Study Tours
VisitEDUfinn organizes dozens of private and customized study tours each year. These study tours or educational tours are programs that take more than one day and include visits to different schools or other educational visits. Often the study tours – also called study visits or technical visits – include expert lectures or workshops about the themes that most interest the group. To understand Finnish education, it is also important to learn about Finnish culture. Therefore, cultural visits are very often included in the visit program. These can include, for instance, a walking tour in the city center, a ferry trip to the World Heritage Site Suomenlinna, or having a typical Finnish dinner at a traditional Finnish restaurant. Study tours for Students are also available, and during the program, students can attend Finnish classes at Finnish schools and learn like a Finn! As the first study tour provider in Finland with Sustainable Travel Finland™ –label, we endeavor to adopt sustainable practices during our tours in a convenient way for all the participants.
Why is Finland the Happiest Country in the World? Exploring the Role of Education
What our clients say
"It was also a pleasure to know more about the history and culture of Finland when visiting Universities, libraries, and places like Suomenlinna"
I have implemented more creativity and playtime into my students' day. I am more focused on the joy of teaching and reducing stress for myself and my students. I took so much away from my visit in Finland. Kiitos for the new perspective on teaching.
VisitEDUfinn was happy to organize and host Aramfo Educational Foundation's study visit to Finland. Another inspiring educational journey to the Finnish Education System!
Study Tour Topics and Themes
Finland is a front-runner of modern learning and teaching methods. Our study tours are the perfect solution for benchmarking different education systems. You will learn about the history and basic principles of Finnish education, observe teaching in different Finnish schools, join the famous Finnish school lunch, and have the opportunity to discuss with Finnish principals and teachers during the tour. Gather a group, jump into new experiences together and nourish your professional development. Our study tours are customized according to your themes of interest. For example, if are you passionate about:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
- How to teach children digital citizenship skills
- Phenomenon-based learning
- Learning outside the classroom/in a forest
- Playful learning
- Emotional awareness in teaching
- Child-centered approach
- School management and leadership
- Evaluation process
When you book your study tour, let us know which topics interest you the most, and we will plan your itinerary on that basis. You can use our guide to get new ideas for your visit program.
What is the price of a Study Tour in Finland
We have created a Study Tour Cost Calculator for you. This calculator helps you calculate the cost of a study tour, and gives ideas for different visit options. Planning your own private visit program to Finland has never been easier! Just choose the type of schools you want to visit, other educational and cultural visits, experts/ workshops, etc., and voilà – the Study Tour Cost Calculator will give you the estimated price for your study tour.
To get the most out of the Study Tour Cost Calculator and also your future Study Tour, please get familiar with the different program categories and program activities below. Knowing the options will not only make planning easier – it will also help you make your visit program as beneficial as possible.
The calculator works best with bigger groups and programs with various visits/activities. The calculator gives price estimations for groups of 7 or more people. For smaller groups or simple visit programs, have a look at our Small Group program or other School Visit options.
Example Study Tour Visit Program
Destination: Helsinki, Finland
STUDY TOUR THEME: Introduction to the key features of the Finnish Education System
The purpose of this study tour is to share and learn together with Finnish educators about the Finnish education and schooling system, as well as the key aspects that have led Finland to reach globally acknowledged educational success. The main interest is in the daily education practice. The program consists of preparatory lectures of the Finnish school system, visits to various education centers and schools, and practical pedagogical workshops. During the visits, there is time to talk with Finnish educators, principals, and teachers and ask about their teaching practices, methods, or the challenges they face during their daily work. Finnish educational experts accompany all visits. Extra emphasis is on reflective pedagogical thinking as a teacher.
It is not only about the education you will learn; Finland, the happiest country in the world, is also one of the best countries to be a mother or a child. Moreover, Helsinki is one of the most livable and honest cities in the world and also a Creative City of Design. We have a fragile history and secrets of nature to share with you. Our design and story are not something you can only read about; you need to come and experience it yourself! …SO WELCOME TO FINLAND AND HELSINKI!
LOCAL HOST: Ms Suvi K. Westling, Educational Psychologist
Day 1 Welcome to Helsinki, Finland
12.00 Arrival in 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
16.00 Lecture: Key features of the Finnish Education System by Aulis Pitkälä, former Director General of Finnish National Agency for Education
18.00 Welcome Dinner
Day 2 Finnish Early Childhood Education
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 Kindergarten Visit: Early Childhood Education (age 1-5) with pre-school classes (age 6)
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Guided walking tour of Helsinki center and Flytour of Helsinki (the tour also includes visits to National Library, Helsinki City Library Oodi, Helsinki University Main Library Kaisa, and Helsinki University Think Corner)
16.00 Back to hotel
Day 3 Basic Education
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 School Visit: Comprehensive school, grades 1-9 (age 7-15)
12.00 School lunch
13.00 Learning outside the classroom: Haltia Nature Centre
Haltia Exhibitions and walk in the Nuuksio National Park
16.00 Back to hotel
Day 4 Upper Secondary Education (High School)
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 School Visit: High school (age 16-18)
12.00 School lunch
13.00 Learning outside the classroom: Educational Suomenlinna sea fortress adventure
16.00 Back to hotel
Day 5 Teacher Training
08.00 Departure from the hotel
08.30 Teacher Training School Visit: observing teacher students giving classes as part of their training
11.00 Lecture: Teacher’s reflections, personal growth as a teacher
12.00 School lunch
13.00 Visit: Design Museum, learning sessions for teachers and students
16.00 Back to hotel
17.00 Baltic Sea Adventure (optional)
Day 6 Learning outside the classroom
08.00 Departure from the hotel
09.00 OPTION 1 – Workshop: Annantalo Arts Centre
09.00 OPTION 2 – Visit: Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre
09.00 OPTION 3 – Learning in a nearby forest
12.00 Lunch
13.00 Wrap-up session: Reflections of the week (What we have learned and what we can apply in our schools?)
16.00 Back to hotel
19.00 Farewell dinner
Day 7 Departure day
11.00 Check out from the hotel and transfer to the Helsinki International Airport
Optional leisure choices for You
What’s up in Helsinki during your Study Tour!
For music lovers! How about some opera or ballet?
Design and shopping tips in Helsinki!
Do not miss the Temppeliaukio Church and the Old Market Hall!
Don’t know what to do while in Helsinki and looking for suggestions? Go to GetYourGuide and choose the best activity for you!
PROGRAM COST MIN 20 PAX (VAT excl.): 998€ per person
INCLUDES:
- Free 30-day access to Finnish Education Online Courses
- Full Visit Program guided with an education expert
- local transportation
- entrance fees
- 5 lunches
- 2 dinners
- certificates
Study Tours Visit Program categories:
VISIT TO AN EDUCATIONAL UNIT
VISIT TO AN EDUCATIONAL UNITChoose 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.
KINDERGARTEN
Early childhood education (1-5 year-olds). In Finland, early childhood education is arranged mainly in kindergartens, which are accompanied by family child care and open child care services. In early years settings, playful learning as well as the process of “learning to learn” are seen as more important than the actual learning outcomes or academic skills.
Pre-primary education (6 year-olds) Finnish children spend the year before starting school in pre-primary school. 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.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
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).
COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
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).
LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOL (MIDDLE SCHOOL / JUNIOR HIGH)
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).
HIGH SCHOOL
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).
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
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
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.
TEACHER TRAINING SCHOOL
Basic education is also arranged in teacher training schools (7-15 year-olds), where teacher students participate in teaching practice. In many ways, teacher training schools are just like any other school in Finland. Pupils are the children living nearby and schools follow the same core curriculum as anywhere else in Finland.
Other educational visit options
OTHER EDUCATIONAL VISIT OPTIONS
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!
FINNISH NATIONAL AGENCY FOR EDUCATION
The Finnish National Agency for Education is the key organization in Finnish education. They design the Finnish curriculum and make the most important guidelines for education. The visit to the Finnish National Agency for Education always includes a one or two-hour lecture on the theme of your interest, for instance:
- Structure of the Finnish education system
- Evaluation system
- Curriculum
- Teachers training
- Administration of education
- Main education policy lines and financing of education
- Students support system
- Phenomenon-based learning
MUNICIPAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
During the visit to a municipal education department you will hear more about the relationship between the local administration and the schools.
HALTIA
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.
HEUREKA
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!
xEDU
At xEDU you will learn how EdTech start-ups are supported in Finland and get to know the most promising companies.
FINNISH eDTech
Learn how Finnish education principles are applied in EdTech solutions. There are several companies who have spread their educational solutions worldwide.
STARTUP ACCELERATOR IN A UNIVERSITY
There are several accelerator programs at the universities and in the Universities of Applied Science. Visit them and learn how Finnish universities promote entrepreneurship.
LIBRARY
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
Museums also have a role in Finnish education. All the schools take their students to visit them frequently.
ARTS CENTER ANNANTALO
Located right in the city center, here you can observe how student groups participate in special arts classes as part of the art education.
ME AND MY CITY
Me and my city 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.
REUSE CENTRE
A visit to Reuse Centre, is a unique, unforgettable dive straight into the very heart of the circular economy. Visitors get to see how items circulate from donation to the store shelf or get a new lease of life after a detour through our workshops.
In addition, professional educators will learn how the centre collaborates with Finnish schools and how they help to educate the students in recycling.
Cultural Program
Choose the program you want more information about
EDUCATIONAL WALKING TOUR IN THE CITY CENTER
Helsinki city center is full of interesting education related buildings and institutions. Get to know the city center with one of our educational experts.
GUIDED TOUR IN SUOMENLINNA
Suomenlinna is the #1 place to visit in Helsinki. With an official Suomenlinna guide, you get the most out of it.
READ MORE
WELCOME COCKTAIL
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?
FAREWELL DINNER
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.
Expert lecture / Workshop
Choose the expert you want more information about:
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.
Early childhood education (1-5y). In Finland, early childhood education is arranged mainly in kindergartens, which are accompanied by family child care and open child care services. In early years settings, a playful learning as well as the process of “learning to learn” are seen more important than the actual learning outcomes or academic skill.
Pre-primary education (6y) Finnish children spent the previous year before starting school in pre-primary school. Pre-primary education is considered as 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.
Pre-primary education (6y) Finnish children spent the previous year before starting school in pre-primary school. Pre-primary education is considered as 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 (7-15y) 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 (7-12y) and secondary school (13-15y). Nowadays it’s becoming more and more common to combine these two into a so called comprehensive school (7-15y).
Basic education (7-15y) 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 (7-12y) and lower secondary school (13-15y). Nowadays it’s becoming more and more common to combine these two into a so called comprehensive school (7-15y).
Basic education (7-15y) 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 (7-12y) and secondary school (13-15y).
Upper secondary education (16-18y). After nine years of compulsory education nearly all youngsters start their studies in upper secondary education. They can choose whether to go to vocational institutions or to general upper secondary schools (high schools).
Upper secondary education (16-18y). After nine years of compulsory education nearly all youngsters start their studies in upper secondary education. They can choose whether to go to vocational institutions or to general upper secondary schools (high schools).
Univervsities (19+). In Finland, the 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.
Basic education is also arranged in teacher training schools (7-15y), where teacher students participate in teaching practice. In many ways teacher training school are just like any other school in Finland. Pupils are the children living nearby and schools follow the sane core curriculum as anywhere else in Finland.
The purpose of your study visit is to understand what are the key aspects that have led Finland to reach globally acknowledged educational success. We would like to provide for You a more profound view into our Finnish educational practices by including to your school visit programs also visits to innovative educational learning venues other than the schools. Learning is not depending on time or place – learning and collaboration outside the classroom has a strong emphasize on Finnish learning culture. In this section you can find a list of some of the interesting venues that can be visited, please feel free to propose your own choices too.
Are You more interested in national (Finnish National Agency for Education (includes a lecture) or municipal education development (Municipal education department) agencies responsibilities or would You like to learn the secrets of Finnish education and nature by hiking in the pure clean air (Haltia Nature center / Nature school) or get engaged an interactive way in (Heureka science center’s) science and technology school programs?
There are also Finnish smart learning companies that develop services, products and technologies related to learning and smart learning environments together with schools (xEDU (EdTech accelerator, Finnish EdTech company, Startup accelerator in a University).
Learning and collaboration outside the classroom takes place also in our libraries (Library (municipal/university/national), culture centers (Annantalo) and unique museums (National, Design, Kindergarten). At our schools children learn also about experiences of working life, the economy and society that encourage entrepreneurship – these skills can be challenged in (Me and my city).
Finnish National Agency for Education is the key organization in Finnish education. They design the Finnish curriculum and make the most important guidelines for education. The visit to Finnish National Agency for Education includes always a two-hour lecture of the theme of your interest:
– Structure of the Finnish education system
– Evaluation system
– Curriculum
– Teachers training
– Administration of education
– Main education policy lines and financing of education
– Students support system
During the visit to a municipal education depart you will hear more about the relationship between the local administration and the schools.
Nature center approximately 1 hour drive from Helsinki city center. You can visit an exhibition about the Finnish nature, participate in a nature school class and of course walk around the Finnish woods. Read more >>
The science center is very popular visit destination of Finnish school groups. The exhibition themes change every couple of times of the year. Have a look what they are having during your visit dates! Read more>>
At xEDU you will learn how EdTech start-ups are supported in Finland and get to know the most promising companies. Read more>>
Learn how Finnish education principals are applied in EdTech solutions. There are several companies who have spread their educational solutions worldwide.
There are several accelerator programs at the Universities and Universities of Applied Science. Visit them and learn how the Finnish Universities promote entrepreneurship.
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. Read more>>
Located right in the city center, here you can observe how student groups participate in special arts classes as part of the art education. Read more>>
Me and my city 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. Read more>>
Choose the expert you want more information about
TOP 3 TOPICS
– How did we get here: the process of the changes needed in 40 years for the success of Finnish education
– Towards the shared responsibility between parents and school
– Support and Special education in Finland
Ms. Penttilä has a long and varied career in education both in Finland and on the international level. After working as a teacher and principal since 1977, she was elected president of ESHA in 1995 – The European School Heads´ Association with 17000 members. After the presidency, the city of Helsinki asked her to use her expertise for the benefit of its schools as the first Head of International Relations in the Education Department.
Mr. Sinnemäki was one of the top 50 finalist at the Global Teacher Prize 2018. He is holding following degrees: Master of Education, Master of Arts and Specialist Qualification of Product Development (Research and Development R&D). Sinnemäki has 20 years experience on teaching field in different positions, class teacher, subject teacher and principal. At present, Sinnemäki is developing solutions to increase overall well-being integrated in different subjects at schools, both in Finland and internationally.
TOP 3 TOPICS:
-Qualification and Training to be a Principal
-How school is organized? What is Principal’s role?
-Management or Leadership? What Principals do at schools?
Mr. Pekka Tukonen is a School Principal from Järvenpää. Besides an experience of ten years in school leadership and taking part in several municipal projects, Pekka previously had a long experience as a Primary School teacher.
He studied pedagogy at Helsinki University. After finishing his studies, he worked in Spain, near Barcelona, during eight years, in one of the best-known private schools in Catalonia. His Finnish degree was recognized to a Spanish higher degree in Pedagogy and he did various post-graduate studies, as well as language studies (e.g. Spanish, Catalan and English).
He has participated in various conferences and has given talks to English and Spanish speaking education specialists. He has organized different visits related to education and has a wide net of collaborators in schools and universities.
Ms. Kontra is an elementary school teacher who would rather take her students outdoors to learn than stay and teach in a traditional classroom environment. She believes that by incorporating physical activity and new forms of functionality and devices into teaching, we can tackle many of today’s challenges in the field of education. She currently works at the International School of Vantaa close to Helsinki, Finland.
‘Ms. Westling is an educational psychologist and expert in the field with both grass root teaching experience from school and teacher education as well as research from these environments. She has a broad and holistic view of education and a deep understanding of human mind and learning. She has graduated from and later taught new students in an innovative program of educational psychology at the University of Helsinki. Her teaching has included lecturing, supervising pre-service-teachers’ practice, and facilitating group processes and process-oriented group studies. In her research she studies the quality of regulation of students’ learning and activity, at school and at teacher education. She has worked as an expert in educational program design at an academic level as well as in the world of international organizations.
Ms. Liukas is the author and illustrator of Hello Ruby, a children’s picture book about the whimsical world of computers, as well as the founder of Rails Girls, a global movement to teach young women programming in over 260 cities. As Linda is an extremely looked after speaker, you can also ask for alternative speakers from her team. Read more>>
Choose the cultural program you want more information about
Helsinki city center is full of interesting education related buildings and institutions. Get the know the city center with one of our educational experts.
Suomenlinna is #1 place to visit in Helsinki. With an official Suomenlinna guide you get most out of it. Read more>>
What would be 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 for your study tour with a farewell dinner! Your local host will take you to a traditional Finnish restaurant where you can try plates made out of traditional Finnish ingredients.
Expert lecture / Workshop
Choose the expert you want more information about:
