In this article we will talk about education in Finland and its features. You will also learn how a Russian can become a Finnish student and how best to do it.
Preschool education
Every child in Finland is treated as a complete and completely independent person. That is why every citizen receives a passport immediately after birth. From the age of nine months, a child has the right to a nursery and even a round-the-clock visit to a kindergarten if one of the parents, for example, works the night shift. Much attention in preschool institutions is paid to the health of the child, so children walk a lot and play outdoor games. There are several types of kindergartens in Finland:
- State.
- Private - usually in such gardens a certain program is chosen (Montessori, Waldorf Garden) and all children's activities are built in accordance with it.
- Private-municipal - in this case, the costs (or fees for Kindergarten) is taken over by the state.
- Family kindergarten - children are supervised in a private house or apartment. Organizers are required to fulfill a number of conditions. For example, organize imported meals or hire a cook, provide supervision for children - up to three years old, there can only be four children per adult.
From the age of six to seven, children begin to prepare for school. Moreover, it is their right, not a duty. Compulsory education begins the year a child turns seven years old.
Finnish school
Statistics show that Finnish schoolchildren have high results in many school subjects, but spend very little time studying. in front of you Interesting Facts, which demonstrate the veracity of the last statement:
- Until the third grade, children do not receive grades.
- School exams are not required.
- The child can decide for himself whether he needs the knowledge that is given in the lesson. If not, then he has the right to do something else.
- Staying for a second year is not a shame.
With all this, the discipline in the local school is quite tough. Each child has an electronic diary in which comments are made by a teacher, health worker or psychologist. Parents can control the child, know about his affairs and whereabouts. Each missed lesson the child fulfills - he can attend the classes of the class that the teacher indicates.
Education in Finland is based on the principle of equality. So, every school in the country has the same equipment and financial support. Institutions do not have classes for "stupid" and "gifted", "handicapped" or "delayed children". mental development". In general, children with physical features they try to include them in the children's team as early as possible and adapt them to ordinary life. "Ordinary" children also do not see much difference between themselves. Perhaps that is why parents choose a school that is closer to home, do not seek to get to any particular teacher and do not take their children to tutors.
Separately, I would like to discuss Finnish teachers, since in this matter the Finns stand out from other countries. For example, each teacher has an assistant in the class, receives high salary(5,000 euros per month), but they conclude with him labor contract only for one academic year - from August to May. Teachers in this country work quietly, no one torments them with checks and paper reports. But they are happy to help students in their personal time, pulling up those who are lagging behind in some subjects.
The principle of equality extends to Finnish schools and on the students. So, it is not customary here to collect questionnaires with data on the place of work of parents or to be interested in family income. Children are not accustomed to being singled out, labeled as a favorite or a klutz. On the contrary, in every child they try to highlight the talents and develop them. (this is such a profession) studies the inclinations of students through tests and oral conversations. And there is no shame in the fact that someone is more interested in the profession of a bus driver than the prospect of becoming an influential banker. As they say, all professions are needed ...
Studying in Finland is not limited to standard counting or writing lessons. On the contrary, it is very practical and directly related to living conditions. For example, each student knows how to calculate taxes, sum up discounts and understand the conditions of the promotion. Children also learn how to write resumes, make presentations and use the Internet. Even for the exam, students bring reference books and tablets. Here it is considered important not to memorize dates, but the ability to find the necessary information.
Secondary education
After nine compulsory classes, at the age of 16, children must choose a further path - vocational education or study at a higher school (an analogue of our lyceum). In the first case, a graduate after graduation can go to work or continue to receive education at the university. applied sciences. In the second case, he will choose the university that suits him best. And decision may not be final, and there are cases when, after lyceum, a student chooses a completely different specialization. To enter the lyceum, the student must pass a rather difficult exam in high school. V last years learning, children can independently choose core subjects and the degree of their study. So, a future student of the Faculty of Mathematics, most likely, will choose in-depth lessons in the exact sciences.
Higher education in Finland
The country's universities are famous and popular among students from all over the world. It is not surprising that many young people dream of getting here. In order to enter the University of Finland, you need a certificate of completed school education and fairly high grades. Each university sets additional conditions for applicants independently. Education in the country is free, even for foreign citizens. The only condition is the payment of membership dues or a fee for teaching aids. All universities are divided into universities and polytechnic institutes. Here you can get not only the usual bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees, but also an intermediate between the latter - a licentiate. University students should be prepared for the fact that serious scientific work awaits them, huge lists of references, term papers and laboratory research. The University of Applied Sciences attracts those who want to immediately start working after their studies. Often this educational institution is offered because many students are already employed in enterprises and firms.
For foreign students
Education in Finland for Russian students is still quite accessible and completely free of charge (with the exception of mandatory contributions for all, which we wrote about above). To fulfill his dream, the applicant must prepare a package of documents, which include a certificate confirming graduation from school with fairly high marks. In addition, the prospective student should have an amount on his account that will cover his current expenses for several months in advance. However, the availability of work can be taken into account by the university management (but it should be remembered that a student can spend only 25 hours a week on part-time work during study hours). If you want to study in Finland, then you need to know at a basic level one of three languages - Finnish, Swedish or English. However, for the first time, English is enough, and the state language of the country can be mastered in free courses.
Language schools
As you know, Finnish is one of the most difficult languages in the world. But if you know one of the Finno-Ugric languages (for example, Udmurt), then the task will be greatly simplified. If not, but you still decide to learn Finnish, then you will immediately face several problems. First of all, in this country there are practically no language schools for foreign citizens. Recruitment for learning Finnish from scratch is held several times a year at certain times, and for businessmen it is difficult to find corporate courses. But the method of full immersion works best when the student lives at the home of his mentor. In this case, he not only learns the language, but also gets acquainted with the way and traditions of this country.
In recent years, many Russians have begun to travel to other countries in order to learn English. However, Finland practically does not practice such experiments. Majority school camps organize Russian companies for Russian children. Students do not show high results because they communicate with each other, and most teachers are not native speakers. But for students, attending a summer language camp can do a good job. Firstly, it will be possible to deepen existing knowledge, and secondly, to improve your English. But it should be remembered that the trip will be productive only if the student already knows the language well enough.
Abo
This ancient academy is located in the student city of Turku and is the second largest educational institution here. Many students who decide to study abroad choose this university, as English language programs have been successfully introduced here for many years. Another feature of the academy is that the main language of instruction here is Swedish. That is why the Abo Academy is so popular among Scandinavian students, who, by the way, take a mandatory language exam. Every year the university accepts about 600 foreign students. Like other universities in Finland, Abo teaches his pupils for free.
Helsinki
This educational institution, founded in the middle of the 17th century, enjoys great prestige in Europe. The University of Helsinki offers its students big choice disciplines and a course of study in a number of the most famous graduates of this university are several presidents of the country, Nobel laureates and creator of the Linux system. Upon admission, applicants choose one of eleven faculties (each of which includes several departments). Later they will settle on the campus, where, in addition to hostels, there are cafes, sports complexes, language schools and many places for a relaxing holiday. The pride of Helsinki is the National Library of Finland and the University Museum. Foreign students can start their studies after passing the exam, interview and submission It should not be forgotten that the competition for admission here is always high, as the management is accustomed to working only with the best students.
Aalto
As in other Finnish universities, Aalto University has gathered within its walls a variety of faculties. Here you can get an education as a designer, become an architect, learn how to manage a business or plunge headlong into new technologies. More than 20 thousand students study at the university, 11 percent of which are foreigners. Young people are attracted here by the opportunity to connect different disciplines and interact with different sciences. Their mentors believe that only in this way is it possible to bring about the innovations that are so necessary in every field of activity.
University of Eastern Finland
This large scientific institution is considered one of the best in the country. More than 15,000 students study here and about 3,000 teachers work here. UVF offers prospective students a choice of 100 majors, an ever-evolving state-of-the-art learning environment and comfortable conditions residence. Interestingly, this educational institution appeared only in 2010, when the University of Joensuu was merged with the University of Kuopio.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is the dream of many Russian schoolchildren and their parents. If you decide to enter a Finnish university, then you can be congratulated on the right choice. First of all, you will receive a quality education that is highly valued all over the world. Secondly, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in a new language environment, learn several languages or improve existing knowledge. Another important point - you will find yourself in living conditions that are not too different from Russian ones. A similar mentality and similar climatic conditions will help to adapt to a new life. If we add to all of the above free education, not too high prices and the possibility of employment in a good company, then a rather attractive picture emerges. However, do not forget that getting an education in Finland is not easy. To do this, you will have to pass rather difficult exams, present a diploma of secondary education with high marks and prove your financial viability. You also need to know English well enough or If you have all the indicated papers and knowledge, then you can safely submit documents to any university you like.
V Lately training in the Scandinavian countries, including Finland, is 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 features educational system Finland? What are the prospects for foreign 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.
Structure Finnish system education is similar to the Russian
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, as a rule, from 12 to 20 children of 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 There are often not enough places in kindergartens, so parents who are independently raising a child are paid an allowance of 500 €.
One year before entering primary school, at the age of 6-7, children receive pre-primary education, which is compulsory for all. 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 mandatory and free for everyone. 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 the workplace under an agreement with the employer. Depending on the chosen specialty, training lasts from 1 to 4 years. Special attention is given to gaining practical knowledge. Upon graduation, students receive a certificate of secondary vocational education.
At the end of 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 Single System Credit units (ECTS).
Cost of education
Pre-school education is provided entirely on a paid basis. Kindergarten or nursery fees 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 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. It 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
The requirements for foreign applicants upon admission are set by each educational institution individually, but among them there are also general ones.
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 (admission of senior students is possible),
- 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 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 for both full course training, and for partial as part of the 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 an educational institution and then apply to 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 (to be filled in in electronic format, 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 a residence permit if the graduate has workplace 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. The average salary 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 |
Recently, the Scandinavian countries have become a priority for obtaining both an average and higher education among children and their parents, as well as applicants from the CIS. One of these countries with large quantity learning opportunities - 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 begins in English, and then, if desired, you can choose optional classes in the study of 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.
The character of the Finns has its own characteristics. Severe northerners strictly plan their way of life. This property dictates the rules for children's education. What are children being taught? Make a plan in life, gradually moving from simple to complex. A school in Finland is an incentive to prosperity, tempering of character, a clear understanding of one's own capabilities.
International PISA checks have shown that schoolchildren from Finland have the highest degree of preparation among the rest. And the results of another analytical study from Newsweek magazine recognized the best secondary education in Finland among the world's leading countries. The Finns achieved such success thanks to the developed principles of school education.
How do children learn?
The school year starts on August 8-16 (no exact date). It lasts until the end of May. Lessons take place during the day, a five-day school week with a shortened Friday. Holidays are provided: in autumn 3-4 days and in winter: 14 days. In the spring, it's time for a ski holiday (Finnish children go skiing with their parents). They continue to rest a little later on the Easter holidays.
The grading system is ten-point. Children begin to put points from the 4th grade. Students do not have diaries.
There are electronic school diaries in the national Wilma system. Each parent has a personal code and can always see the progress of their child. Once a month, the school curator sends a leaflet to parents, where all the achievements of the student are recorded.
Steps of learning
- Junior School (alakoulu): Grades 1-6. Kids study in the same room with a permanent teacher. The youngest (grades 1-2) study reading, Finnish, mathematics, work, drawing, music and physical education. They also study religion (according to religion), if the parents are atheists - the baby masters the understanding of life. In elementary school in Finland, several disciplines can be taught at the same time in one lesson.
Having matured a little (grades 3-6), children are taken to mastering the English language. In the fourth year of study, another one is chosen foreign language. At the same time, additional subjects are included: a computer, choral singing and woodwork.
Much attention is paid to creative development. Students learn different musical instruments.
In the fifth year of study, history, chemistry, physics and geography are added to the disciplines. Physical education lessons are held 1-3 times a week.
Which school to choose?
There are about 3,000 secondary educational institutions in the northern country. There are a lot of Russian schools in Finland (after all, about 20% of the population speaks Russian). It is impossible to say which is the best, where it is more prestigious to study. Finns adhere to equality. Popular ones include:
- Finnish high school Matinkylän koulu (Espoo). It has 42 teachers and 400 students. Completing classes 19. The staff includes Social worker, curator, psychologist, counseling teacher, nurse and dentist. The school budget is 1.5 million euros per year.
- Russian-Finnish School of Eastern Finland Itä-Suomen suomalais-venäläinen koulu (departments are located in Imatra, Lappeenranta and Joensuu). Education includes all levels of education.
Are there any benefits to learning?
Finns are not in vain in the favorites in the field of world secondary education. There are a number of important principles in their training system: 
How to arrange a child in a Finnish school?
You just need to live in this country. School education in Finland is compulsory for everyone. This applies not only to Finnish children, but also to children of foreigners living in Finland. Children go to school from the age of seven.
Do I need to know Finnish?
Schools accept children with any level of language proficiency (regardless of age). If the child does not know Finnish at all, he is first sent to groups-language classes, where the language is studied every day. Then the guys are gradually “mixed” with the rest of the students (first on simple subjects: physical education, drawing and labor, then with the inclusion of other disciplines). For good study Finnish is enough for about a year.
What is the cost of schooling?
Secondary education is free for everyone. The student also receives free hot lunches, the opportunity to visit exhibitions, museums, extracurricular activities. Students also have free transport at their disposal, which picks up the baby and returns him back home (provided that the school is more than 2 km from home). Free textbooks, tablets, necessary supplies. Any requisitions from parents are strictly prohibited.
Finnish education occupies the best positions in the world rankings. Moreover, according to research by the international organization PISA, Finnish schoolchildren showed the highest level of knowledge in the world. Also, Finnish schoolchildren are recognized as the most reading children on the planet and also took 2nd place in natural sciences and 5th in mathematics.
But the mystery of such a high result becomes even more complicated, because according to the same studies, Finnish children spend the least amount of time at school, and the Finnish state spends on its quality and free education very modest means in comparison with many other countries.
The school year in Finland starts in August, not September, from 8 to 16 at the discretion of each particular school. The course ends at the end of May. Children study five days a week, only during the daytime and on Friday a shortened school day. As for the holidays, there are 3-4 days of rest in the fall, two weeks of Christmas holidays, in the spring the children have a week of skiing holidays and a week at Easter.
Features of studying in a Finnish school
1. Equality in everything. There are no better or worse schools, students, teachers, parents, subjects. 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. There are also kindergartens, schools, universities in various international languages.
2. Subjects in school are also considered equally important. Teachers do not have access to information about the social status and profession of parents. Questions from teachers, questionnaires regarding the place of work of parents are prohibited.
3. Here all children are considered special, both brilliant and those who are behind. They all study together, and no one is singled out. Children with disabilities study in general classes together with everyone, with regular school classes can be created for children with a defect in the organ of hearing and vision.
Teachers are also all equal and do not single out any "favorites" or "their own class". 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. Teachers enter into a contract for only 1 academic year, with a possible (or not) extension, and also they receive a high salary (from 2,500 euros - an assistant, up to 5,000 - a subject teacher).
4. The “principle of respect for the student” applies here Therefore, from the first grade, a child is explained his rights, including the right to “complain” about adults to a social worker.
5. Schools in Finland are absolutely free. Moreover, lunches, excursions, school taxi rides, textbooks, stationery, appliances and even tablets are also free.
6. Every child in a Finnish school follows an individual curriculum. Each child has their own textbooks, the number and complexity of tasks, exercises, etc. In one lesson, children perform each of their “own” tasks and are evaluated individually, it is forbidden to compare children with each other.
7. Children are prepared for life, not exams. In Finnish schools, they teach only what is useful in life. Children do not study the principle of the blast furnace, but they can make a business card website, calculate the percentage of inheritance tax or wages in the future, calculate the price of the product after several discounts, or draw a "wind rose" in the area. There are no exams here, there are a few tests, but they are not taken too seriously.
8. Absolute trust. There are no checks, 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.
9. Voluntary training. No one is forced or forced to study here. 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.
10. Independence in everything. The Finns believe that the school should teach the child the main thing - an independent future successful life.
So here they teach to think and gain knowledge themselves. The teacher does not tell new topics - everything is in the books. Memorized formulas are not 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.
Based on materials by Natalia Kireeva, terve.su