We have found out that there is another benefit that has not been discussed widely. We are talking about the infinite possibilities for international peer learning for both students and teachers. Before COVID-19, there were already different platforms for collaboration between schools, like eTwinning in Europe. However, for many, those were not considered as an exciting option. It has been a lot more motivating looking for financing for physical visits. That is entirely understandable: nothing beats traveling and talking face to face with student/teacher colleagues in another country. The learning impact that follows this onsite observation and emotions can never be archived in virtual collaboration. While this is true, the downside of this is the significantly reduced number of international exposure. Most of the schools/parents cannot afford these study tours or sister school visits, and those who can, all the arrangements require so much time and effort that it is hard to realize these more than once a year. At least in Finland, where practically all the schools are public, the students’ gran majority never participate in any school tour in another country.
Another form of inequity in Finland – yes, the same country that is otherwise considered an educational equity paradise – is that international visitors usually stay in the capital area or the most important cities. Sister school collaboration is also typically linked to sister city collaboration, for which the small towns don’t have the resources. Consequently, students in rural areas never got any international exposure unless the teacher was especially interested in this and bothered to learn to use a specific online platform.