A Job Shadowing Journey: Understanding Finnish Education

This course offers an in‑depth introduction to Finnish education through a combination of expert input, experiential learning and authentic school immersion. The programme begins with a lecture on the Finnish education system, followed by a guided forest hike where participants explore key themes. The core of the course is a three‑day period of job shadowing at a school level chosen by each participant, providing direct insight into classroom practices, student support, inclusion, wellbeing and professional autonomy.

A dedicated Helsinki day expands the perspective to learning beyond the classroom. Throughout the week, participants engage in structured reflection and exchange their own professional experiences, comparing observations and identifying practical ideas to apply in their home contexts. The course is designed educators seeking a deeper, experience‑based understanding of Finnish schooling and the societal structures that support equitable learning.

The course deepens participants’ understanding of Finnish education by combining system‑level insights with authentic school experiences and shared professional reflection. Through the opening lecture and guided forest hike, participants connect key principles of Finnish schooling with wellbeing, movement and reflective dialogue. During three days of job shadowing at a chosen school level, they observe everyday practices, inclusion, autonomy and student support in real classrooms.

A central objective is the exchange of participants’ own experiences: comparing observations, discussing similarities and differences, and identifying how Finnish approaches resonate with their contexts. The Helsinki day expands the perspective to society’s role in learning through visits to public learning spaces and urban tasks. Throughout the week, guided reflection helps participants synthesise what they see and hear, integrate insights from peers, and recognise practical ideas to apply in their work.

The course uses experiential, discussion‑based and observation‑focused methods that follow the weekly programme. Teaching begins with a lecture combined with a guided forest hike, where movement and nature support reflection. Three days of job shadowing allow participants to observe lessons, routines, student support and school culture in authentic settings. Guided tasks help them focus on inclusion, wellbeing and professional autonomy.

A key method throughout the week is the exchange of participants’ own experiences. Structured discussions and small‑group reflections help compare observations from different countries and connect them to Finnish practices. The Helsinki day uses urban exploration and thematic tasks to examine learning environments beyond school.

Assessment is continuous and based on participation, observation and short reflections. Participants summarise what they have learned and identify practical ideas to apply in their own work.

The organiser provides basic materials such as paper and simple supplies for course tasks. Participants may use their own phone or laptop to access materials. Suitable outdoor clothing and comfortable shoes are needed for the forest hike and for moving between school sites during job shadowing. All resources support observation, reflection and experiential learning throughout the week.

The course fee includes the full programme and all teaching according to the weekly schedule. Basic materials needed during the course are provided by the organiser. Travel, accommodation and meals are not included in the price. Participants may book accommodation directly at the course venue, Tehtaan Hotelli (tehtaanhotelli.fi), located within walking distance of all course activities.