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Hina Ishtiaq in her warm clothing during the winter season at Oulu International Airport
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Hina Ishtiaq is an MSCA–Data4HealthCare Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Clinical Genetics at the University of Oulu. She earned her PhD in molecular medicine from the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, where she studied the genetic correlation between sialic acid metabolism and neuronal disorders. Since 2015, Hina has served as an educator and mentor at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Quetta, Pakistan. Her research interests span molecular genetics, neurogenetics, genome-wide association studies, genetic disorders, rare monogenic conditions, and genetic testing and analysis. She has contributed to high-impact publications and remains an active participant in national and international scientific forums.
The shift from Pakistan to Finland offers insights into how contrasting cultures shape research, communication, and daily routines – from silence and punctuality to traditions and cuisine. This article shares personal insights how international moves can redefine professional practices and broaden perspectives.
Moving across continents for research is notjust a geographic shift but an emotional,intellectual, and cultural transformation.When I left Pakistan, a land of vibrantmarketplaces and warm sunshine, for Finland,I knew I was stepping into a different world.What I did not realise at the time was how thistransition would reshape me both as a scholarand a person.
Arrival in Finland
I arrived in Oulu at the peak of winter.
Everything was quiet. The snow blanketed
the streets, the sky wore a melancholic
shade of grey, and the chill found its way into
places I did not know existed. Coming from
the bustling cities of Pakistan, where the
soundscape is alive with life, I was struck by
the stillness of Finnish life. It felt like stepping
into a museum of calm.
Culture shock
The silence was my first culture shock. In Pakistan, conversation is spontaneous and expressive, and even strangers might casually strike up a chitchat. In Finland, social interaction felt wrapped in layers of personal space and quiet contemplation. I initially mistook the lack of small talk for coldness. But over time, I discovered something beautiful beneath it, a deep respect for individual boundaries and a thoughtful approach to communication. Here, when someone speaks, it's meaningful. I learnt to listen more, to appreciate pauses, and to find warmth in subtleties.
Academic transformation
As a researcher, this shift had a surprising effect on my work. The tranquil atmosphere of Finnish academia allows for uninterrupted concentration. Libraries here feel like sacred spaces where silence is not just appreciated, it’s expected. My productivity improved. I found myself more reflective and deliberate in my approach to problem-solving. The Finnish system not only encourages independence but also provides support when needed.
Respect for time
Another aspect of cultural adjustment was the understanding of time. In Pakistan, time flows with flexibility. Schedules bend easily for hospitality, spontaneity, or unexpected turns. In Finland, punctuality is a virtue. Meetings start precisely on time. Deadlines are not suggestions but commitments. This rigidity felt stressful. But with time, I came to realise that respect for time fosters trust and reliability. It is a silent pact of professionalism, and I have absorbed this discipline into my practice.
Culinary transition
Food was another realm of transformation. I missed the rich spices, the aromas of biryani and karahi, the comforting warmth of tea, yet food became a bridge, a way to share my identity while opening up to theirs. Finnish cuisine, with its simplicity and reliance on seasonal ingredients, felt unfamiliar. I began introducing my colleagues to Pakistani flavours while embracing local delicacies such as rye bread, mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie), and salmon soup.
Understanding of the world
But the most profound growth happened internally. As I navigated this new cultural landscape, I developed greater empathy. I learnt how to live in a culture very different from my own and slowly adjust to new habits, while still staying true to who I am. This experience made me a better team member, more inclusive, and more aware of diverse perspectives. It also made me a more perceptive researcher. Cultural differences are not barriers but lenses that enrich our understanding of the world.
Embracing nature
Oulu itself has grown on me. The nature here is pristine. I have learnt to love the forests, the lakes, and the magical glow of the northern lights. Seasons in Finland bring dramatic changes, but with each change, there is something to celebrate. Even the long winter nights taught me patience, introspection, and the importance of inner light.
A transformative journey
Moving from Pakistan to Finland was never just about research. It was about personal, cultural, and academic growth. It challenged my assumptions, expanded my worldview, and gave me a deeper appreciation for diversity. I learnt that culture shock is not something to fear but to embrace because every uncomfortable moment is a doorway to discovery.
Hina Ishtiaq
Orcid
LinkedIn
University of Oulu
Hina.Ishtiaq@oulu.fi