Finland

Aino Sallinen-Kuparinen, a trailblazer in Finnish education, dedicated her career to promoting inclusive education for all students. Let's explore her life, contributions, and enduring impact on the educational landscape. photograph from: https://yle.fi/a/3-5873868 Early Years and Education: Born in Finland, Aino Sallinen-Kuparinen pursued her passion for education early in life. Her academic journey focused on pedagogy, laying the foundation for her future advocacy work. Championing Inclusion: Sallinen-Kuparinen was a fervent advocate for inclusive education, believing in the potential of every student regardless of ability. She worked tirelessly to create supportive and accepting learning environments. Innovative Teaching Methods: Her approach to teaching emphasized innovation and adaptation, using technology and personalized strategies to meet diverse student needs effectively. Policy Influence: Sallinen-Kuparinen's influence extended to policy circles, where she shaped ref...

 The Finland's school system has been for years among the world's best In Finland, kids spend less time in the classroom than an Australian childen (half of time), in fact, they are in school less hours than many countries in Europe even in the world, let's see: "In Finland, the amount of time students spend in school varies depending on their age. Generally, primary school students have about 20 hours of instruction per week, while secondary school students have around 30 hours. Additionally, Finnish schools emphasize a holistic approach to education, with a focus on student well-being and a balanced curriculum that includes ample time for outdoor activities and non-academic pursuits."   information taken from the social network Quora This capture has been taken from  https://www.oecd.org/publication/pisa-2022-results/country-notes/finland-6991e849/  an show us more information about the well being of Finland students. The materials as books, school lunches and...

The University of Helsinki, established in 1640, highlights its enduring academic heritage. With an impressive student body numbering around 80,000, it demonstrates a remarkable capacity to cater to a diverse range of learners. Offering 14 branches and 69 undergraduate programs, the university presents a considerable array of academic choices, though it doesn't boast the highest numbers in these categories. Despite this, its global ranking at 91 is noteworthy, indicating a robust international presence and academic renown. Particularly, the ELT program stands out as a specialized Master's program in English studies, setting it apart from other universities that may offer more general English language teaching courses. In contrast to universities situated in more populous urban centers, the University of Helsinki enjoys a location that is not labeled as crowded, potentially fostering a quieter and more focused learning atmosphere. Moreover, the annual cost of attendance ranges ...

          When it comes to English Language Teaching (ELT) education, Finland's commitment to excellence shines brightly on the global stage· Let's explore how Finland's approach to ELT education compares with that of several other countries, drawing from the data provided· Finland: A Pillar of Educational Innovation           Finland's University of Helsinki, established in 1640, exemplifies the nation's dedication to educational innovation· With approximately 80,000 students and a prestigious world ranking of 69th, its Master's program in English Studies stands as a testament to Finland's unwavering pursuit of academic excellence in ELT education· Finland's University of Helsinki is more dedicated to educational innovation than educational institutions in Argentina and Brazil. Striking Contrasts: Quality Overcrowding vs· Educational Overload           In contrast to countries like Argentina and B...

                    In the realm of education, Finland stands as a beacon of excellence, renowned for its innovative practices and exceptional outcomes· Central to its educational philosophy is the holistic approach to bilingualism, which permeates every level of the Finnish schooling system· As we delve into the depths of Finland's approach to bilingual education, we uncover a nuanced framework that not only cultivates linguistic proficiency but also fosters cognitive development, cultural appreciation, and social cohesion·           At the heart of the Finnish approach to bilingual education lies a commitment to equity and inclusivity· Unlike in many other countries where bilingual education is often seen as a remedial measure for linguistic minorities, Finland embraces bilingualism as a fundamental aspect of its national identity· From the early years of primary school, students are exposed to b...

          In the heart of the Nordic region lies Finland, a country celebrated for its pristine natural landscapes, innovative education system, and high quality of life· Yet, beneath these surface-level accolades lies a deeper cultural phenomenon that significantly shapes the Finnish worldview – its bilingualism·               Finland proudly boasts two official languages: Finnish and Swedish· While Finnish is the predominant language spoken by the majority of the population, Swedish holds significant cultural and historical importance, particularly in coastal areas and among the Swedish-speaking minority· This linguistic duality not only reflects Finland's complex history but also influences various aspects of Finnish society, from education and governance to cultural identity and social cohesion·            One of the most notable implications of Finland's bilingualism is its educatio...

In Finland, as any other country, there are certain cultural norms and customs that should be respected. Here are five things you should avoid to say or do in Finland. 1) You should not ignore personal space boundaries. As we talked about in another entrance, Finns value personal space and privacy more than many other countries. This habit is part of their identity and culture. During your visit you would not want to be the cause of discomfort for others, would you? 2) Do not assume everyone speaks English. Despite English has been a part of Finland's school curriculum for several decades now, it is rude to approach a person and immediately speak English. At least you should ask  in Finnish,   ‘Puhutko Englantia?’   (Do you speak English?), before starting a conversation.  3) Do not cover up in the sauna. Going to the sauna is a very popular Finnish cultural custom, and visitors are always invited. However, the cultural difference about nudity often makes visitors...

          Welcome to the land of a thousand lakes, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage – Finland· Whether you're drawn to the serenity of its pristine wilderness, the warmth of its sauna culture, or the allure of its bustling urban centers, Finland offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler· However, planning a trip to this Nordic gem requires careful consideration and preparation· In this guide, we'll explore the essential resources and advice you need to make the most of your journey through Finland's enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture·           Research the Best Time to Visit: You must determine the optimal time to visit Finland to experience its unique seasonal attractions, such as the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer·           Book Accommodations in Advance: You have to secure your accommodations well in advance, especially during p...

          Finland, with its breathtaking nature, rich history, and unique cultural quirks, is a fascinating destination for any traveler· However, adjusting to Finnish life can be a challenge for many· Here, we'll explore some of the unique features of Finnish culture and how to adapt to them easily· 1· The Sauna: More Than Just a Tradition           One of the most iconic aspects of Finnish culture is their love for saunas· For Finns, the sauna is not only a place to relax but also an important social space· For those not accustomed to this practice, it may take time to get used to sitting in the heat and steam, but soon you'll find yourself enjoying its health and wellness benefits· 2· The Climate: Embracing the Four Seasons           Finland experiences all seasons distinctly, from warm summer days to cold snowy winters· For those coming from milder climates, getting used to the long dark winter...

What is happening right now? - Economic Challenges: Finland is experiencing an economic recession, with a contraction in GDP expected to be 0.5% in 2023 and 0.2% in 2024. The economic downturn is widespread, affecting various sectors. - Labor Movements: There have been recent announcements of strikes by the Finnish Industrial Union, indicating ongoing labor disputes and actions. A one-day strike is planned for early April, involving around 4,300 industrial workers across 56 workplaces. - Social Issues: Despite many campaigns and the high inflation, food waste has not decreased in Finland. The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) has urged households to make better use of leftovers to reduce food waste, which has remained unchanged since 2016. - Transportation: Helsinki is implementing new parking guidelines for electric scooters and shared bicycles, particularly focusing on areas outside the city center, around metro and train stations, starting March 28, 2024. - Political Climat...

Lots of customs in Finland Finns are used to enjoying the outdoors, regardless of the season. They are used to seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland, foraging for cloudberries in the wild, and engaging in winter sports like skiing. They also get used to spending time at summer cottages and experiencing saunas, which are integral parts of Finnish culture. Also, Finns are used to celebrating their festivals with a blend of pagan customs and Christianity, like the unique traditions they follow during Christmas and Easter. Second, they are used to appreciating the arts, especially the influence of 'The Kalevala', their national epic, on their national identity and literature. Moreover, finns are used to engaging in various sports, as staying active is a significant part of their culture. They are used to skiing, skating, and doing hockey in winter, and hiking, cycling, and kayaking in summer. Next, they are used to valuing egalitarianism, with a society that promotes liberalism and...

           In the vast and mystical landscapes of Finland, where dense forests meet shimmering lakes and the northern lights dance across the sky, lies a treasure trove of folklore that has been woven into the fabric of Finnish culture for centuries· From ancient myths and legends to colorful tales of supernatural beings, Finland's folklore reflects the deep connection between its people and the natural world· As we immerse ourselves in Finland's enigmatic folklore, we uncover a rich tapestry of stories, beliefs, and traditions that offer profound insights into the country's cultural heritage and collective imagination·             At the heart of Finnish folklore are stories that capture the essence of the wilderness – vast, untamed, and teeming with life· Central to these tales are the spirits of the forest known as "metsänväki," or the dwellers of the woods· These elusive beings, often depicted as guardians of natu...

Customs, traditions and habits: - Finns often value personal space and privacy, which is reflected in their communication style that usually favors directness and honesty. - Saunas are incredibly popular in Finland; almost every Finnish home has a sauna, and people typically enjoy it at least once a week. - Finns traditionally celebrate Midsummer, or "Juhannus", which marks the start of summer holidays and includes bonfires and time spent near lakes or the sea. - Coffee holds a special place in Finnish culture. Finns drink coffee multiple times a day and enjoy it especially during breaks at work or social gatherings. - In terms of food, Finns commonly eat rye bread, and dishes like Karelian pasties and Finnish meatballs are frequently found on their tables. In this image we can see the most common pastie made of egg, flour and potato. Written by: Juan David Gutiérrez Sierra