March Coffee Room
"Why do Finns do that?"
Hang out with our vibrant comunity and discover more about Finnish culture from an international perspective!
Spouse Program members are warmly invited to our Coffee Room on Tuesday 18 March to explore Finnish culture from an international newcomer’s perspective.
The theme of this Coffee Room is “Why do Finns do that?”, diving into why moving to a new country comes with both exciting opportunities and cultural surprises.
At the event, we’ll have an intercultural expert breaking down why Finland is the way it is — while also helping us understand our own international perspectives on a deeper level.
What to expect from this Coffee Room?
- Insights into cultural differences and their impact on daily life
- Group discussions to reflect on experiences and take away valuable insights
- A great opportunity to network and meet others in the same situation
- Coffee, tea, and a cosy community hangout!
Join the event to make sense of Finnish culture, connect with others, and navigate life in Finland with more confidence.
Sign up now
Meet our facilitator
Pia Kähärä is an intercultural consultant with over 25 years of experience of navigating cultural diversity.
Having lived and worked in the UK, Russia, and Kazakhstan, Pia brings first-hand experience of adapting to different cultures. She has managed multicultural teams in multiple countries and authored publications on cultural diversity and DEI.
Leading this Coffee Room, she will introduce a practical ‘language’ for understanding cultures using the Hofstede model, with Finland as a reference point.
Through Pia’s expertise, we will explore key cultural differences, discover a-ha moments, and share experiences with others in a welcoming environment through engaging group activities, discussions, and real-life examples.

About our Coffee Rooms
Coffee Rooms are where members meet and mingle, enjoy themed topics and guest speakers, and share with others over a cup of coffee or tea. They are a great way to connect with peers in the community and learn more about life in the Helsinki region.
Whether you’ve recently joined the program or are a long-time member, everyone is welcome to attend. New members of the Spouse Program are especially encouraged to join!