From the field to a new home – with courage

Englishman Isaak Marshall first came to Finland because of American football, planning to stay for just one summer. Now, nearly ten years later, he has a home and his own business in Kuopio.

As a young athlete, Isaak played many different sports, but in his teenage years American football captured his attention. His career progressed quickly, eventually reaching the national team level. On his coach’s advice, he created a profile on an athlete recruitment website where European clubs search for players. Soon he received offers from Germany, Spain, and Finland. A trial period in Germany, however, did not convince him.

“I didn’t really feel comfortable. Everything seemed a bit rushed. Then I called an American who had already played in Finland and heard how things were organized here. The decision came quickly.”

Finland made an immediate impression on him. Coming from the densely built landscapes of southern England, the lakes and forests felt extraordinary.

“Looking out of the airplane window, I thought Finnish cities looked like they had been dropped in the middle of a forest. I fell in love with the country right away.”

After the season, Isaak returned to England for work, but the following summer brought him back to Finland again — and eventually to the Kuopio Steelers team.

In Kuopio, nature is at the heart of everyday life. He lives in Neulamäki, right at the edge of the forest.

“I have a two-minute walk to the woods. I can go pick berries, look for mushrooms, or walk down to the lake. There’s nothing like this in England,” Isaak says.

Language is a key

One of Isaak’s most important insights relates to language. He encourages people to start learning Finnish even before arriving in the country.

“If I could do something differently, I would invest much more in learning Finnish right from the start. Even though most Finns speak excellent English, good language skills are really important if you want a stable job.”

Integration courses helped him settle in, offering both language and cultural learning alongside others in a similar situation. Just as important was the community he found through sports. The club provided a ready-made network and practical support for everyday life.

“I was part of several teams within the same organization. Suddenly I had lots of people around me who could help with practical things.”

Be bold and talk to Finns

Isaak’s experience of Finnish people has been very positive.

“I often hear that Finns are distant, but that hasn’t been my experience.”

According to him, Finns may not always start conversations, but they are warm and open once a conversation begins.

“If you take the initiative, you quickly notice how welcoming people are.”

Cultural differences have also created some amusing moments. Sauna culture, open washing areas in swimming halls, piimä (soured milk), and salmiakki (salty licorice) were initially surprising.

Summer cottage experiences in particular have left a strong impression. A cabin without electricity and washing in lake water can be a culture shock for many, but also an unforgettable experience. Isaak has wanted to offer the same experience to new international players as well.

According to him, Kuopio offers a unique combination of city life and nature. On autumn evenings, you can sometimes see the northern lights from the viewpoint in Neulamäki.

“It’s incredible to see people’s reactions when they experience that for the first time.”

Working life found its direction – sometimes by chance

Alongside playing and coaching, Isaak has been searching for his path in Finnish working life. The journey has not been completely straightforward, but new opportunities have emerged through both his own skills and occasional coincidence.

After arriving in Kuopio, he found work corresponding to his education at an international research company. His degree in zoology finally came into use, and the working environment was largely English-speaking.

“It was a soft landing into Finnish working life. Orientation and communication were mostly in English, which made the beginning easier.”

Organizational changes at the company eventually ended his employment. The situation was uncertain, but it also forced him to reflect on his future direction.

“I had already started building my life in Kuopio and didn’t want to leave. I decided to look for opportunities here, even if it meant changing fields.”

The next step appeared at an English-language daycare center. Working with children felt natural to him.

“I quickly realized that I enjoy being with children. I get to use my language, be energetic and creative. It suited my personality really well.”

The job strengthened his sense of belonging to the community but also highlighted a reality of Finnish working life: formal qualifications matter.

“If I had wanted to make it a permanent career, I would have needed to study early childhood education in Finnish. At the time my language skills were just below the required level. I had to consider whether to commit to several years of study or try something else.”

The experience did not discourage him; instead, it clarified his direction. Physical activity, coaching, and helping people had been constant themes in his life. When an opportunity opened up to lead group training sessions at a local gym, the timing felt right.

“It almost felt like a coincidence, but maybe I was ready to take a step in that direction.”

This year Isaak founded his own personal training business, Performance Marshall. For now he works as a light entrepreneur, but his goals are clear.

“I’ve really enjoyed it. I want to build this into a full-time job.”

Text: Creative marketing agency Ida Fram

Photo: Isaak Marshall