From French metropolis to Åland island small-town family life

Samuel Begot and his wife come from a larger city in the south of France, where life moved at a considerably faster pace.

– I liked the buzz and going out to meet friends. Then we had our son and it became clear that city life isn't suited for young children. Just getting to a playground required taking a bus or tram.

The couple started looking for a calmer alternative. They considered moving closer to Samuel's family in France, but after a three-week holiday in Åland, their plans took a new turn.

– My mother-in-law has lived here for eight years, so it wasn't my first visit – but it was my first as a father. That made me see Åland through completely different eyes.

The best of both worlds

Just a few years earlier, Samuel had said he could never imagine living in Åland. Back then he thought it was far too quiet and small, but as a parent of a young child he experienced Åland in a different way.

– I thought "that's a country for children". When we came back to France, my wife started reading up on the education systems in the Nordic countries and we realised that moving to the Nordics would be the best choice for our son.

The proximity to family, the schools' good reputation, and the opportunity to attend daycare until the age of six all weighed heavily. Unlike France, where children have a nanny until the age of two and start school as young as three.

– Since our son's grandmother lives in Åland, it became a natural choice, even though we also considered both Sweden and Finland. My wife and I like to joke that we've got the best of both worlds – both Sweden and Finland.

A playground around the corner

The family finally decided on Åland, and as soon as all the practical arrangements were in place, they made the move. Initially they stayed with the mother-in-law, who then helped them find their own apartment through acquaintances. Today they have a sea view from the balcony and are within walking distance of daycare, a swimming beach, and playgrounds.

– Of course we still juggle to make daily life and working hours fit together, but the stress is completely different. Here I have time to play and spend more time with the family.

From lawyer to language student

In France, Samuel worked as a lawyer focusing on integration and housing rights at a reception centre for refugees.

– I liked my job, but it was hard to face people's suffering every day. I learned a great deal about humanity and humility, and to feel great gratitude for what I have.

Since moving to Åland, Samuel has focused on learning Swedish. He has just completed an 8-month Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) course at Medis in Mariehamn and has now found a job at a grocery store for the summer.

– It's perfect for me. I like customer service and meeting new people – and I get to both hear and speak a lot of Swedish.

His wife already knew a little Swedish thanks to her relatives in Åland. For her, the past year has been about bringing the language back to life and finding a job she enjoys. Their son already speaks it fluently thanks to daycare.

The key to integration

Samuel's best advice to other newcomers is to prioritise the language, take courses, and learn Swedish. At the same time, you get to meet others in the same situation.

– My teacher at Medis said that "language is the key", and that's absolutely true. Through language, you feel much more at home.

The language courses have also given Samuel new friends. In addition, the City of Mariehamn organises language cafés in the town hall and at the city library, often with practical themes such as taxes, education, or childcare.

A few culture clashes

Not everything has been straightforward, however. Samuel notices that the social codes differ from what he was used to in France.

– People in Åland are friendly, but it takes longer to form friendships here. For me, that can be a bit of a challenge.

The Nordic climate is also an adjustment. The dark winter is very different from the light in the south of France.

– I love the sun, so last winter we bought a strong sun lamp. At the same time, it's lovely to follow the changing seasons – we take a photo from the balcony each season.

He has also noticed how calmly and composedly people handle conflicts here.

– I once saw a car reverse into another, but nobody argued afterwards. Both drivers got out and talked calmly. That would never have happened in France!

He believes it starts as early as daycare age, where he has seen how children's emotions are met with calm and reassurance.

– You feel so safe here. Åland really is a place for families with children!