Ulkomailla

Ulkomailla is a Finnish adverb meaning abroad or in foreign countries. It refers to being outside Finland or outside one's home country and is used to describe location, residence, or movement.

Common constructions include verbs of existence or residence: Olen ulkomailla (I am abroad), Olemme ulkomailla (we are abroad), and Asun ulkomailla (I live abroad). For movement toward foreign lands, Finnish typically uses ulkomaille: Mennään ulkomaille (let's go abroad) or Lähden ulkomaille (I am leaving for abroad). The form ulkomailla denotes location, while ulkomaille indicates direction or destination. From abroad is often rendered with ulkomailta or ulkomaalta, depending on the exact meaning and case.

In usage, ulkomailla is common in contexts such as study abroad programs, work assignments, travel, and migration. It refers to any foreign country and is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal language.

Etymology: Ulkomailla is formed from Finnish elements meaning external or foreign and land, combined with the locative suffix. The word belongs to standard Finnish for indicating place outside one’s home country and has related forms that connect to the concept of foreignness, such as ulkomaalainen (foreigner).

Related terms include ulkomaalainen (foreigner) and compounds such as ulkomaanmatka (trip abroad) or ulkomaanvaihto (study or work abroad). These terms show how ulkomailla connects to broader themes of international travel, study, and cross-border activity.