4.1.2. Societal Factors

(1) Unequal work opportunities

From the interviews it is clear that, besides individual factors, there are also societal factors that contribute to the students' difficulties with integration. Many interviewees said that they did not feel that they had the same opportunities and access to valuable resources (such as job opportunities) as the native Finns. Some positions might require job holders to speak fluent Finnish, which in some ways can be used to exclude foreigners. When asked about equality of job opportunity for foreigners, almost all the participants said that they did not think they had the same opportunities for finding jobs or promotion as native Finns, one of the interviewees said:

Interviewer: Do you think we have the same opportunities for finding jobs and for promotion like Finns?

Interviewee: For sure we don't have the same opportunities (for finding jobs and job promotion). You have to be much better than the Finns, and not just a little bit better. For the same job, if a Finn can do it, you need to be much better (in doing it), and bring much more value, this is obvious. (There is) inequality in finding job opportunities, and also seeking for promotion. Although theoretically, this is an equal society, but in reality, it is not equal. Finding job opportunities (for foreigners) is the biggest challenge.
