What will you learn? 

The Summer School curriculum is based on the Finnish national curriculum. The pedagogical approach is evident in the student-centered interactive and inspiring learning sessions. The concept of “phenomenon-based” teaching, a move away from “subjects” and towards interdisciplinary topics takes place in the Summer School timetable. The Summer School is like a typical Finnish camp school which aims  to strengthen cooperation and communication skills in the classroom. A strong emphasis will be on transversal competences such as thinking and learning-to-learn, cultural competence, interaction and expression skills, managing daily life and taking care of oneself, interaction and self-expression, multiliteracy and ICT competence, working life competence and entrepreneurship as well as participation, involvement and building a sustainable future. You will be taught by local experienced Finnish teachers. The Summer School provides you with an opportunity to share ideas, knowledge and local practices, which are ethically sustainable and culturally sensitive, and could be transferred from one culture to another. There will be learning outside the classroom, learning by doing and loads of fun learning by sharing. 

Please note that changes are possible! 

What about the accommodation?

Summer School participants will have the option to stay overnight in an old elementary school, Hostel Suomenlinna. The Finnish Hostel Association has designated Hostel Suomenlinna as the Hostel of the Year 2018. The hostel, owned by The Organization for Outdoor Education in Finland, is located on one of the Suomenlinna islands, just 15-20 minutes from the city center by ferry. If you are interested in this option, for more information and booking, please contact hostel@suokki.fi. If the Hostel is fully booked or you prefer to stay in a hotel, there are plenty of good options within walking distance from where the ferry service runs in the Market Square. Check out the ferry schedule. 

How do I get there? 

Suomenlinna is accessible only by water. A ferry service runs from the Market Square to Suomenlinna throughout the year. The trip to Suomenlinna takes 15–20 minutes and offers magnificent views of Helsinki and the surrounding area from the sea.

How can I participate?

HEAT2019 is a very unique opportunity for only 20 participants, so be quick and register for this special event today! All registration must be done using the following online registration form. Reservations will be handled on a “first come – first served” basis, so early registration is the only way to secure your place and select the date of your preference. Accepted methods of payment are credit card and bank transfer. If you have problems or questions about completing the online form, please contact info@visitedufinn.com

REGISTER HERE>>

How much does it cost? 

Early price 1250 euros (excl. VAT) per participant, valid until February 28th, 2019
Normal price 1450 euros (excl. VAT) per participant, valid until May 31st, 2019 

Price includes:
– HEAT2019 program
– lunches, refreshments and dinners during the program
– materials
– certificates of attendance  

IMPORTANT: For VAT exemption you need to register as a representative/employee of a company or organization and present a tax certificate from your country. The certificate needs to be sent by email to info@visitedufinn.com in order to get a link for a registration and invoicing without VAT.

Who is in charge of HEAT2019?

Ms Leena Heinilä, VisitEDUfinn’s Pedagogical Expert, is an extremely experienced teacher who has worked not only in Finnish schools but outside Finland as well. She is also an education advisor, teacher educator, administrator, and researcher with an interest in students’ self-efficacy and welfare.

Her main responsibilities and major achievements are:

– Experience of empowering play and project based working methods
– Creative and engaging study projects enhancing students´ self-confidence and self-efficacy
– Responsibility of assisting students on all subjects integrated learning projects
– Successfully introduced and trained students to Virtual Learning Environment and other ICT skills
– Multiple abilities and experience of conflict resolution and problem solving
– Eco-social approach to education
– Great talent to enable and collaborate with teachers, parents, external agencies and other staff
– Developing new adventurous and innovative school and class curriculum 

Leena’s contact information:

leena.heinila@visitedufinn.com
+358 451 571 771

How is the education in Finland? 

During HEAT2019 You will get familiar with all the characteristics of Finnish education:

– One of the basic principles is that everyone must have equal access to high-quality education and training.
– Each student has the right to educational support.
– Special needs education is generally provided within mainstream education.
– The Finnish education system is based on the philosophy of inclusion.
– Educational support and guidance covers support for learning according to the individual capacity of the learners, school attendance, pupil welfare and guidance and counselling. The learning of gifted pupils and students is supported.
– The education system is based on trust and responsibility.
– Educational autonomy is high at all levels.
– Most education is publicly funded.
– National core curriculum gives space for local variations.
– Learning outside the classroom is common.
– The first national examination is at the end of general upper secondary education.
– Teaching continues to be an attractive profession.
– Finnish schools have highly educated teaching personnel.
– Continuing teacher education is widely encouraged.

What else can be done in Helsinki, Finland?

 – What’s up in Helsinki during your study visit!
– Design and shopping tips in Helsinki! 
– Do not miss the Temppeliaukio Church and the Old Market Hall!