February/March 2026: From Helsinki to the Northern Lights – my 6 months in diplomacy in Finland 

 
When I wrote my first blog in September, I reflected on how time can feel distorted when filled with meaningful experiences. Now, writing my final blog, that idea feels more relevant than ever. These six months in Helsinki have flown by. Yet my first months at the embassy feel like they belong to another chapter entirely. In this blog I share my last month highlights and reflect on my time in Finland. 

Last month 

This month I gave an internal briefing on the legal gaps surrounding cable sabotage in the Baltic Sea and shared the vlog in collaboration with the Finnish Embassy in the Hague to increase visibility of our bilateral relation! In addition, since the Netherlands has a new coalition-agreement, I helped colleagues by analyzing differences in comparison to the previous government. Highly relevant because as representatives abroad we are often asked 'what does the Netherlands think?' 

 Since I didn't have a concrete learning assignment from university, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of projects. Such as a stakeholder mapping of the Finnish Defence Industry and mapping the Greater Helsinki startup ecosystem.

Behind the scenes

One of the biggest insights I gained is how much diplomacy happens behind the scenes. During my internship I worked on policy analyses, supported economic cooperation, increased visibility of our bilateral relationship and contributed to preparations for high-level visits. Seeing months of preparation come together in a few symbolic moments made me proud but also made me realize that the handshakes and photographs we see are only the tip of the iceberg. 

Another important lesson was how central relationships are in diplomacy. Whether during events like Slush, defence business-days or through smaller initiatives such as hosting a reception for interns from different embassies, often diplomacy ultimately comes down to people connecting with people. 

Experiencing Finland 

Outside of the embassy working environment, Finland offered experiences I will never forget. From visiting ice-hockey matches to national parks - trips from Tallinn to Rovaniemi and everything in between.  Helsinki has become a place where I feel at home. When friends and family visited I enjoyed showing them around. During which I also realized how much I learned about Finland, being the eyes and ears of the Netherlands. One of my personal favorites of Finnish culture was sauna and ice-dipping. I very much enjoyed the traditional Sompasauna combined with ice-dipping in the Baltic Sea.  And of course the weekly ice-dipping in the sea with a group of other people working at embassies in Helsinki.

I was lucky to experience all the seasons Finland has to offer: sunny September days, dark autumn months, and winter wonderland with temperatures of -20°C. A particularly special moment was when the Baltic Sea froze completely, allowing walking across the ice towards nearby islands. 

What I take home

What started as a curiosity about diplomacy, international policy, and discovering Finland turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with growth, new connections, and unforgettable moments. Finnish society left a strong impression on me. The concept of preparedness and resilience, often described by the Finnish word 'sisu', is deeply embedded in everyday life. I also learned that while Finns may not always be very talkative, their actions show a strong sense of community. 

As my time at the embassy comes to an end, I feel grateful for the opportunity I was given, for the team that welcomed me so warmly, and for a country that taught me so much.

If this sounds like an experience you would like to have as well, then apply for the internship when it opens next month. I 100% recommend! Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn if you would like to learn more.

Best regards,
Merlijn