bangla is his mother tongue. After travelling to various countries, he developed strong proficiency in English and finally then he moved to Finland and is currently learning Finnish. He arrived in Finland in November 2024 and his wife and eight-year-old daughter joined him a few months later.
“Having my family here made a big difference. It helped me feel settled and better understand integration. I see how difficult it can be for those whose families are far away.”
Today, Ataur continues to build his future in Finland with confidence, reflection and a strong sense of belonging. He has secured now an university intern position in guidance services at University of Vaasa and is an active participant plus influencer for Vaasa International Talents (Round 6).
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This article was written by Kaija Pohjala, a board member of Suomen Mentorit, who interviewed Ataur Rahman.