Friendly encounters and nature make international exchange students happy in Finland
The study responds to growing concerns that many international exchange students experience loneliness and adjustment difficulties during their exchange and mobility periods. Unlike earlier studies that have focused on short holiday trips, this research examined longer-term everyday life in a new country. The students were simultaneously both students and part-time tourists.
According to the results, happiness does not remain constant throughout the stay. “The initial excitement often gives way to challenges of adjustment, during which the role of the environment becomes more pronounced. Friendships, familiarity with Finnish culture, and spending time in nature emerged as the most important sources of happiness. Increased self-confidence gained through new experiences also strengthened students’ well-being,” describes Master of Business Administration Mohsin Abdur Rehman.
The study is part of Rehman’s doctoral dissertation. He will defend his dissertation at the University of Oulu on 6 February 2026.
Students gave particular praise to Finland’s cleanliness, calmness, and safety. Simple things such as well-functioning public transport and friendly customer service reduced stress and helped build trust in the new country.
According to Rehman, the subjective nature of happiness means that individuals attach different meanings to their lived experiences. Students described their stay in Finland, among other things, as follows:
“It was evening in Helsinki, so from the boat I saw the sunset. I took many pictures, it was like really beautiful and that moment got me into being really happy.” (Marek, in the beginning of the stay)
“The first thing that came to my mind [was] the last trip to Lapland, because this was maybe the first thing, very typical for Finland. It was making me so happy because nature-wise it was like very nice and very beautiful.” (Emilia, in the end of the stay)
However, happiness is not only an individual experience. “It is also a long-term investment that benefits both the students coming to Finland and society as a whole.”
The study suggests that Finland can strengthen its position as an attractive study destination by supporting every stage of the incoming students’ customer journey, providing clear guidance and emotional support, fostering a sense of belonging, and offering opportunities for experimentation and reflection on experiences.
The results offer concrete implications for universities, the tourism sector, and public services on how to support the inclusion and well-being of international students.
The data were collected by following 12 exchange students in Finland at three stages: at the beginning, middle, and end of their stay. The data included interviews, reflective diaries, and short video reflections.
Of the 12 students, 10 stayed in Oulu and two in Tampere. The group included one student each from France, China, and Italy, and three students each from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Spain.
The study has been published in the scientific journal International Journal of Tourism Research:
Rehman, M.A., Oikarinen, E.L., & Söderlund, M. (2025). Understanding the sources of happiness in an extended tourism context: A longitudinal interpretative phenomenological analysis. https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.70139
Master of Business Administration Mohsin Abdur Rehman will defend his doctoral dissertation on Friday, 6 February 2026. The title of the thesis is Customer experience journey in extended service contexts. Doctoral dissertation. The opponent is Doctor Anu Helkkula from Hanken School of Economics and the custos is Associate Professor Mari Juntunen. The defence will begin at the University of Oulu in Linnanmaa campus in the lecture hall TA105 at 12 noon and can be followed online https://oulu.zoom.us/j/62068686494