Welcome to VisitEDUfinn, your gateway to authentic Finnish education experiences. We curate diverse programs, immersing student groups in our world-renowned education system, alongside explorations of our rich culture. Join us for unique experiences, from classroom interactions to cultural excursions, fostering intercultural competence and inspiring young minds!
VisitEDUfinn takes immense pride in hosting rich and diverse visit programs, meticulously designed to engage student groups in a multitude of inspiring experiences. Our study tours do more than just offer a glimpse into the revered Finnish education system; they immerse you in it, presenting an authentic opportunity to learn as the Finns do.
You can choose to spend a few hours in a Finnish classroom, wander through different schools, or dive deep into the academic world by investing more time in one school during a student mobility, developing bonds with Finnish students, and gaining a profound understanding of Finnish school culture. Student mobility is a more streamlined program, simply attending classes at Finnish schools as though you were a Finnish pupil yourself. This experience is not just about enhancing your intercultural competencies but also about fostering group spirit, creating lifelong memories together, and stirring inspiration in young minds.
Moreover, it is vital to recognize that our educational journey extends beyond the four walls of a classroom. To truly comprehend the essence of Finnish education and draw meaningful comparisons with your own system, an exploration of Finnish culture is an indispensable element of our program. Hence, our itinerary often includes cultural visits, ranging from vibrant city center walks and exhilarating Flying Cinema tours, to tranquil ferry trips to the World Heritage Site, Suomenlinna, or relishing a traditional Finnish dinner at a charming local restaurant.
As a special enhancement to our offering, we’ve included delightful excursions like berry picking in Finland’s pristine forests, ice skating in picturesque locations, and insightful university visits, allowing high schools students to collect valuable information about higher education opportunities.
Each program is thoughtfully curated, aligning with the age and learning objectives of the participants, always considering our collaboration with Finnish schools to ensure an enriching experience. We understand the nuances of student mobilities and can assist in establishing official sister school agreements with our extensive network of more than one hundred schools in Finland. Our sister school program includes getting a contract with a Finnish school and facilitating later exchange trips. Even if your preferred time to visit is the summer when our schools are typically closed, we’ve ensured that the doors of learning remain open with our summer school program.
Embark on this transformative journey with us and gain an in-depth understanding of Finnish education and culture, all while building beautiful memories and friendships that will last a lifetime!
Welcome to our interactive Study Tour Cost Calculator. Designed with educators and professional groups in mind, this tool also provides student groups a peek into their potential adventure’s cost and options. Creating your personalized visit program is as simple as picking your preferred schools, unique educational and cultural excursions, expert-led workshops, and more. In a flash, our Study Tour Cost Calculator presents an estimated price for your uniquely crafted study tour.
To maximize your experience, delve into our program categories and activities. Knowing your options not only simplifies planning but also ensures that your visit program reaps maximum benefits. Do note, the calculator is most effective for larger groups and varied visit/activity programs, providing estimates for groups of seven or more. For smaller assemblies or simpler visit programs, explore our alternative School Visit options. Consider an example program (below): a week-long immersive journey costs just 998€ per participant.
Our standard student mobility program offers a five-day journey into Finnish classes. We’ll find the perfect Finnish school and coordinate the logistics. While meals, transportation, and extra visits or activities aren’t included, the program promises priceless educational insights for a modest 350€ per participant, similar to the Erasmus+ Job Shadowing.
Identifying the perfect sister school and forging the agreement for you comes with a nominal fee of 5000€-10000€. But here’s a benefit: this fee can be offset against future exchange trip program fees. Discover more about this incredible opportunity: Official Sister School Program.
Summer doesn’t mean the end of learning. Our summer school pricing aligns with our study tours, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Use our Study Tour Cost Calculator for an initial cost idea. Consider an example program (below): a week-long enriching summer school experience costs only 998€ per participant.
Ready to dive in? Start planning your unique Finnish educational journey today!
In Finland, learning often takes place outside the classroom. Finnish teachers regularly take students not only to museums but to visit other educational centers as well. Here are some examples that our clients have visited:
Depending on the time of the year, the visit can include some authentic Finnish cultural experiences, such as berry/mushroom picking and preparing a pie from them. A sauna – better yet, a smoke sauna – is also a very important part of the Finnish culture, especially combined with swimming in a lake. During the winter, the experience gets more exotic with ice swimming (dipping into a hole made in a frozen lake).
Winter sports are a natural part of the Finnish curriculum, and visitors should try them during the cold months of the year. Everyone in Finland knows cross-country skiing and ice skating, and school groups often go to the nearby hills to do sledsliding or have fun with a Napakelkka.
Don’t hesitate to contact us – there are many more and we can help you decide which ones would be the most suitable options for your group.
School camps are a very popular form of educational travel. However, we consider that for students, visiting a school in a foreign country and participating in lessons is truly an authentic cultural experience. Here are listed some of the advantages of extended school visit programs over traditional school camps. Naturally, the more school days your program has, the bigger the benefits.
Curriculum Integration: Extended school visits can provide more in-depth exploration of specific subjects, allowing for a fuller integration with the curriculum. Students have the chance to engage deeply with the topic at hand, whether it’s historical landmarks, science museums, art galleries, or natural environments.
Cultural Immersion: With longer visits, especially to foreign locations, students get a chance to immerse themselves in a different culture or environment. They can learn about the local history, traditions, cuisine, and language, fostering global awareness and understanding.
Structured Learning: Unlike camps, which often have a broader focus on personal and social development, extended school visits can offer a more structured learning environment. The experience is often guided by experts at the site, providing unique and in-depth educational opportunities.
Less Logistical Hassle: Extended school visits can often be easier to organize than camps. They usually require less equipment, as accommodations and meals are often provided by hotels or similar establishments, as opposed to camps where these aspects need to be arranged separately.
Personal Development: Extended visits can also contribute to students’ personal development. They can foster independence, responsibility, time management, and adaptability, as students navigate new environments and schedules.
Shared Experiences: During an extended school visit, students have the opportunity to share these experiences with their peers, fostering a sense of community. These shared experiences can strengthen friendships and create lasting memories.
Safety and Comfort: While extended school visits still take students away from their familiar surroundings, they often involve less physical risk than outdoor camps, which might involve activities like hiking, swimming, or camping in the wilderness. This can provide peace of mind for parents and educators.
Finally, it is good to remember that each type of educational travel provides unique learning opportunities. The best choice depends on the specific learning objectives, the students’ ages and abilities, and logistical considerations.
Destination: Helsinki, Finland
Immerse, Interact, Inspire: The Finnish Education Experience Study Tour
Welcome to VisitEDUfinn’s study tour program, your gateway to experiencing the world-renowned Finnish educational system! Our study tours are crafted to immerse student groups in an authentic Finnish learning environment, offering them a unique opportunity to attend Finnish classrooms schools just like local pupils, an opportunity that enhances intercultural competencies. Beyond the school visit, we incorporate educational trips to places Finnish students frequently go during their academic year, fostering a comprehensive understanding of their daily life. To ensure a rounded exposure, our program includes cultural visits, ranging from city walking tours to traditional Finnish dining experiences. Join us and embark on an enriching journey through the best practices of Finnish education!
Local host: Ms Suvi K. Westling, Educational Psychologist
12.00 Arrival at Helsinki International Airport
13.00 Transfer to the city and sightseeing, get to know Finnish culture and Helsinki – briefing to the program, key features, and tips for your stay
15.00 Check-in hotel
18.00 Welcome Dinner
Get to know Helsinki, sightseeing and a feast with Finnish goodies.
09.00 Guided tour in Oodi and sightseeing (walking tour in the City Center, including Flytour)
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Visit Fazer
16.00 Back to the hotel
Visit a Finnish school and attend classes. Get to know what is learning outside the classroom.
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 School Visit: Comprehensive school, grades 1-9 (age 7-15)
12.00 School lunch
13.00 Visit My and My City, awarded as the world’s best education innovation in 2014
16.00 Back to the hotel
Relaxing day: Visiting Fairy tale town
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 Nature School and Guided tour in Old Porvoo
12.00 School lunch
13.00 Another feast with Finnish goodies
14:00 Cruise on a boat back to Helsinki
16.00 Back to the hotel
Learn coding and making Finnish design!
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 Workshop on coding by Code School Finland
12.00 School lunch
13.00 Workshop at Design Museum
16.00 Back to the hotel
17.00 Baltic Sea Adventure (optional)
09.00 Departure from the hotel
09.00 Guided tour in Suomenlinna
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Participate in a camp school activity
16.00 Back to the hotel
19.00 Farewell dinner
Day 7 Visiting Tallinn, Estonia (OPTIONAL, NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE)
08.00 Departure from the hotel
09.00 Take ferry to Tallinn
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Guided Tour in the old town / workshop at a Science center
18.00 Take ferry to Helsinki
21.00 Back at the hotel
11.00 Check out from the hotel and transfer to the Helsinki International Airport
Remember to consider the group’s interests when planning the itinerary. Some kids might love the history and nature experiences, while others might prefer more amusement park and interactive museum type activities. The Helsinki metropolitan area offers a wide range of options for different interests.
Linnanmäki Amusement Park: A must-visit for children and adults alike, Linnanmäki boasts a range of fun rides, from roller coasters to more sedate options. The entrance is free, but you need to buy tickets or a wristband for rides. The park also houses Sea Life, an aquarium with various species of sea creatures.
Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre: This interactive museum makes learning fun with hands-on exhibits, science shows, and an IMAX theatre. It offers kids a chance to explore everything from biology to physics in an engaging way.
Helsinki Zoo (Korkeasaari): Located on an island, the zoo can be reached by bus, car, or even a summer ferry. It’s home to around 150 animal species and almost 1000 plant species.
Natural History Museum: A great place to learn about nature and the world, with several exhibits including Finnish and foreign animals in their natural environments.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum: A beautiful island park that showcases Finnish wooden architecture from the past four centuries, gathered from all around the country.
SkyWheel Helsinki: Offers a beautiful view of the city. Each gondola ride lasts about 10-12 minutes.
Pihlajasaari Island: You can take a ferry to this island in the summer and enjoy the beautiful beaches and picnic spots.
The Adventure Park Huippu in Espoo: It’s a bit of a trip from the city center, but offers a great adventure park experience for children. It’s a fun place for climbing and adventures among the trees.
PROGRAM COST MIN 20 PAX (includes students + teachers + coordinators etc.):
998€ per person (excl. VAT)
INCLUDES:
Finnish summer with the midnight sun is magical, and we want to offer educational visits also during this most beautiful season. Schools are officially closed, but we open the door to visitors: your students can participate in lesson simulations and feel how it is to be a school student in Finland. These lessons take place in the school building, but also in many other learning environments outside the classroom.
At the heart of the study tour is our commitment to education and personal growth. Through hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and engaging projects, youngsters get a taste of the renowned Finnish education system. Our experienced and dedicated educators will be there to guide and inspire the students throughout the journey.
But it’s not all about learning — Finnish culture and traditions will also take center stage. From experiencing the joy of sauna, or hugging trees in the forest, to tasting delicious Finnish cuisine, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of Finnish customs and values.
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your pupils. We can’t wait to see the kids thrive, grow, and create unforgettable memories. Welcome to a study tour that combines education, nature, and cultural immersion, maybe revealing the secrets behind Finnish educational success and happy people.
DAY 1, WELCOME
DAY 2: BE A FINNISH STUDENT
DAY 3: NATURE
The forest as a source of wellbeing
– Discovering Haltia Nature Center and hiking in the Nuuksio
national park. Berry picking, building a shelter, natural navigation in the woods, making fire and preparing lunch at a campfire etc.
DAY 4: YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
DAY 5: FINNISH SCHOOL
DAY 6: SCIENCE AND IMAGINATION
DAY 7: FUTURE IS OURS
Price varies according to the group size.
If the group size is 20 students, the fee is 998€/person (excl. VAT)
For different group sizes or customized itinerary, ask for an offer!
Lessons from Finland
Balanced lifestyle: less accent on academic success and more accent on overall wellbeing
Enjoying simple pleasures of life and feeling gratitude.
The participants can freely choose their accommodation. However, we highly recommend being located close to Senate Square as the most interesting sights are within walking distance from the Square. Forenom offers comfortable accommodation in different locations around Helsinki area, and our clients get 10% discount (ask for a code). For those with a limited budget, Eurohostel is an excellent option.
VISIT TO EDUCATIONAL UNIT
Choose the educational unit you want more information about
References:
https://www.oph.fi/english
Hujala, Valpas, Roos & Vlasov. 2016. The Success Story of Finnish Early Childhood Education.
Roos, Mikkonen, Rantavuori & Kinossalo. 2018. The Success Story of Finnish Basic Education.
Pre-primary education (6 year-olds) Finnish children spent the year before starting school in pre-primary school, or preschool. Pre-primary education is considered a part of early childhood education and classes are located either in kindergartens or primary schools. The purpose is to enhance children’s learning in playful settings and there are no universal learning goals for the level of knowledge.
Basic education (7-15 year-olds) In Finland basic education begins at the age of seven. This period is often divided into primary education (grades 1-6) and secondary education (grades 7-9), which have typically been located in separate school buildings: primary school (7-12 year-olds) and secondary school (13-15 year-olds). Nowadays it’s becoming more and more common to combine these two into a so-called comprehensive school (7-15 year-olds).
Basic education (7-15 year-olds) In Finland basic education begins at the age of seven. This period is often divided into primary education (grades 1-6) and lower secondary education (grades 7-9), which have typically been located in separate school buildings: primary school (7-12 year-olds) and lower secondary school (13-15 year-olds). Nowadays it’s becoming more and more common to combine these two into a so-called comprehensive school (7-15 year-olds).
Basic education (7-15 year-olds) In Finland basic education begins at the age of seven. This period is often divided into primary education (grades 1-6) and secondary education (grades 7-9), which have typically been located in separate school buildings: primary school (7-12 year-olds) and secondary school (13-15 year-olds).
Upper secondary education (16-18 year-olds). After nine years of compulsory basic education, nearly all youngsters start their studies in upper secondary education. Students can choose whether to go to vocational institutions or to general upper secondary schools (high schools).
Upper secondary education (16-18 year-olds). After nine years of compulsory basic education nearly all youngsters start their studies in upper secondary education. Students can choose whether to go to vocational institutions or to general upper secondary schools (high schools).
Universities (19+). In Finland, higher education comprises universities (high. schools) and universities of applied sciences. Finnish universities engage in both education and research and have the right to award doctoral degrees. The universities of applied sciences are multi-field institutions of professional higher education that engage in applied research and development.
OTHER EDUCATIONAL VISIT OPTIONS
The purpose of your study visit is to understand the key aspects that have led Finland to reach globally acknowledged educational success. We would like to provide you with a more in-depth look into our Finnish educational practices by also including visits to innovative educational learning venues in your school visit program. Learning is not dependent on time or place – learning and collaboration outside the classroom are heavily emphasized in a Finnish learning culture. In this section, you can find a list of some of the interesting venues that can be visited. In addition to the venues listed at the side, learning and collaboration outside the classroom also take place in our libraries, culture centers (Annantalo), and unique museums (National, Design, Kindergarten). In our schools’ children also learn about experiences of working life, the economy, and society that encourage entrepreneurship. These skills can be challenged in Me and My City.
Please feel free to propose your own ideas for educational visits as well!
A nature center approximately 1 hour drive from Helsinki city center. You can visit an exhibition about Finnish nature, participate in a nature school class and of course take a walk in the Finnish forest.
The science center is a very popular field trip destination for Finnish school groups. The exhibition themes change a few times a year. Have a look at what they are offering during your visit dates!
Libraries are very important in Finnish society and culture. A good example of this is the huge investment made to build the brand new Helsinki Center Library Oodi.
READ MORE
Museums also have a role in Finnish education. All the schools take their students to visit them frequently.
Located right in the city center, here you can observe how student groups participate in special arts classes as part of the art education.
Yrityskylä is a miniature city where students work in a profession and earn money for their work. It was awarded as the world’s best education innovation in 2014.
A visit to the biggest Reuse Center in Finland is a guided tour in the facilities that cover an area of about 1500 square meters. The tour experience is unforgettable in many ways. Visitors have the opportunity to see the backstage of the operations from the donation point through sorting and pricing departments to different workshops and eventually the journey of discovery arrives to one of our largest secondhand stores.
The tour guides, environmental educators, have decades of experience in sustainability education. They master enlightening kids, teenagers and adults through combining facts, experience and the world famous Finnish pedagogy. During the visit, visitors get to touch, sense, experiment, ask questions and learn.
The visiting program is highly recommended by visitors and organizers. It is possible to get a certificate of participation to show at school or home.
Choose the program you want more information about
Helsinki city center is full of interesting education related buildings and institutions. Get to know the city center with one of our educational experts.
Suomenlinna is the #1 place to visit in Helsinki. With an official Suomenlinna guide, you get the most out of it.
READ MORE
What would be a better way to start your study tour than spending a relaxed evening with your local host before the educational action starts?
Have an unforgettable end to your study tour with a farewell dinner! Your local host will take you to a traditional Finnish restaurant where you can try dishes made from traditional Finnish ingredients.
Ms. Rauhala (B.A.) is an educational sciences student at the University of Turku with studies also in the fields of psychology, business and HR, and sociology. As an education major, she is passionate about lifelong learning and the Finnish education system. She believes in change through education. In addition, Ms. Rauhala loves to learn new languages. She completed an Erasmus + university exchange in Spain as a part of her studies and wants to work toward everyone getting international learning opportunities. Ms. Rauhala is working for VisitEDUfinn part-time while finishing her studies.
Contact:
melina.rauhala@visitedufinn.com
