October 2018

FINNISH EDUCATION STUDY TOUR General Information

FINNISH EDUCATION STUDY TOUR (FEST)

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Time Visited places Sunday 14 of October 2018, Day 0, Helsinki 1:00 pm Arrival to Helsinki airport, transport to hotel (Organized by WorldStrides) Accommodation (Sokos Hotel Presidentti) Free day

Monday 15 of October 2018, Day 1, Helsinki 8:00 am – 9:30 am Transport from hotel to Kalliola school by bus. Getting familiar with Finpeda representative on the way. 9:30 am – 12:00 am Visit of primary school Kalliola – new school with open learning environments. Meeting with headmaster Aarne Ylipiha. 12:00 am – 1:00 pm Lunch and transport by bus to ISKU 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Visit of ISKU interior and meeting with Elise Tarvainen, Director in Learning. Lecture “Key points in new National Core Curriculum for Basic Education and their impact on learning environments”. Getting familiar with Me&My City – an innovative concept for entrepreneurship education and a tour in Lahti University of Applied Sciences. 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Transport by bus to Helsinki city center 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm Free time and rest 6:00 pm Meeting with Alexander Stubb, former Prime minister of Finland.

Tuesday 16 of October 2018, Day 2, Helsinki/Oulu 8:30 am – 9:00 am Transport from hotel to National Board of Education school by bus 9:00 am – 11:00 am Visit at National Board of Education. Introduction to Special Features of Finnish Education System. Senior Advisor Teijo Koljonen. 11:00 am – 11:30 pm Transport 12:00 am – 1:00 pm Visit of Iso Omena Service Center at Iso Omena mall, meeting with service coordinator Suvi Jäntti. 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch and transport back to Sokos Hotel Presidentti 2:45 pm Transport to Helsinki-Vantaa airport by bus (organized by WorldStrides) 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Flight to Oulu 6:00 pm Transport to hotel Sokos Hotel Arina, accommodation (Organized by WorldStrides)

Wednesday 17 of October 2018, Day 3, Oulu 8:45 am – 9:00 am Transport from hotel to University of Oulu 09:00 am – 10:00 am Visit at Faculty of education and introduction to Finnish teacher training. Prof. Elina Lehtomäki, Department of Education in University of Oulu. 10:00 am – 12:00 am Visit at Oulu University Teacher School and meeting with headmaster Kari Kumpulainen. 12:00 am – 12:30 am Lunch at the university

12:30 am – 1:00 pm Visit in FabLab and Tellus Innovation Arena 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Lecture: Early childhood education in Finland. Jussi Jarva, Head of a daycare center. 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm Finpeda presentation: How to create the school of the Future. Pasi Mattila, CEO of Finpeda Ltd. 4:00 pm – 4:15 pm Transport by bus to hotel or Oulu city center 4:15 pm - Free time in Oulu city centre

Thursday 18 of October 2018, Day 4, Oulu 9:00 am – 9:15 am Transport to Kastelli Community Center 9:15 am – 1:00 pm Presentation of the Community Centre, director Timo Salmi Short tour at the Community Centre, director Timo Salmi Support for learning, area coordinator Marjut Väihkönen Immigrant children in basic education: goals and practical solutions, teacher Suvi Huusko (presentation and a visit to the preparatory class) 11:00 am – 11:45 am LUNCH Integration training for adult migrants: goals and practical solutions, student counsellor Marja Elina Jaronen 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Transport by bus to Kempele -Liminka Vocational Institute 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Visit at Oulu Vocational College of Kempele-Liminka unit. Introduction into one of the most modern vocational education institute in Finland. Headmaster Juha Virsiheimo and vocational teacher Sami Keski-Filppula. 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Transport to hotel

Friday 19 of October 2018, Day 5, Oulu - Pudasjärvi - Rovaniemi 8:00 am – 9:30 am Transport by bus from Oulu to Pudasjärvi (100 km NE from Oulu) 9:30 am – 11:30 am Visit of Pudasjärvi log school, the biggest log school in the World. Meeting with headmaster Mikko Lumme. 11:30 am – 3:00 pm Transport by bus from Pudasjärvi to Rovaniemi (150 km N from Pudasjärvi). Lunch on the road. 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Visit of Santa Claus Village, crossing Arctic circle 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm Transport to reindeer farm 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Visit of reindeer farm and dinner 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Transport by bus from Rovaniemi to Oulu

Saturday 20 of October 2018, Day 6, Oulu OR Helsinki Transport to Oulu airport (organized by WorldStrides) 9:00 am – 10:00 am Flight from Oulu to Helsinki Transport to hotel (Sokos Hotel Preidentti) Free time, cultural sightseeing in Helsinki

Sunday 21 of October 2018, Day 7, Helsinki 10:00 am Transport to airport (Organized by WorldStrides) 12:50 pm Flight from Helsinki to USA

Short descriptions of considered schools and institutions in the itinerary

Helsinki (HEL)

Visited places Field of interest National board of Education Curriculum development, http://www.oph.fi/english Management After opening a web site click on the right corner “Brochures”, you can download many useful information about Finnish Educational System Kalliola school Pre-primary school (https://peda.net/hollolakarkola/opetus/alakoulut/kalliolan Primary school koulu/in-english ). School is modern school building which Open learning environments includes pre-school children and children in grades from 1 to 6. The school building relies on the idea of the new Finnish curriculum. Library, café and the local health services are in the same building. ISKU Center is ecological and modern Business Center in School interior design city of Lahti. Under the same roof you can find (among University of Applied Sciences other things) services of Isku Interior Entrepreneurship Education (https://www.isku.com/en/learning-2/ ), Lahti University of Applied Sciences (https://www.lamk.fi/en ) and Me&My City for ninth graders (https://yrityskyla.fi/en/me-mycity/ ). Isku center is a unique place where business life works in thight collaboration with education. Iso Omena Service Center Public services Iso Omena Service Centre is a new service concept for public services aimed at making it easier for the municipal residents to use everyday services. The service centre includes a library, youth services, a maternity and child health clinic, a health centre, mental health and substance abuse services, KELA Social Insurance Institution, a Citizen’s Services office, HUS laboratory and medical imaging as well as Kohtaamo, a meeting place for art and culture. http://www.espoo.fi/en- US/Housing_and_environment/City_centres/MatinkylaOlar i/Iso_Omena_Service_Centre http://www.espoo.fi/en- US/Housing_and_environment/City_centres/MatinkylaOlar i/Iso_Omena_Service_Centre/Research_Service_Centre_an _ideal_locatio(128635)

Oulu, OUL

Visited places Field of interest University of Oulu – the biggest University in Northern University education Finland (http://www.oulu.fi/english/). Visit will focus on two Teacher training aspects: teacher’s education, preparation of students for teaching carrier, newest methods for monitoring students’ behaviour in class and new technologies. Oulu University Teacher Training School – NORSSI Teacher training (https://nk.oulu.fi/en/node/54# ). Local school which is part of teacher training in University of Oulu. School is also known for its modern learning environments and for its innovative work in field of educational research and development projects. FABLAB University, Fabrication Laboratory Fab Lab Oulu is a small digital manufacturing working area (fabrication laboratory) that complies with open innovation concept developed by MIT in the United States. In Fab Lab it is possible to design your own product or hardware from the scratch. Fab Lab Oulu operates within University of Oulu. Tellus Innovation Arena University, innovation an inspiring open space designed to make connections, work together and create new. Tellus is a cozy and lively living room in the heart of Oulu University. It provides places for quiet work, collaboration and open space for events or exhibitions. All people from inside and outside the university are welcome Tellus.

Kastelli school Community Center, Kindergarten, https://www.ouka.fi/documents/8115530/0/Kastellin_mon Primary school, Secondary school, itoimitalon_esite_in_english_2014.pdf/3c6df232-3cad- General upper secondary school, 4abb-9311-fde49038d6d3 adult education, inclusive Kastelli is a school that has under one umbrella kinder preparatory education for garden, primary school (age 7-13), secondary school (age 14- immigrants 16) and the high school (age 17-19), specialized in sports. It is the newest and biggest school in Northern Finland. In the year of founding, 2014, Kastelli School won the best school building award among all schools in Finland. Finpeda company was involved in 3D modelling and gamified fire simulation training in school of Kastelli. School is an excellent example demonstrating the community center concept and use of multipurpose halls. Kastelli is also a school responsible for adults’ education and distance education in Northern Finland, where the distances for equal and high-class lessons and experts may be long (especially in rural areas). In this situation, a school is

equipped with online tools to keep the lessons. Primary, Secondary + Secondary upper school Oulu Vocational College (http://www.osao.fi/en/) - one of Vocational school the biggest vocational schools in Finland, where over 11 100 youth and adults study. Versatile studies altogether in 10 units in Oulu area and the northeast part of Oulu province. Oulu Vocational College – Kempele - Limika unit (http://www.osao.fi/en/osao-en/units/kempele-liminka- unit.html ) Pudasjärvi Log Campus Primary school, Secondary school, The biggest log school in the world, opened in 2016! The Log General upper secondary school, Campus is located in Pudasjärvi municipality, about one- adult education, open learning hour drive away from Oulu. Pudasjärvi municipality is one of environment, the biggest municipalities in Finland if you look the area but there are living only 8700 inhabitants. Over 700 pupils from primary school to general upper secondary school (high school) are studying in this school building. School also provides adult education during the evenings. The Pudasjärvi log campus is known for its modern, open learning environments, international relationships and innovative leadership. http://www.logcapital.fi/en/log-object/log-campus

INFORMATION ABOUT FINLAND AND FINNISH CULTURE

Throughout history Finnish culture has been influenced by other cultures. Cultural influences from the time of Swedish and Russian rule are still notable even though Finland has been independent country for 100 years.. Today, cultural influences from North America are prominent. Young people are also travelling a lot and bringing new cultural ideas to Finland. Despite all the international influences, there are some cultural features that are very typical to Finns.

Finnish society has developed rapidly during the end of 20th century from agrarian society to modern western country. One of the biggest factor in this development process has been education. Now a days Finland is considered one of the best countries in the world. Finland is a big country with low population (approximately 5.4 million people). Urbanization is a relatively recent phenomenon and now days most of the Finns are living in cities or in population centers. Still most Finnish people love nature and there is a strong emotional bond to the countryside and nature.

Finns are proud of their heritage and current society (they are leaders in peace conferences and international peace initiatives). They enjoy nature and proudly protect their environment, which is one of the cleanest in the world. Finns value their privacy and appreciate others respecting it. In Finland, it is a cultural norm to be modest and downplay one’s accomplishments. Being humble and modest is seen as a virtue.

Modesty is related to the non-hierarchical social structure: everyone is considered equal in Finland and differences are minimized. Equality is one of the key elements in Finnish society and culture. Finnish education system is based on equality as all children goes to public schools. Equality is probably also the reason why Finland is a self-service society.

Finns are considered to be shy because they don’t always talk so much. This is a Finnish feature: Finns talk in moderate tones and do not do much to call attention to themselves. Finns are quite private persons and they don’t so easily start conversation with strangers. For example, atmosphere in Finnish public transportation can be silent. The silence is related to respecting other people and not intruding to their personal area.

Finland is quite easy country to travel. Even though Finns are quiet, they are friendly and usually speak English very well. Finland is also very safe country to travel. The crime rate is low and hygiene is good so you can drink water and eat anything without worries.

One of the Finnish traditional thing is sauna. In Finland, even the smallest departments can have their own sauna and Finns are usually having sauna at least once a week. Sauna is a place for relaxation and tradition. We recommend highly that you try Finnish sauna when you are visiting our beautiful country!

FINNISH TRADITIONS

Sauna is a one of the most famous Finnish traditions. Having a sauna is something natural to all Finns. Yet people do have their own ways of bathing in the sauna. The only rule is to be silent and peaceful. Everyone can follow their own rhythm in moving between the hot room, the washing room and the open air, perhaps including a jump to the lake or the sea. In Finland,

both men and women bathe in the sauna, but never together except within the family. There are no mixed public saunas in Finland. The sauna is no place for anyone in a hurry. When the bathing is over, it is customary to continue the occasion with a conversation, drinks or perhaps a light meal.

Most Finnish people love nature. There is a strong emotional bond to the countryside and nature, as urbanisation is a relatively recent phenomenon. A very typical Finnish free time activity is spending time at rural cottages, often situated by a lake or by the sea. The cottages provide a peaceful and a natural environment, away from the haste of the modern life. Some cottages are even without running water and electricity, but normally each cottage has a sauna. The activities related to cottage life include going to sauna, swimming, fishing, picking up berries and mushrooms, barbecuing and enjoying the peace and nature.

CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE IN FINLAND

The first cultural difference you will notice already on the airport bus is the silence in public situations. Finns talk in moderate tones and do not do much to call attention to themselves. Usually only if something unexpected happens, Finns start chatting with strangers. This rule does not apply to everyone, for example older women and people from the countryside are more likely to chat with strangers. The silence is related to respecting other people and not intruding to their personal area.

The Finnish mentality is often characterised by less small talk and more honest and straight- forward type of communication compared to other cultures. Finnish people mean what they say, which also means they usually do as they promise. Finns have a special attitude to words and speech: words are taken seriously and people are held accountable for what they say. “Take a man by his words and a bull by its horns,” says a Finnish proverb. Most Finns carefully consider what they say and expect others to do so too. In Finland verbal agreements and promises are considered binding. Invitations or wishes expressed in a light conversational manner (such as: “We must have lunch together sometime”) are often taken at face value, and forgetting them can cause concern.

Finns are better at listening than at talking, and interrupting another speaker is considered impolite. A Finn does not go nervous if there are breaks in the conversation; silence is regarded as a part of communication. Finns usually speak unhurriedly, even in their mother tongue.

Finland is a self-service country. People in Finland, as in many western countries, weigh their own vegetables in the supermarket, pump petrol into their cars themselves, and perform all kind of repair jobs. And they generally do their own cooking, cleaning and laundry .

Finns almost never visit each other without first making an ‘appointment’. This also applies to close friends. Even a mother will phone her daughter to find out when it’s convenient to come by. People almost never drop by unannounced. The same rule applies to family: first you call (‘How would it be if we come by today?’). If your visit would be inconvenient, your host will simply tell you so: ‘No, today isn’t a good day. Come another time if you like’. The Finns do not consider this rude or blunt, but ‘honest’. In these situations, honesty is considered more important than tact. The Finns also like to know exactly when you intend to arrive. That gives them time to tidy up the room and have something to offer ready when you ring the doorbell.

GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT FINNISH CULTURE

Finnish people can be rather quiet and passive, which does not mean they are angry. It is part of many Finns’ personality to be quiet and calm.

Punctuality is very important. If you are meeting someone at 1 pm, it means 1 pm sharp. In Finland, it is better to be ten minutes early than five minutes late. If you are late, you should let the person waiting for you to know about it. The Finns equate not being on time with not being trustworthy; they can’t count on you.

In Finland you are expected to queue nicely and quietly, Finnish people get very irritated if someone overtakes the queue.

Procedures, fees and prices at offices and institutes are not open for negotiation.

Most Finns can speak foreign languages, but they may not be used to doing so or even being around foreigners.

It is polite to take off your shoes when visiting homes of Finnish people.

Attending a party at someone’s home usually means you take your own alcoholic drinks with you. The invitation often includes the abbreviation OPM which literally means take your own bottle.

Remember that smoking is forbidden in all public buildings, schools and schoolyards. Please note the designated smoking areas. It is also forbidden to use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol anywhere in the school area.

Smoking indoors is often considered socially unacceptable, so it’s polite to go outside and smoke if you are visiting Finnish people’s homes, even during the winter.

It is illegal in Finland to use, possess and sell drugs. Most Finnish people strongly disapprove of drug abuse.

Do’s and Don’ts in Finland

Loyalty, reliability, self-sufficiency and independence are highly valued. Finns are proud of their heritage and current society (they are leaders in peace conferences and international peace initiatives). They enjoy nature and proudly protect their environment, which is one of the cleanest in the world. Finns value their privacy and appreciate others respecting it. Therfore, avoid asking personal questions, such as those related to someone's religion, job or political party. Women are treated as equals in business, at home and in society.

Meeting and Greeting Shake hands with everyone present--men, women and children--at a business or social meeting. Shake hands again when leaving.

Keep some physical distance from Finns. Respect their shyness and desire for privacy. Do not engage a Finn in conversation on a bus or in a line, restaurant or other public places.

Never hug, kiss or touch a Finn. In particular do not touch, pinch, kiss or hug the kids during the school visits.

Maintain eye contact when speaking to someone.

Never talk to anyone with your hands in your pocket.

Finns take punctuality for business meetings very seriously and expect that you will do likewise; call if you will be more than five minutes late.

Contact Information:

Mrs. Tanja Ryymin will accompany your group during your Finalnd visit. If you have any question or problems during your visti, please contact her personally by phone or email.

Tanja Ryymin,

Phone number: +358445277684

Email: [email protected]

We are looking forward to meet you and we warmly WELCOME you to Finland!

Have a safe journey!

Best wishes,

Finpeda Team