Meet Tiina Tuomala

Since studying graphic design in England years ago, Tiina Tuomala hoped to one day have the chance to live abroad again. When she was accepted into the GROW program and found out Stockholm would be her new home from February to April, Tuomala made the decision to put her Swedish skills to practice. "One reason I applied for this specific position was so I could brush up on my Swedish," says Tuomala. "Speaking a language I didn't know very well was a bit of a struggle at first, but now after two months I can proudly say I'm able to follow a conversation during the coffee break!"

Tuomala left her post at Bonnier Publications Oy in Helsinki, Finland, for Bonnier Tidskrifter in Stockholm. Although her title at both offices is graphic designer, her role at Bonnier Tidskrifter working for Tara magazine has been slightly different. "I work for Tara as one of four designers in a layout team," she says. "The main difference from my home office is I don't get involved so much in picture editing or the technical side of magazine production." At her home office in Helsinki, Tuomala creates layouts for Olivia and Divaani magazines, where her responsibilities include searching and ordering images from various photo archives, illustrators and freelance photographers.

Although the Swedish language has been the biggest challenge, the best thing about GROW has been the friendly Swedish people, says Tuomala. "Everyone from coworkers to waitresses in restaurants have been so helpful and willing to understand my not-so-perfect Swedish," she says. The Swedish tradition of fredagsmys - "cozy Friday" which is a family get-together on a Friday evening filled with relaxing on the couch, watching movies and eating lots of snacks - is a custom Tuomala most wants to introduce in Finland. "I think the Finnish people could do with more mys and less melancholy in their life!" says Tuomala, laughing.

After almost three months in Stockholm, Tuomala is thrilled that she chose to apply for the GROW opportunity. "If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live and work abroad, this is your chance," she says. "In three months you really get to experience another culture and way of working."