On November 11th ten students and four teachers from Budapest (Hungary) travelled to Jyväskylä for a six-day Erasmus+ mobility to explore Finnish education, with a special emphasis on digital learning.
A group of ten students from Csontváry Kosztka Tivadar Primary School in Budapest, Hungary, along with three job shadowing teachers and one accompanying teacher, participated in a six-day Erasmus+ blended mobility to Jyväskylä, Finland. The mobility, organised by Experience Workshop, showed the participants the Finnish education system, with a particular focus on digital learning.
A Day in the Life of a Finnish Student
The visiting group was greeted with open arms at Kuokkala Comprehensive School. Local Finnish students, acting as dedicated guides, ensured a smooth integration for their international peers. This supportive environment not only helped the Hungarian students feel at home but also helped to develop friendships that will last a lifetime. Some students are already planning summer reunions in Hungary!
The visiting students were integrated into the daily routine of Kuokkala Comprehensive School. They attended a variety of classes, from mathematics to arts and crafts, alongside their Finnish peers. This firsthand experience allowed them to observe Finnish teaching methods, classroom dynamics, and the use of technology in education.
One of the primary goals of this mobility was to explore the digital aspects of Finnish education. The Hungarian visitors were amazed by the extensive use of technology in Finnish schools. They witnessed interactive lessons, digital tools, and online resources that enhanced the learning experience.
The mobility concluded with a cooking class organised by students of Kuokkala Comprehensive School, where the group learned to bake traditional Finnish cinnamon buns. This hands-on experience allowed them to connect with Finnish culture on a deeper level.
Cultural Activities Outside of the Classroom
To complement their academic experience, the visiting group participated in various cultural activities. They enjoyed a guided city tour of Jyväskylä, discovering its unique architecture and historical sites. A visit to a Finnish nature trail provided the opportunity to try traditional Finnish grilling by a lake which was a memorable experience.
The highlight of the cultural program was a traditional Finnish sauna experience. Some brave participants even ventured into an ice bath afterwards.
This Erasmus+ mobility provided an invaluable opportunity for students and teachers to broaden their horizons, learn from different educational approaches, and create lasting memories.
Feedback by students
“The students and the teachers are very kind, nice, and helpful.”
“I liked 2 things! First one was when we went to the bridge which changed colors, and second one was when we went to the sauna, jacuzzi, and the ice bath.”
“They have a well-equipped school, full of places to rest.”
“I’ve learned to talk English real-time a lot, I’ve learned to socialize a lot more.”
“I learned to be more open and ask some questions.”
“The whole mobility was great, I really enjoyed the programs, the walk around Jyväskylä.”
“I understand now that we need to value cultures and natural beauty more than we do so.”
“The entire Finnish school was really well equipped with the necessary equipment. Every classroom had at least 1-2 giant screen displays, equipment relating to their current lesson, and more.”
Feedback by teachers
“I was impressed by the calm and effective way the teachers handled student challenges. I plan to incorporate some of these strategies into my own classroom.”
“The writing lessons were particularly inspiring. I’m excited to try some of the tasks with my students to see how they respond.”
“I’ve gained valuable insights into different teaching methods and approaches. I’m looking forward to sharing these with my colleagues and implementing them in my own practice.”
“The teachers were welcoming and open to sharing their experiences. Their insights have already inspired me to plan more group projects for my students.”
Photo credits: Nóra Somlyódy, Ashen Wijayarathna, teachers and students of Csontváry Kosztka Tivadar Primary School
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?
info@experienceworkshop.org
+358452560420
