Study Abroad in Finland

Semester Programs

During your stay in Finland, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

Finnish schools are some of the best in the world. The schools are modern and teaching methods are relaxed but effective. You will attend lukio (high school), where you’ll pick from subjects such as social sciences, mathematical and computer-related studies, physical education, a wide range of languages (including Finnish, Swedish, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, depending on the school), as well as arts and special courses. Information technology is also a popular subject in many Finnish schools. Finnish schools use a system of periods. This means that students take individual courses, up to 6 per period, and one school year is typically 5 periods.

Orientations

All students applying for the semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Fall semester students receive an orientation upon arrival to include a brief introduction to the Finnish language and an overview of what to expect on their program. Students also attend a local re-entry orientation at the end of their program. Spring semester students will attend an arrival camp shortly after arriving in Finland.

Extracurriculars

Finnish high schools generally do not offer extracurriculars. However, YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, and teams available in their communities!

Optional Excursions

Finnish programs also include the option to participate in optional trips and excursions at an additional cost:

Trip to Tallinn, Estonia: While in Finland, students may have the opportunity to travel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, for a 2-night trip in the Fall. You will have a chance to explore the lovely medieval town in the midst of winter preparation and Christmas.

Trip to Lapland: In the spring (typically March), students may also have the opportunity to visit Lapland, a region above the Arctic Circle where you can expect to experience a very different landscape as well as a different way of life. You may get a chance to ski, visit a reindeer farm, and maybe even see the Northern Lights.

Language

Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Students must be fluent in English and are encouraged to have a minimum of 1 year of study in Finnish or Swedish. Must have a minimum of four years of English studies.

Trimester Programs

During your stay in Finland, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

Finnish schools are some of the best in the world. The schools are modern and teaching methods are relaxed but effective. You will attend lukio (high school), where you’ll pick from subjects such as social sciences, mathematical and computer-related studies, physical education, a wide range of languages (including Finnish, Swedish, German, French, Spanish, and Russian, depending on the school), as well as arts and special courses. Information technology is also a popular subject in many Finnish schools. Finnish schools use a system of periods, and this means that students take individual courses, up to 6 per period, and one school year is typically 5 periods.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Additionally, students receive an orientation upon arrival, which includes an introduction to the Finnish language and an overview of what to expect in their program. Trimester students will also receive an orientation prior to their return home. 

Extracurriculars

Finnish high schools generally do not offer extracurriculars. However, YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, and teams available in their communities!

Optional Excursions

Finnish programs also include the option to participate in optional trips and excursions at an additional cost:

Trip to Tallinn, Estonia: While in Finland, students may have the opportunity to travel to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, for a 2-night trip in the Fall. You will have a chance to explore the lovely medieval town in the midst of winter preparation and Christmas.

Language

Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Students must be fluent in English and are encouraged to have a minimum of 1 year of study in Finnish or Swedish. Must have a minimum of four years of English studies.