At the end of January, Experience Workshop organised an Erasmus+ student mobility and teacher job shadowing of St Augustine’s Christian Primary and Secondary School in Fót, Hungary in Viitaniemi Lower Secondary School in Jyväskylä, Finland. This six-day program provided a unique opportunity for students and teachers to experience themselves in the Finnish education system and explore its innovative approaches to sustainability, health, and environmental consciousness.
Finnish School Life
One of the most striking differences was the emphasis on practical life skills in Finnish schools. At Viitaniemi, students participate in home economics classes, where they can learn about healthy diets and sustainable household and cooking. Craft classes include handicrafts and needlework, while woodwork classes encourage hands-on creativity and technical skills. These subjects reflect Finland’s holistic approach to education, which balances academic learning with practical, real-world skills.
We extend our thanks to Leena Kuorikoski and Anne Yliniemi from Viitaniemi Lower Secondary School for their warm hospitality and to all participants for making this exchange a great success.
Sustainability in Action
STEAM and Robotics: A Hands-On Learning Experience
To understand deeper the secrets of Finland’s world-class education system, the group participated in a STEAM workshop on robotics, organized by Dr. Kristóf Fenyvesi from Experience Workshop. Joined by their Finnish peers, the Hungarian students built controllable robots and tested their creations on agility courses and even in robot football matches. This hands-on activity not only promoted creativity and teamwork but also highlighted the importance of integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) into modern education.
Cultural Exploration and Finnish Traditions
Beyond the classroom, the program included cultural activities that showcased the rich heritage of Jyväskylä. The group visited the Alvar Aalto Museum and the Museum of Central Finland, where they learned about the city’s past and architectural legacy. A city tour took them to the frozen lakeside of the city and they learned about the strong educational history this city has.
The students also discovered Finland’s commitment to sustainability through its popular second-hand culture. Exploring local second-hand shops highlighted innovative ways to reduce waste and promote reuse.
No visit to Finland would be complete without experiencing its beloved traditions. The group enjoyed a wood-heated sauna, followed by the practice of rolling in the snow—a quintessential Finnish experience.
What do the teachers say about this experience:
“I gained valuable experience using e-books and learned about sustainability in practice.”
“The canteen system was impressive, with minimal waste and a strong focus on environmental awareness.”
“Finnish culture felt slightly different—people seemed more reserved but thoughtful in their everyday interactions.”
“I plan to share all materials, ideas, and approaches with my colleagues and incorporate more e-books and project-based learning into my teaching.”
“I aim to encourage teamwork and adopt a more nature-conscious lifestyle, like choosing carton-packaged foods over plastic.”
What do the students say about their experience:
“Finnish schools focus on teaching life skills and critical thinking, which was inspiring to see.”
“The 90-minute lessons, flexibility, and use of laptops for learning were impressive.”
“I loved how much freedom students had to decide what and when to study.”
“I made great friends with two teachers—we had deep, thought-provoking conversations.”
“I met some friendly people, but it required me to be brave and start conversations.”
“Finnish schools offer many important classes we don’t have in Hungary, and I learned to be more spontaneous and adaptable.”
“I met some friendly people, but it required me to be brave and start conversations.”
“I picked up some Finnish words and realized the importance of bravery and communication.”
“The most important thing I’m taking home is the inspiration from Finland’s education system, which teaches practical life skills and critical thinking.”
“The photos and memories from this trip are priceless—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sparked a love for traveling.”
“I’m bringing home positivity and hope, knowing that change is possible if we work toward it.”
“Experiencing Finnish culture, trying their delicious food, and going on adventures were highlights of the trip.””
The student group mobility, the teacher trainings and the job shadowing mobilities were realized in the frameworks of the Erasmus+ KA121 programme.
Would you like to participate in a similar educational program?
