FINLAND | Internship: At work | Dress code and manners
Equality
There is a theme of equality that runs through social relationships. In most cases Finnish people treat everyone in a similar way with little concern for titles or status. The education is free for all (from elementary school to Universities). This is used to prevent economical indifferences between the citizens. The equality between the sexes is also considered important.
In Finland, students and teachers tend to treat each other rather informally. We often address each other with an informal sense without Sir/Mrs or his/her last name. In Finland a trainee can call their manager by his/her first name. There is no need to address a teacher with his/her last name. Both students and teachers like to consider one another as equals. This, however, does not imply that the teachers will expect anything but your best performance in classes and examinations. You are also encouraged to ask questions both in and outside the classroom. You need not hesitate to ask a question about things you do not understand or comment on things you disagree with. The informal attitude also applies to other social contacts in the Finnish society. Only elderly people and people with very high professional status are addressed more formally.