“Either we prepare for life, or for exams. We choose the first."
Natalya Kireeva lives in Helsinki. She recently spoke about the system and principles of local education and shared her opinion on why Finnish education is considered one of the best in the world.
According to international studies, which are carried out every 3 years by the authoritative organization PISA, Finnish schoolchildren showed the highest level of knowledge in the world. They are also the most reading children on the planet, ranked 2nd in natural sciences and 5th in mathematics. But even this is not so admired by the pedagogical community. It is incredible that with such high results, students spend the least amount of time studying.
Secondary general education compulsory education in Finland includes a school of two levels:
- lower (alakoulu), from grades 1 to 6;
- upper (yläkoulu), from 7th to 9th grade.
In the extra 10th grade, students can improve their grades. Then the children go to a professional college or continue their studies at the lyceum (lukio), grades 11-12 in our usual sense.
7 principles of the "middle" level of Finnish education:
1. Equality
Schools
There are neither elite nor "weak". The largest school in the country has 960 students. In the smallest - 11. All have exactly the same equipment, capabilities and proportional funding. Almost all schools are public, there are a dozen private-public ones. The difference, in addition to the fact that parents make a partial payment, is in the increased requirements for students. As a rule, these are original “pedagogical” laboratories following the chosen pedagogy: Montessori, Frenet, Steiner, Mortana and Waldorf schools. Private institutions also include institutions teaching in English, German, French.
Following the principle of equality, Finland has a parallel system of education "from kindergarten to university" in Swedish. The interests of the Sami people are not forgotten either, in the north of the country you can study in your native language.
Until recently, the Finns were forbidden to choose a school, they had to send their children to the "nearest". The ban was lifted, but most parents still send their children "closer", because all schools are equally good.
items.
An in-depth study of some subjects at the expense of others is not welcome. It is not considered here that mathematics is more important, for example, than art. On the contrary, the only exception to the creation of classes with gifted children may be aptitude for drawing, music and sports.
Parents.
Who by profession (social status) are the parents of the child, the teacher will find out last, if necessary. Questions from teachers, questionnaires regarding the place of work of parents are prohibited.
Pupils.
Finns do not sort students into classes according to ability or career preference.
There are also no “bad” and “good” students. Comparing students to each other is prohibited. Children, both brilliant and severely mentally deficient, are considered "special" and learn along with everyone else. In the general team, children in wheelchairs are also trained. A regular school may set up a class for students with visual or hearing impairments. The Finns try to integrate those who need special treatment into society as much as possible. The difference between weak and strong students is the smallest in the world.
“I was outraged by the Finnish education system when my daughter studied at school, who by local standards can be classified as gifted. But when my son, who has an abundance of problems, went to school, I immediately liked everything very much, ”the Russian mother shared her impressions.
teachers.
There are no "loved" or "hated grimz". Teachers also do not stick with their souls to "their class", do not single out "favorites" and vice versa. Any deviations from harmony lead to the termination of the contract with such a teacher. Finnish teachers have only to do their job as mentor. All of them are equally important in the labor collective: both "physicists", and "lyricists", and teachers of labor.
Equality of rights of an adult (teacher, parent) and a child.
The Finns call this principle "respect for the student." Children from the 1st grade are explained their rights, including the right to “complain” about adults to a social worker. This stimulates Finnish parents to understand that their child is an independent person, which is forbidden to offend both with a word and with a belt. Teachers cannot humiliate students due to the peculiarities of the teaching profession, adopted in the Finnish labor legislation. The main feature is that all teachers enter into a contract for only 1 academic year, with a possible (or not) extension, and also receive a high salary (from 2,500 euros for an assistant, up to 5,000 for a subject teacher).
2. Free
In addition to the training itself, free of charge:
lunches;
excursions, museums and all extracurricular activities;
transport that picks up and returns the child if the nearest school is more than two kilometers away;
textbooks, all stationery, calculators and even tablet laptops.
Any collection of parental funds for any purpose is prohibited.
3. Individuality
An individual plan of education and development is drawn up for each child. Individualization concerns the content of the textbooks used, exercises, the number of class and homework assignments and the time allotted for them, as well as the material taught: to whom the “roots” are a more detailed presentation, and from whom the “tops” are required - briefly about the main thing.
In the lesson in the same class, children perform exercises of different levels of complexity. And they will be evaluated according to the personal level. If you perfectly completed “his” exercise of initial complexity, get “excellent”. Tomorrow they will give you a higher level - if you can't do it - it's okay, you'll get a simple task again.
In Finnish schools, along with regular education, there are two unique types of educational process:
Supportive education for “weak” students is what private tutors do in Russia. In Finland, tutoring is not popular, school teachers voluntarily cope with extra help during or after the lesson.
Remedial education - associated with persistent general problems in the assimilation of the material, for example, due to a lack of understanding of the non-native Finnish language in which the training is conducted, or due to difficulties with memorization, with mathematical skills, as well as with antisocial behavior of some children. Correctional training is carried out in small groups or individually.
4. Practicality
The Finns say: “Either we prepare for life, or for exams. We choose the first." Therefore, there are no exams in Finnish schools. Control and intermediate tests - at the discretion of the teacher. There is only one mandatory standard test at the end of secondary school, and teachers do not care about its results, they are not accountable to anyone for it, and children are not specially prepared: what is good is good.
The school teaches only what you may need in life. The device of a blast furnace, for example, will not be useful, and they do not study it. But the local kids know from childhood what a portfolio, contract, bank card. They know how to calculate the percentage of tax on the inheritance received or income earned in the future, create a business card website on the Internet, calculate the price of a product after several discounts, or draw a “wind rose” in a given area.
5. Trust
Firstly, to school workers and teachers: there are no inspections, rono, methodologists teaching how to teach, and so on. The educational program in the country is unified, but it is only general recommendations, and each teacher uses the method of teaching that he considers appropriate.
Secondly, trust in children: in the classroom you can do something of your own. For example, if an educational film is included in a literature lesson, but the student is not interested, he can read a book. It is believed that the student himself chooses what is more useful for him.
6. Voluntariness
The one who wants to learn learns. Teachers will try to attract the attention of the student, but if he has absolutely no interest or ability to study, the child will be oriented to a practically useful in the future, “simple” profession and will not be bombarded with “twos”. Not everyone builds airplanes, someone has to drive buses well.
The Finns also see this as the task of the secondary school - to find out whether it is worth continuing education in a lyceum for a given teenager or a minimum level of knowledge is enough, for whom it is more useful to go to a vocational school. It should be noted that both ways are equally valued in the country.
Identification of the inclinations of each child to certain kind activity through tests and conversations is occupied by a full-time school specialist - "teacher of the future".
In general, the learning process in the Finnish school is soft, delicate, but this does not mean that you can “score” on the school. School supervision is required. All missed lessons will be "served out" in literally. For example, for a 6th grade student, the teacher can find a "window" in the schedule and put him in a lesson in the 2nd grade: sit, be bored and think about life. If you interfere with the younger ones, the hour will not be counted. If you don’t fulfill the task set by the teacher, you don’t work in the classroom - no one will call your parents, threaten, insult, referring to mental disability or laziness. If the parents are also not concerned about their child's studies, he will not quietly move on to the next grade.
Remaining in Finland for the second year is disgraceful, especially after the 9th grade. TO adult life you need to prepare seriously, so Finnish schools have an additional (optional) 10th grade.
7. Self-reliance
The Finns believe that the school should teach the child the main thing - an independent future. successful life. Therefore, here they teach to think and gain knowledge themselves. The teacher does not tell new topics - everything is in the books. It is not memorized formulas that are important, but the ability to use a reference book, text, the Internet, a calculator - to attract the necessary resources to solve current problems.
Also, school teachers do not interfere in the conflicts of students, giving them the opportunity to prepare for life situations comprehensively and develop the ability to stand up for oneself.
The educational process in the "same" Finnish schools, however, is organized very differently.
When and how much do we study?
The academic year in Finland starts in August, from the 8th to the 16th, there is no single day. And ends at the end of May. In the autumn half-year there are 3-4 days of autumn holidays and 2 weeks of Christmas. The spring semester includes a week of February - "ski" holidays (Finnish families, as a rule, go skiing together) - and Easter.
Training - five days, only in the day shift. Friday is a short day.
What are we learning?
1st-2nd grade:
The native (Finnish) language and reading, mathematics, natural history, religion (according to religion) or life understanding (for those who do not care about religion), music, fine arts, work and physical education are studied. Several disciplines can be studied at once in one lesson.
3rd–6th grade:
The study of English begins. In the 4th grade - another foreign language to choose from: French, Swedish, German or Russian. Additional disciplines are being introduced - subjects of choice, each school has its own: typing speed on the keyboard, computer literacy, the ability to work with wood, choral singing. Almost in all schools - the game on musical instruments, for 9 years of training, children will try everything from a pipe to a double bass.
In grade 5, biology, geography, physics, chemistry, and history are added. From grades 1 to 6, teaching is conducted by one teacher in almost all subjects. A physical education lesson is any sports game 1-3 times a week, depending on the school. After the lesson, a shower is required. Literature, in the usual sense for us, is not studied, it is rather reading. Subject teachers appear only in the 7th grade.
7th–9th grade:
Finnish language and literature (reading, regional culture), Swedish, English, mathematics, biology, geography, physics, chemistry, fundamentals of health, religion (life understanding), music, fine arts, physical education, subjects of choice and work that is not divided separately " for boys and for girls. Together they learn to cook soups and cut with a jigsaw. In the 9th grade - 2 weeks of acquaintance with "working life". The guys find themselves any " workplace”and with great pleasure go“ to work ”.
Who needs grades?
The country has adopted a 10-point system, but up to grade 7 a verbal assessment is used: mediocre, satisfactory, good, excellent. From 1st to 3rd grade, there are no marks in any options.
All schools are connected to the state electronic system "Wilma", something like an electronic school diary, to which parents receive a personal access code. Teachers give grades, write down gaps, inform about the child's life at school; psychologist, Social worker, "teacher of the future", the paramedic also leave information necessary for parents there.
Grades in the Finnish school do not have an ominous color and are required only for the student himself, they are used to motivate the child in achieving the goal and self-examination so that he can improve knowledge if he wishes. They do not affect the reputation of the teacher in any way, schools and district indicators do not spoil.
Little things about school life
The territory of the schools is not fenced, there is no security at the entrance. Most schools have an automatic lock system on front door, you can get into the building only according to the schedule.
Children do not necessarily sit at desks, tables, they can also sit on the floor (carpet). In some schools, classes are equipped with sofas and armchairs. Premises of elementary school are covered with carpets and rugs.
There is no uniform, as well as some requirements regarding clothing, you can even come in pajamas. A change of shoes is required, but most junior and intermediate children prefer to run with socks on.
In warm weather, lessons are often held on fresh air at the school, right on the grass, or on benches specially equipped in the form of an amphitheater. During breaks, elementary school students must be taken outside, even if only for 10 minutes.
Homework is rarely assigned. Children must rest. And parents should not do lessons with their children, teachers recommend instead a family trip to a museum, forest or pool.
Blackboard teaching is not used, children are not called to retell the material. The teacher briefly sets the general tone for the lesson, then walks between the students, helping them and controlling the completion of tasks. The assistant teacher does the same (there is such a position in the Finnish school).
In notebooks, you can write with a pencil and erase as much as you like. Moreover, the teacher can check the assignment with a pencil!
This is what Finnish secondary education looks like in a very brief summary. Maybe it will seem wrong to someone. The Finns do not pretend to be ideal and do not rest on their laurels, even in the best you can find cons. They are constantly examining how their school system is in line with the ongoing changes in society. For example, reforms are currently being prepared to separate mathematics into algebra and geometry and increase teaching hours in them, as well as to separate literature and social science as separate subjects.
However, the most important Finnish school definitely does. Their children do not cry out at night from nervous strain, do not dream of growing up quickly, do not hate school, do not torment themselves and the whole family, preparing for the next exams. Calm, reasonable and happy, they read books, easily watch films without translation into Finnish, play computer games, ride roller skates, bikes, bikes, compose music, theater plays, sing. They enjoy life. And in between all this, they still have time to learn.
I made a special trip to Helsinki to meet with Finnish education experts and find out the essence of the upcoming changes.
Finland has been a leader in the world for several years now. That is why the eyes of the world educational community have been riveted to the Finnish education system for the third year in an attempt to determine the reasons for success and transfer positive experience into their realities.
The building of one of the oldest secondary schools in Helsinki (Eilantarha). Source: flickr
That is why the news that Finland is about to undertake the most radical curriculum reform in its educational history has been such a staggering one.
Liisa Poikholainen, Head of Children and Adult Education in Helsinki, says of this reform:
We are facing a major change in Finnish education.
as we used to see school system education? A history lesson in the morning, a geography lesson towards noon, two algebra lessons and English at the end of the day. Forty minutes of scattered knowledge. The Finnish reformers set themselves the task of destroying this habitual structure, which had served faithfully for more than one century. Even now, the traditional lesson system is gradually leaving the senior classes of the school - sixteen-year-olds study not objects, but “phenomena”, or phenomena, or processes, or whatever. The bottom line is: during the course of career guidance, young future specialists who have chosen, for example, service classes in the field of public catering, undergo comprehensive training for "everything at once" - elements of mathematics, a foreign language, skills business letter and communication. In other words, everything that is directly needed for the full mastery of the future profession.
Labor office in the secondary school of Jyväskylä, Finland. Source: flickr
Pasi Silander, Head of the City of Helsinki's Department of Urban Development, explains:
Modern society needs a completely different approach to education in order to prepare people for future profession. Today, young people use fairly advanced computer technology. In the past, the same bank clerks needed to operate with large volumes of numbers, but now there is no need for this. That is why we need to change education in such a way as to meet social and industrial needs.
Of course, this does not mean that Finland only wants to get representatives of working specialties or qualified specialists in the service sector as an output. No, academically gifted students who are actively interested in science are also taken into account. Apparently, it is assumed that the curriculum will be divided into separate educational topics - for example, the topic "European Union" will include elements of the economy, the history of the participating countries, the study of foreign languages and geography.
This is how subjects of the natural science cycle are studied at the school in Jyväskylä, Finland.
Finnish education constantly attracts the interest of the world community. Today we will get acquainted in detail with the Finnish education system, its structure and main features.
general characteristics
It's hard to believe, but the notorious education system in Finland was formed relatively recently. It began to emerge in the sixties, centuries passed, and in a short period of time it managed to go a long way. Today, there are 29 universities in the state. 10 of them have narrow specialization: 3 economic, 3 polytechnic, and 4 artistic. The rest of the universities are multi-faculty and cover the widest range of knowledge.
Most of the country's higher education institutions were founded in post-war years. However, there are some exceptions. The Royal Academy of Turku was founded in 1640 when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden. After a great fire in 1828, she moved to the city of Helsinki. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the University of Technology was opened, as well as the School of Economics and Government. Academies in the cities of Turku and Abo were founded in 1918. However, education in Finland, just like in any other country, begins not with higher educational institutions, but with kindergartens. We will start our review with them.
Pre-school education in Finland
As you know, secondary and higher education in the state is free, which cannot be said about preschool. There are three types of Finnish kindergartens: private, municipal and family. Parents can choose where to send their child to school. Kindergarten fees vary widely. Maximum monthly fee for Finnish Kindergarten is about 250 euros, and the minimum is 10 times less. Kindergartens accept children from nine months to eight years of age. From the age of 6, they begin to prepare for school for free.
Sometimes there are not enough places in kindergartens. In this case, the state pays the family 500 euros per month so that one of the parents can stay at home and work with the child. At the same time, in kindergartens, according to the law, there are only 4 children per teacher. Groups in kindergartens are usually small. Primary education in Finland is designed to fully prepare the child for school. Therefore, the government pays special attention to it.
Secondary education
School education in Finland has its own characteristics, the whole world knows about it. The reason for this was the outstanding success of Finnish schoolchildren. The latter are regularly distinguished within the framework of the PISA program for international education assessment. In 2000 and 2003, the country not only won first place in this "competition", it also became the only European state, among the leaders. What is the reason for such success?
Basic school - this is the name of the second stage of Finnish education, it teaches children from 7 to 16 years old. In principle, there is nothing surprising in this - the usual world practice. But if you dig deeper, you can see a number of interesting features of the Finnish school education. Firstly, in the schools of the country they do not take any exams at all, and even graduations. Secondly, differentiation of education, that is, in-depth study of some educational disciplines, to the detriment of others, is not at all welcomed in Finland. Thirdly, there is no such thing as "elite classes" in the state. The sector of private schools here, if developed, is not significant at all.
The Finnish Ministry of Education is actively pursuing a policy of education equalization. It strives to ensure that education is the same in terms of accessibility and content throughout the country and for all segments of the population. The equalization policy is hampered by the country's geographical features. According to this paradigm, the density of educational institutions should be the same throughout the territory of such a heterogeneous, in terms of population density, country as Finland. Helsinki and other central cities, according to this policy, should have the same number of schools as sparsely populated regions.
Individual approach
It is interesting to note that Finnish school buildings are designed by professional architects. At the same time, the preferences of future students and their families are taken into account when building a new school. Therefore, a typical Finnish school does not look like a hospital or barracks, as in many other countries.
The approach to classes here has an individual character, that is, the teacher tries to approach each child from a special perspective. Every student here is respected as an individual. The individuality of children is not only appreciated, but also fully developed. Each class has two teachers at the same time. On the one hand, this relieves the burden on each of them, and on the other hand, it simplifies and speeds up the process of making responsible decisions. At the end of each lesson, students tell what they understood and what they did not. At the same time, teachers ask students about how much they have learned the material, so that they really want to answer and understand incomprehensible moments. Inadequate mastering of the material by the student is considered a defect of the teacher in the design of the system for presenting knowledge.
According to Finnish tradition, children are always sent to the school closest to home. Moreover, before the law of the country forbade parents to independently select a school for their child. This ban was lifted quite recently. However, as a rule, parents do not bother to select the most suitable school for their child, but send it to the closest one to home. They do it quite calmly, mindful of the policy of equalizing education pursued in the state.
Schools and high schools
As an alternative to high school, students can go to upper secondary schools or vocational schools. For them, this is the first opportunity to choose an educational institution on their own. Today, there are 441 gymnasiums in the country (the total number of students is about 130 thousand people) and 334 vocational schools (the total number of students is about 160 thousand people). As in the case of school education, the state takes full care of the students of gymnasiums and schools - pays them food, travel and study guides. By by and large, such education is equivalent to high school.
Finns leave school at 19. At this stage, they still have to pass their first and only school nationwide matriculation exam. When entering a university, it practically does not affect the chances of an applicant. That is why this test is not considered an exam in the usual sense of the word.
To become a student of a university, an applicant must pass entrance exams in it. Literally everything depends on them. The organization of these tests is fully the responsibility of higher educational institutions. During the entrance exams, the differences between high school students and graduates of vocational schools become apparent. The first, as a rule, go to universities, and the second - to institutes. Of course, no one forbids college graduates from entering universities - there are no formal restrictions on this. These are statistics based on many years of experience of Finnish educational institutions. Speaking of statistics, one cannot fail to mention the fact that only a third of school graduates in Finland continue to study.
Higher education in Finland has a number of features. There is no private sector here. A small number of operating private universities are under the full control of the country's Ministry of Education and receive funding in the form of subsidies. There is no secondary education as such in Finland. Thanks to this, the country's transition to the Bologna system for unifying the status of universities has been greatly facilitated. Previously, there was such a thing as secondary specialized educational institutions in the country, but now most of them are equated in status with a university.
Generally speaking, higher education in Finland is somewhat peculiar. As mentioned above, there are 29 universities in the country. In addition to them, there is the Higher School of Defense, which operates outside the Ministry of Education, but has a university status. Finnish polytechnics, like similar universities in other European countries, have a practical inclination. Their educational process necessarily includes professional and labor practice.
There is a clear line between universities and professional universities. Universities are engaged in fundamental scientific research. They can confer bachelor's and master's degrees on their students. They also defend doctoral dissertations. But before defending a dissertation, a scientist receives the title of licentiate - an intermediate scientific title, standing between a master and a doctor. In other countries of the world, such a title does not exist. Within the framework of the domestic education system, it is identified with a candidate for a doctorate in science.
As for professional universities (they are also polytechnics or polytechnics), then all of the above is not included in their competence. However, in Lately professional universities began to award students a master's degree, which was not the case before. In 2002, such universities were given permission to conduct undergraduate training of specialists. Thus, the only thing that unites Finnish universities and professional universities is their even distribution throughout the country.
The most popular among students today are such areas of education: management and business, technology and transport, as well as healthcare. Young people are also attracted by education in the field of culture and tourism. The course of education in such universities lasts from three and a half to four years.
Education for foreigners
In Finnish universities, they teach mainly in Finnish and Swedish, but every year the English-language training program is gaining momentum, which was created mainly for foreign students. In order for a foreigner to receive higher education in Finland, he must be fluent in English. Otherwise, the applicant simply will not be allowed to study. All visitors confirm their English language skills by passing a test. Each of the foreign applicants can choose from two tests: IELTS or TOEFL. It is worth noting that the first of these is considered the standard test for any student wishing to study abroad whose first language is not English. And the second test is most often used when entering universities in America and Canada.
If a foreign applicant wants to study at a Finnish university, he must not only pass the entrance exams and prove knowledge of one of the acceptable languages, but also confirm his financial situation. Also, foreigners entering Finnish universities are required to complete secondary education. Some universities introduce quotas for the admission of foreigners.
It should be noted that higher education in Finland for Russians and other visitors is carried out according to international programs and has a narrower focus than classical education conducted in Finnish. Therefore, in order to receive a better and more comprehensive education, it is desirable to master the Finnish language. For example, the University of Economics (Helsinki) honestly admits that much fewer subjects in the specialty "international business" are taught in English at the university than in Finnish.
Every year about 250-300 thousand of its students and about 6-7 thousand visitors study in Finland. Finnish universities are the most popular among both local students and visitors. They account for about 60-70% of people receiving higher education in this state. Polytechnics are preferred by 30 to 40% of students, respectively. It should be noted that foreign students choose universities more often than local ones. The education system in Finland is quite complex and elaborate. At the same time, the northern state takes care of foreign youth, giving them the right to free education.
The cost of education
Finnish education is free, including for foreigners. The education system in Finland is funded by the state by 72 percent. Higher education students still need some money. Students spend between 600 and 1000 euros per month on accommodation, meals and compulsory membership in trade unions. It should be noted that some areas of study in universities are still paid. For example, an MBA program at the Helsinki School of Economics will cost a student 18,000 euros.
Finnish universities
For good example Let's take a look at some of the famous Finnish universities.
One of the oldest and largest universities in Finland. About 40 thousand students study at the university, 5 thousand of which are graduate students. Here you can get a bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree. Within the framework of the educational institution, there is a botanical garden and many other organizations.
University of the Arts (Helsinki). The university was established in 2013 through the merger of three state universities specializing in painting, music and theater. Today, about two thousand people study here. It is noteworthy that this educational institution is the leader in the number of foreigners (29% of the total number of visiting students in Finland).
Lappeenranta University of Technology. Another university that Finland can boast of. Helsinki is not the only city where you can get a quality higher education, and the University of Lappeenranta is an excellent example of this. The university, together with the city administration, has developed a concept according to which small households can help the centralized city power grid by transferring excess solar energy from your panels.
Conclusion
Today we got acquainted with the education system of such a wonderful country as Finland. Education in this state is absolutely deservedly recognized worldwide. Summarizing this article, it can be noted that the Finnish government really cares about its youth. This is manifested in everything from financial contributions to parents of children who could not get into kindergarten, ending with free higher education.
Recently, the Scandinavian countries have become a priority for obtaining both secondary and higher education among children and their parents, as well as applicants from the CIS. One such country with a lot of study opportunities is Finland. Many future students and pupils are concerned about the question - what is the education system in Finland and how accessible is it?
steps
The educational system in Finland consists of three levels:
- Primary education - implies the passage of pre-school and school institutions;
- The second stage is a school or college;
- Higher education - passing institutes and universities.
Primary education
Pre-school education in Finland only starts when a child is 6 years old. Children in game form learn all the necessary skills that they will need in school.
Real learning begins at the age of 7, when children go to elementary school or lyceum. If we talk about the state standard, then school education in the country is free, and for foreign citizens too. Meals are also free here, the academic year starts in August.
From the 3rd grade, active learning of the English language begins, and then, if desired, you can choose optional classes for learning a second foreign language.
The learning process in general education school lasts 9 years. The system for evaluating students is 10-point.
The education of children in Finland lasts as long as in other modern European countries. For this reason, many Russian parents seek to give their children education abroad, due to its availability and prestige. Can't ignore and professional work highly qualified specialists.
Video about early childhood education in Finland
Second stage of education
Once a Finnish student has completed his basic education at school, he can act according to his choice: vocational education and continue to work in their specialty or study at a college / gymnasium. The first case involves visiting specialized vocational schools or schools for training, the second will require maximum effort, since training is difficult. Selection in vocational schools is based on the performance of the student. After a vocational school, where training lasts from one to four years, you can go to work in your specialty.
After studying at a gymnasium or college, you must pass state exams in Finnish (or Swedish), the second state language of Finland, in the chosen foreign language, as well as in mathematics or the humanities (optional).
Video about school education in Finland
Vocational education system
Higher education
There are two options for higher education in Finland. These are high schools and universities, and higher professional schools. Universities, special institutes, the number of such institutions is about 20. Universities are more focused on scientific and research work, but higher schools put more emphasis on the connection with the economic and business life of a certain region. Higher schools are more suitable for those who wish to obtain a European diploma in Finland. Teaching is carried out in Swedish and Finnish, but there are international programs that are gaining momentum every year. In general, the higher education system in Finland is simple and accessible to everyone, so it is easy to go looking for European quality knowledge. 
Finnish education for Russians
In Finland there is a school at the Russian embassy, it will give children an excellent education and help them realize themselves. This school has its own rich history, traditions, they will help to make children's dreams come true.
The school is an excellent center for educating children of any age, serves as an excellent option for full development. This is an elementary school in Finland, where children are taught development, the basics of knowledge. In addition, foreign citizens from Russia can receive secondary and higher education in Finland.
For kids on vacation
In addition to all the opportunities presented, there is a decent education system for children on vacation. 
With kids school age, whether they are Finnish high school students or just on vacation, only high-class professionals will work.
The entire curriculum is coordinated with the Russian curriculum, many Finnish educational institutions offer additional courses for children, where you can improve or start learning Finnish from scratch. Older children can also visit a college in Finland, where they will learn a lot of new and interesting things, and the younger generation will visit a special school with interesting extracurricular activities that they will enjoy.
Free higher education
For admission, you will have to take exams, while having a fairly high passing score due to the competition. In addition, you can try the program in English, many of which are free. In order to study under such a program, you need to provide your certificate, and the higher the score in it, the better. It is also necessary to confirm the availability of financial means to live in the country. And, of course, you must be fluent in English.
In addition to higher education, you can find some colleges in Finland for Russians, where you can get everything necessary knowledge free - basic, additional, which will allow each student to find their place and enjoy the knowledge gained.
Recently, training in the Scandinavian countries, including Finland, has been very popular. Despite the fact that the education system of this state has not existed for so long, it is recognized as one of the best in Europe and the world. Finnish educational institutions confidently occupy the first positions in world rankings. What are the characteristics of the educational system in Finland? What are the prospects for international students?
Features of the Finnish educational system
The structure of the Finnish educational system is conditionally divided into 4 levels - preschool, school, secondary and higher.
Education at each level of the system is mainly conducted in 2 official languages (Finnish and Swedish), and in the northern regions - in Suomi.
The school year begins in mid-August (usually 8-16 at the discretion of educational institutions), and ends at the end of May. The academic academic year is divided into two semesters - autumn (from late August or early September to mid-December) and spring (from January to May). Schoolchildren and students study from Monday to Friday (shortened day) exclusively during the daytime, holidays last 3-4 days in autumn, 2 weeks in winter and spring. The duration of the academic year is 190 days.
In 2011, Finland ranked second in the world after Australia in 2011, according to UN research.
The structure of the Finnish education system is similar to the Russian one
preschool level
Preschool institutions are kindergartens and nurseries, where children are accepted from 9 months of age to 6 years of age. Main functions preschool institutions- child care and assistance to parents in education, teaching the basics of school disciplines and interacting with each other in a team. Unified educational standards preschool education does not exist. A mandatory component of the classes are daily walks and visits to various cultural institutions. The size of the group is usually from 12 to 20 children. different ages. One teacher can deal with a maximum of 4 children, this rule is enshrined in law.
The working hours of preschool institutions are 06:30–17:00. However, parents have the opportunity to leave the child for 4-5 hours. Some kindergartens work at night, they are intended for those cases when parents go on business trips or work at night. They are also divided into private and municipal. Family-type gardens with small groups and environments as close to home as possible, where there is no strict routine, are popular. There are institutions for immigrant children where their mother tongue is taught along with Finnish and Swedish.
Kindergarten attendance is not compulsory. About a third of Finnish preschoolers do not attend these institutions. In large settlements, places in kindergartens are often not enough, so parents who are independently raising a child are paid an allowance of 500 €.
One year before entering primary school, at ages 6-7, children receive pre-school preschool education, it is mandatory for everyone. Specialized preparatory classes work both at local schools and in kindergartens by decision of the municipalities. Children are taught reading, writing, mathematics, science, and ethics.
Children of different ages can be brought up in one group
Video: education system in Finland
School (primary) education
School education is compulsory and free for all. Training programs are unified (there are no elite educational institutions, specialized classes). Children start attending school at the age of 7-8 years, the duration of education is 9-10 years. An important component of education is inclusive education, when children with disabilities study along with ordinary children. Schools are divided into elementary and high schools.
Along with public schools, there are also private ones, but they do not have the right to charge tuition fees.
V primary school training continues for 6 years. Classes are taught by one teacher. In grades 1-2, children study mathematics, reading, their native language, and natural history. Additionally, students are engaged in physical education, music, singing, drawing, modeling. At the same time, several subjects can be studied within the same lesson. Every year the number of disciplines increases. Teachers start grading only after 3rd grade.
High school begins in grade 7. As a rule, it is located in a separate building. The subjects are taught by different teachers. During the lessons there are also their assistants. Additional disciplines are chosen by the students themselves. The duration of training is 3 years. At the request of the student, he can stay at school for another 1 year to improve the quality of his knowledge or go to work.
Finnish schools provide students with many opportunities
In elementary school, students' knowledge is assessed orally. The grading system in high school is ten-point (4 is the lowest and requires a subsequent retake). Marks are recorded in electronic classroom journals, to which parents have access.
From grade 1, instruction is conducted in Finnish. From grade 3, students begin to learn English, and from grade 4 an optional language is chosen (French, German, Russian). Compulsory learning of Swedish begins in the 7th grade. By the way, schoolchildren are almost never given homework.
At the end of school, students do not take final exams.
Video: features of education in schools in Finland
Second stage or secondary education
After leaving school at the age of 16-17, you can continue your education at a lyceum (gymnasium) or at vocational schools. Education at this stage is also provided free of charge, but meals and educational materials paid separately. When entering lyceums and colleges, it is taken into account GPA grades at school.
Education in lyceums is aimed at preparing for admission to universities and lasts 3 years. It is in lyceums that the most capable and gifted children study.
Vocational education can be obtained both in schools (colleges) and directly at work under an agreement with the employer. Depending on the chosen specialty, training lasts from 1 to 4 years. Particular attention is paid to obtaining practical knowledge. Upon graduation, students receive a certificate of secondary vocational education.
After graduating from lyceums and gymnasiums, it is necessary to pass exams, according to the results of which a certificate of maturity is issued, which is required for admission to universities. School graduates can get it, but they need to undergo additional training. Exams are taken in Swedish or Finnish, as well as the chosen foreign language, mathematics or one of the humanities.
Higher education and its principles
There are two types of higher education institutions in Finland - polytechnics and universities. The peculiarity of polytechnic institutes lies in the fact that training is aimed at obtaining practical knowledge and skills necessary to work in a particular field. In universities, students receive an academic education, since the emphasis is on theoretical knowledge.
Each higher education institution independently determines the list required documents for submission and a list of entrance tests.
Finnish universities teach in Finnish and Swedish. But in recent years, more and more international programs have been introduced, the students of which are foreign students, so some courses are taught entirely in English. In some universities, only the first 2 courses are taught in English, so students must take an exam in Finnish after graduation. If the knowledge is insufficient, the student leaves the educational institution.
Some courses of international programs are taught in English
The system of scientific degrees has 4 levels:
- bachelor (3–4 years),
- master (2 years of study after receiving a bachelor's degree),
- doctor (4 years of study after master's degree),
- licentiate (has no analogues in the world, is awarded after 2 years of doctoral studies).
To get a master's degree, you need to defend a dissertation, and for a doctorate, you need to conduct scientific research. In polytechnics, the majority of students receive a bachelor's degree.
Universities are public and private. In the latter, as a rule, they teach philosophical and religious sciences.
Finnish universities participate in the Bologna process and use the Unified Credit System (ECTS) to assess knowledge.
Cost of education
Pre-school education is provided entirely on a paid basis. The fee for a kindergarten or nursery can vary from 23 to 250 €, regardless of the location of the institutions and prestige.
Education in schools, lyceums and colleges is free for all.
Higher education is also provided free of charge for both Finnish citizens and foreigners. However, students need to pay a fee of 80 € annually.
From 2017, tuition at some universities will be paid, the cost will be about 1500 €.
Table: popular educational institutions in Finland
| Name | Peculiarities |
| University of Helsinki | Founded in 1640. The oldest university in the country. The most valuable is the education received at the Faculty of Medicine. Education in undergraduate programs is conducted in Finnish and Swedish, and in master's and doctoral studies - in some specialties in English. |
| Founded in 2010 on the basis of the Universities of Joensuu and Kuopio. The main direction of educational programs is to conduct scientific research. The institution actively participates in international projects. | |
| University of Turku | The second largest university in the country, founded in 1920. Particular attention is paid to international cooperation. Offers a range of master's and doctoral programs developed in collaboration with universities from other countries. Master's programs are taught in English. |
| Founded in 2010. It is the third largest university in Finland. Engaged in research in the field of business, science and culture. Most Master's courses are taught in English. | |
| Founded in 1934 on the basis of the Pedagogical College. Leading university for the training of teachers and educators. Included in the top 100 best universities in the world. | |
| It was founded in 1997. Subjects are taught in Finnish and Russian. For immigrant children who find it difficult to learn Finnish, additional classes are held. |
Photo gallery: popular educational institutions in Finland
Teaching at the school is conducted in Russian and Finnish University of Finland
Requirements for foreign applicants upon admission
Requirements for foreign applicants upon admission are set by each educational institution individually, but among them it is possible to distinguish and general.
For admission to universities for undergraduate programs, you need:
- certificate of complete secondary education,
- good performance,
- TOEFL certificate (not lower than 550 points) or IELTS (not lower than 5.0),
- certificate confirming knowledge of the Finnish language.
If there are no certificates for passing language tests, universities can conduct testing as an entrance test.
To enter a university for a master's program, you need:
- certificate of higher education(possible admission of senior students),
- an extract from the educational record or an insert from the certificate with grades,
- the average score in the certificate is not lower than 4.5,
- IELTS certificate (not lower than 5.5) or TOEFL (79 points for Internet testing).
Some universities accept PTE and Cambridge CAE certificates as proof of English proficiency. If the language preparation of the applicant is at an insufficient level, the selection committee does not consider the documents. Education certificates must be translated into Swedish, Finnish and English languages and certified by a notary.
Scholarships and grants
Finnish educational policy is aimed at the active development of international cooperation. To attract foreign students, more than 400 programs have been developed, which are taught in English. In Finland, more than 7,000 foreign students take a full course of study, of which about 4,000 study at universities. In addition, almost 7 thousand students from all over the world visit Finland on exchange programs.
CIMO - the center for international relations - is an organization that coordinates exchange and training programs and is subordinate to the Finnish Ministry of Education. She also distributes informational materials and consults, promotes the teaching of the Finnish language and culture, and organizes summer courses for foreign students.
Russian students can receive a grant both for a full course of study and for a partial one as part of an exchange program.
Young graduate students and researchers, as well as representatives of the small Finno-Ugric peoples of Russia, can apply for a scholarship from the CIMO center. Usually they are issued for a period of 3 months to a year, and the amount is 700-1000 € per month and depends on the qualifications of the scholarship holder and the support of the host institution.
You can find out information about the conditions for participation in the programs and apply on the CIMO website - http://www.cimo.fi.
Student Accommodation
Universities are responsible for organizing student accommodation. For this purpose, a specialized housing network has been created, which includes more than 10 thousand apartments. All of them are run by universities, foundations or associations. Housing is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. You can do the search yourself, but the cost of renting it will be higher.
Students usually live in two- or three-room apartments for several people. A young family can be provided with a separate apartment. The average monthly rent is about 300 € and includes mandatory payments for electricity and water.
Living expenses average about 800 € per month. However, in major cities they are slightly higher.
Conditions for obtaining a study visa for foreigners
To apply for a student visa, you must be enrolled in educational institution and then contact the Finnish embassy. A short-term student visa is issued when studying for a period of less than 3 months. If the program lasts longer than this period, a residence permit is issued. The standard package of documents for submission to the embassy includes:
- certificate of admission to an educational institution,
- bank statement (the amount must be at least 550 € per month),
- application form (filled in electronically, then printed on paper),
- international passport,
- 2 photos 36×47 mm,
- certificate of education,
- insurance policy (the amount of coverage for a period of study of less than 2 years - 100 thousand €, more - 30 thousand €),
- 330 € (230 for minors) to pay for the examination of the application,
- birth certificate and parental consent for the child's departure, translated into Finnish, Swedish and English for minors.
The first visa is usually issued for a year. To extend it, you must promptly send a request to the police.
Courses while studying and job prospects
During the training, students can additionally attend language courses that are available at each university.
Universities usually help graduates with employment after training - they prepare resumes, organize meetings and interviews. You can get a job in any country in the world. Finnish enterprises are usually willing to accept applicants with knowledge of the Russian language. The migration authorities do not prevent the extension of the residence permit if there is a job for the graduate according to his profile.
After obtaining a residence permit, the student has the right to work, but not more than 20 hours during the week during study and 40 hours during the holidays. Finding a job is quite difficult, especially in the specialty. In areas where there is constant interaction with people, knowledge of the Finnish language is required. Medium wage for professions that do not require qualifications and knowledge of the language, is about 8 € per hour. Assistance in finding a job for students is provided by employment centers operating at universities.
Final table: pros and cons of Finnish education
| pros | Minuses |
| Education in schools, lyceums, colleges, universities is provided free of charge | Difficulties in obtaining entry documents |
| Low cost of education in kindergartens and nurseries | Not all students are provided with hostels and student apartments |
| Convenience of organizing the educational process at all levels | Finnish is relatively difficult to learn |
| Some courses are fully or partially taught in English | Without knowledge of Finnish or Swedish, it is impossible to get a well-paid job after training |
| Individual approach to each pupil/student | High cost of living |
| While studying, students can earn extra money | When applying to universities for undergraduate programs, knowledge of the Finnish language is required |
| Employment prospects in Finnish companies after graduation | The main type of training is self-training |