Emma Termonen Reflects on Her Internship at FCINY

My name is Emma, and I spent a little over a year at the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Culture and Arts. When I first started my studies, I planned to focus on cultural management because I’ve always loved event production. During my studies, however, I discovered a new passion for marketing and social media.

Over the past few years, I’ve mainly worked with communications and social media alongside organizing events. This role at the Institute felt like the perfect combination of my interests, bringing together cultural work, event management, and communications.

You worked mainly with the Institute’s communications. What were your biggest learnings, surprises, or achievements while handling communications for a non-profit?

I absolutely loved having the opportunity to take over the Institute’s communications. I was involved in everything from planning and organizing content to creating and publishing it across platforms. I already had experience in social media, but I especially enjoyed learning more about website management, article writing, and event communications. It was inspiring to see how strong communication can directly shape the visibility and impact of a non-profit organization. It was also incredibly rewarding to see the growth we achieved across our channels during the year.

There weren’t many big surprises about working in a non-profit, but I did realize how many creative ideas there are, and how limited time and resources can sometimes be. That challenge also taught me to prioritize and think strategically.

Even though my main tasks were in communications, I also got the chance to work on a lot of production-related tasks, especially during bigger events like Remix the Archive, our fundraising event, and several talk events. I helped with practical arrangements such as booking flights and hotels, planning trip schedules, and organizing different logistics. I really enjoyed being involved in those hands-on production tasks alongside communications,  it made the work more dynamic and rewarding.

You’ve spent a lot of time abroad. How does New York differ from other places you’ve lived or visited?

New York is such a special place, and it’s honestly hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it yourself. The energy is unmatched, there’s always something happening, and the city constantly feels alive and in motion. I’ve lived in both Finland and Hawaii, spent a lot of time in Iowa, backpacked Asia, and traveled around the world. I’ve loved all those places and even called some of them home. But New York was different because of the life I built there. I had my own routines, favorite spots, friendships, and a rhythm that felt truly mine. It felt independent, exciting, and deeply personal. It’s definitely a city I could see myself living in again.

How did you divide your year in New York between work, exploration, and personal life?

Work was naturally a big focus throughout the year. But one of the best things about living in New York is how easily work and inspiration blend together. Cultural events, exhibitions, performances, and networking opportunities were often both professional and personal experiences. Outside of work, I made sure to explore different neighborhoods, try new restaurants, see one too many Broadway shows, and spend time with friends. Weekends were often for discovering something new, while weekdays had more structure and routine.

What were the most memorable moments of the year — both at work and in your free time?

It’s almost impossible to choose just a few moments because there were so many highlights.

At work, some of the most memorable experiences were our larger events and seeing projects come together after months of planning. There’s something incredibly special about watching an audience engage with something you helped to create. Being part of Remix the Archive was especially meaningful, bringing the exhibition from Finland to NYC was truly inspiring.

I also had the opportunity to visit the late artist IRIA Leino’s loft while it was being cleared out, which was an inspiring and unforgettable experience.

Although it wasn’t technically our event, working closely with the Finnish Consulate General in New York meant I was able to be part of some incredible moments. Walking in the NYC Pride Parade with the Nordic consulates and friends was unforgettable. The 107th Independence Day celebration at The Met, alongside the opening of the Helene Schjerfbeck exhibition, was another truly special highlight.

In my free time, the small everyday moments were just as meaningful,  late-night subway rides, Broadway shows, Talk shows, walks in Central Park, spontaneous adventures, dinners with friends, sunsets at Domino Park, and constantly discovering new neighborhoods. One of my favorite experiences was walking the entire length of Manhattan, from top to bottom.

Above all, what feels most amazing is that I met people in NYC whom I can now call close friends, even best friends.

And flying above NYC in a small airplane was pretty incredible, too.

You got to experience all four seasons here. Which season was your favorite, and which one challenged you the most?

My immediate answer is always summer because I love summer. But when it hit 39 degrees Celsius in July and it was almost impossible to be outside, it wasn’t quite as magical.

So I would say late summer and fall (August to October) were my favorites. New York in autumn is magical,  the colors in Central Park, the crisp air, and the cozy cafés make it feel like a movie.

Winter was probably the most challenging. It can be long and cold, and the city feels different during those months. But even winter had its own charm, especially during the holiday season.

What surprised you the most about living in New York — something you didn’t expect before arriving?

I was surprised by how quickly the city started to feel normal, or kinda immediately? People always say NYC is chaotic, overwhelming, and huge, but I didn’t really feel that way. I felt at home. I actually enjoyed the chaos and the big city energy.

The city feels massive, but at the same time, your own world within it becomes surprisingly small and familiar.

Was there a moment when you suddenly felt, “I really live here now”?

I remember walking around my neighborhood and the city, just smiling to myself for no reason. It suddenly felt natural and I felt genuinely happy.

That was the moment I realized I wasn’t just visiting anymore. I actually lived there.

In your welcome interview, you said you wanted to see as many Broadway shows as possible. What’s the final count — and any favorites?

I definitely saw my fair share of Broadway shows! I counted 17 in total, I think?

Each one was special in its own way, but a few really stood out. One surprise favorite was & Juliet,  I had no expectations, and it ended up being such a fun and great show. I also loved Moulin Rouge, The Book of Mormon, and The Great Gatsby. And of course, The Lion King, although that one I’ve now seen three times.

What will you miss most about your everyday life in here?

I’ll miss the energy the most,  the feeling that anything can happen and that opportunities are everywhere. I’ll miss the people, the spontaneous plans, and the constant sense of possibility.
The fact that I was living in 𝘁𝗵𝗲 New York City still feels surreal. But most of all, I’m proud of the version of myself that grew in that city.

What would you say to someone considering applying for a year-long internship in New York?

𝗗𝗼 𝗶𝘁!

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you gain so much from it. New York challenges you, inspires you, and pushes you to grow both professionally and personally. It’s not always easy, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. If you’re open-minded, curious, and ready to step outside your comfort zone, it can truly be one of the most transformative years of your life.

On a personal level, I tried and did so many new things this year that I’m not sure I would have experienced if I hadn’t taken the leap. But the most valuable thing I took from this year is definitely the friendships. Living abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone, and the connections you build during that time are incredibly strong and meaningful,  those are the relationships that truly stay with you.

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York is seeking a new intern for fall 2026!

→ Application period: February 24 – March 10 (closes at 16:15 Finnish time)
→ Internship duration : September 1 – January 29, 2026, or as agreed.
→ More information & application link here!

Interview questions by Elsa Piikki