Åland can give you the finest of the fine

When the opportunity to work in Åland came up, Lise-Lotte Hellöre was in the process of completing her second doctoral dissertation. Apart from a few visits as a lecturer at the university, she had no prior connections to Åland, and no expectations either.

- Now I know that Åland can give you the finest of the fine – quality of life based on short distances, peace and quiet, friendly people and small-scale living. But if you're looking for a big-city buzz, you'll probably be disappointed. You need to know yourself and what you want out of life, she says.

A Swedish-speaking everyday life

The first spring, Lise-Lotte commuted from Turku and worked part-time at the university. By summer, the move was made with two secondary school children, a dog and two cats. Finding a rental home proved more difficult than expected, but eventually the family got an apartment in Åland's first swan-labeled building.

- That's particularly fitting given my job as sustainability director. We have a sea view, and I can see the horizon from our balcony.

The opportunity to live their everyday life in Swedish has otherwise been a major advantage of the move.
- Being able to live in Swedish in Finland has been one of the best things about Åland and a big reason why we're so happy here. It has been enormously liberating for all of us. I've thought many times – why don't all Finland-Swedes move here?

At the same time, the move has given her a new relationship with the Finnish language.
- For the first time, I feel that I'm truly good at Finnish. I haven't felt that before.

Thriving in Mariehamn

After their first summer in Åland, the children started at Övernäs secondary school in Mariehamn. They quickly settled into their new everyday life and were able to continue their hobbies in dance, gymnastics and football.

- I feel there are wonderful conditions for the children's hobbies here in Åland. They have been warmly welcomed and we are very happy here.

She herself enjoys living in Mariehamn, where she and the children can cycle or walk almost everywhere.
- Mariehamn is unique, it's like living in a small town that at the same time feels like a big metropolis.

The proximity to nature is also a great bonus.
- It's so beautiful, clean and lovely all year round. I'm still head over heels in love with Åland!

New perspectives and challenges

Doing research on an island can, however, have its challenges. Despite Åland University of Applied Sciences having close contacts with other universities, it can sometimes feel isolated. With two doctoral dissertations under her belt – one in business economics and one in theology, both focused on social responsibility and sustainable development – Lise-Lotte looks forward to helping develop the conditions for researchers in Åland.

- I have a lot to contribute there, even though it's a major challenge, particularly since the stimulation doesn't occur as naturally as at larger universities, where I have worked previously. I still feel that I can make a difference here, and that's a wonderful feeling.