This immersive study tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Finland’s internationally renowned K–9 education system from the inside. Across a carefully designed program of school visits, professional learning sessions, and cultural experiences, you’ll gain first-hand insight into how Finnish schools foster equity, inclusion, wellbeing, and high-quality learning for every student.

Rather than simply observing from the outside, you’ll engage directly with educators, explore real classrooms in action, and unpack the thinking behind Finland’s approach to curriculum, assessment, and student support. Each experience is designed to help you move beyond inspiration into practical understanding.

Alongside the professional learning, you’ll also experience Finland’s rich culture, natural landscapes, and emphasis on balance and wellbeing — key elements that underpin the education system itself. By the end of the tour, you’ll return with fresh ideas, deeper perspectives, and practical strategies to adapt meaningfully within your own educational context.

An inclusive study tour designed for K-9 educators seeking to implement changes for improved education.

Participants have the opportunity to become familiar with the Finnish education system and the factors influencing its success.

The program includes several visits to Finnish schools and educational institutions covering grades K-9.

It provides visitors with an overview of the Finnish education system, Finnish society, and culture, and offers an intimate glimpse into daily life in the Finnish classroom.

Learn why the Finnish Education system is ranked number one in the world, and teaching is a highly respected profession. Four Workshops presented by highly experienced Finnish facilitators (workshops in English) covering the following topics:

• Introduction to the Finnish Education System

• Curriculum and Assessment in Finnish Basic Education

• Educational support: Inclusive education, guidance, counselling and student welfare services

• Leadership and management in Finnish schools

Step into Finnish history with our guided bus tour, exploring Helsinki and the medieval town of Porvoo. Begin in Helsinki, captivated by the stunning Helsinki Cathedral, a neoclassical masterpiece.

Our expert guides will reveal the city's rich heritage, showcasing landmarks like Senate Square, Parliament House, and Market Square, sharing fascinating stories and traditions of this vibrant capital.

Next, visit the charming town of Porvoo, home to the majestic Porvoo Cathedral and the quaint Town Hall Square with colourful buildings and market stalls.

Stroll along cobblestone streets lined with local shops offering artisanal crafts, souvenirs, and delicious treats, inviting you to experience Porvoo’s unique charm.

Embark on a cultural journey as your hosts introduce you to the timeless Finnish tradition of the authentic sauna experience. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque scene, enriched with Finnish customs, this promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

Imagine yourself enveloped in the serene beauty of nature, surrounded by the gentle rustle of trees and the soothing sounds of the nearby lake. The crackling of the sauna stove, the fragrance of fresh birch leaves, and the tranquil ambience create an atmosphere of pure relaxation.

The Finnish Sauna by the lake encapsulates a way of life deeply rooted in tradition and reverence for nature. It's a sanctuary for rejuvenation and connection, where one can immerse oneself in the timeless rituals that have shaped Finnish culture for generations.

Experience teamwork and friendship firsthand in this exciting activity! First, collaborate to build a fire without matches, using a fire steel, a challenging task that requires strategic planning, communication, and teamwork.

Before gathering around the fire, enjoy a guided walk through the surrounding nature, taking in the peaceful scenery and learning more about the local environment.

Once the fire is roaring, prepare a mouthwatering meal using locally sourced ingredients over the open flames. Indulge in a delicious dessert while sharing stories, laughter, and conversation around the campfire, creating lasting memories with newfound friends.

Cap off the evening with fun campfire games and activities, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the tranquil beauty of nature.

You arrive in Helsinki, check into your city-centre hotel (Hotel Haven), and settle in. In the evening, gather with your fellow educators for the Welcome Dinner — a relaxed chance to meet, share expectations for the week, and savour your first taste of Finnish hospitality and culture.

After breakfast, set out on a guided sightseeing tour of Helsinki — from majestic architecture to lively streets. Then travel to the nearby medieval town of Porvoo — stroll its charming cobblestone lanes, explore boutique shops, enjoy riverside views, and soak up the old-town ambience. A gentle, culture-rich way to ease into the journey.

Today you travel by private coach to Tampere (a few hours’ drive). After settling in at your hotel (Lapland Hotel Tampere or similar), unwind with a traditional Finnish sauna and a lakeside setting — the perfect way to reset and reconnect with nature before the professional portion begins.

This morning marks your first professional engagement: a school visit and workshop. You'll observe Finnish K-9 classrooms, meet teachers and students, and begin to engage with educational practices that make the system what it is. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon — maybe stroll through Tampere, visit local sites (like a museum or a park), or simply reflect on morning’s learning.

Another day of school visits and professional development — exposing you to different age groups or school settings, giving a broader sense of how Finnish basic education (K-9) is structured. In the afternoon and evening you’re free to explore Tampere at your own pace — maybe discover something local, or relax, recharge, and chat with colleagues about ideas sparked so far.

Morning brings yet another school visit + workshop — by now you’ll have a deeper understanding of Finnish pedagogy, inclusion, curriculum, and community ethos. In the late afternoon/evening, take part in a “Nature Experience & Dinner”: walk through Finnish forest or countryside, collaborate on building a fire without matches, cook a meal over open flame, enjoy a berry-crumble dessert, and end the day with a group-nature activity. A rich blend of reflection, connection, and cultural immersion.

Your last full day of professional learning: a final school visit and concluding workshop — a chance to synthesise your observations, ask lingering questions, and consider how to adapt Finnish practices back home. In the evening — perhaps join colleagues for a farewell gathering, share reflections, or enjoy a calm night out in Tampere or Helsinki, depending on group plans.

Enjoy a final Finnish breakfast, pack up your notes and memories, and transfer by coach back to Helsinki for departure (or spend a little extra time in the city if your schedule allows). As you fly home, carry with you fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a deeper understanding of inclusive, learner-centred Finnish K-9 education — ready to inspire your teaching and leadership back home.