Finland Education (K-12) Comprehensive School Study Tour
Explore Finland's K-12 Educational Tours:
A Gateway to Innovation and Excellence in Learning
The Finnish education system has long been revered as one of the best in the world, and for good reason. Its unique approach to teaching and learning, characterized by a student-centered focus, innovative methods, and a commitment to equity, has consistently placed Finland at the forefront of global education rankings. Now, with CCE Finland's K-12 educational tours, educators, students, and school leaders from around the world have the opportunity to experience firsthand the elements that make Finland’s education system so extraordinary.
These tailored tours are designed to provide an immersive experience into Finland’s educational landscape. Whether you are an educator seeking new teaching strategies, a school leader looking for inspiration on how to enhance school culture, or a student curious about global learning environments, the K-12 tours offer valuable insights and transformative experiences that can reshape your educational perspectives.
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I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your carefully thought out training program - the visit was very worthwhile and gave us many things to consider. Visiting the schools and the conference was very interesting and educational for us, and we would like to thank everyone for their time in ensuring such a beneficial experience for us.
Best wishes
Anwen Pughe Jones
Powys, UK
Welcome to a country where students are stress-free with minimal exams and homework, teaching is a highly respected profession and kids start their school, not before the age of 7. Finland’s teachers have kept the nation near the top of the influential Pisa performance rankings since they were first published in 2001. Let's try to uncover the layers of secrecy with hands-on experiences, interactions, and visits to the schools.
Council for Creative Education (CCE) Finland is organizing a dedicated training cum workshop program on Finnish Education Model for International educators who are interested to know the secrets of the successful Finnish education system.
Who should attend?
The program is meant for school principals, management, administrators, educators, trainers & senior teachers who are looking for implementing changes for a better education.
Focus Areas
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To understand the Finnish education system and its working with practical examples and workshops by Finnish and international teachers / Educators
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Practical experience and class observations in Finnish Schools
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Interactions with teachers, principals, support staff
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Hands-on experience with various creative methods and activities in an actual Finnish classroom through workshops
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Phenomenon-based learning and inquiry-based Projects
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How to use ICT Tools creatively in the classroom as a teacher
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Vocational Education and Onsite Visits in Finland
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State-of-art Teachers Education
Highlights of the tour
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Interaction with Internationally Acclaimed educators who were in the foundation of making Finnish education model.
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First-hand experience of the international education system and direct links with schools and pupils which would last a lifetime.
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With the emphasis on how they have developed the solutions to the problems faced and how those could be implemented in the local context- designing the action plan.
Kindly use payment option below where you can securely make payment with International Credit Card.
Special Programs 2025
Winter wonderland
09 - 14 Feb 2025
Northern lights tour
16 - 21 Mar 2025
For both the tours above CCE team shall take you
for northern lights hunting!
12th Symposium residential program
4 - 9 May 2025
Programs in Autumn 2025
31 Aug - 5 Sep 2025
14 - 19 Sep 2025
28 Sep - 3 Oct 2025
Tour Program
Online Payment
Fees
Early bird offer is open till 2 months before the tour date
HURRY UP! LIMITED SEATS!
Group Discount
For a group of 5 or more, kindly contact us at info@ccefinland.org
Inclusion in fees :
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Workshops and school visit coordination fees
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Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Coffee
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Transport for visiting the local schools
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Faculty fee, course materials, stationery.
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Visa Assistance (Invitation letter)
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Online LMS access to CCE's Google Classroom
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Accommodation (twin sharing) for 5 Nights & 6 Days
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Accommodation - Single Occupancy - 400 € extra
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Accommodation - Premium Single Occupancy - 500 € extra
Exclusion in fees:
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Airfare, Visa, Travel Insurance
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Transportation from the airport to the hotel on the first day and from hotel to airport on the last day
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Visa Processing
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Anything which is not mentioned under “Inclusion in registration fees”.
Details For Online Bank Transfer (International)
Account Name :
CCE FINLAND OY
Account Number :
FI 41 1146 3001 1433 92
BIC / SWIFT : NDEAFIHH
Bank : Nordea
Currency : EURO
Beneficiary Address: Maijalankatu 9 E 18, 33720, Tampere, FINLAND
Beneficiary Bank Address: Insinoorinkatu 23, 33720, Tampere, FINLAND
To know more call:
+358504839418 (Finland)
Kindly Note:
Before making the payment, kindly fill out the registration form. Filling up a registration form is the first mandatory step to reserve your seat for the tour.
Early bird price ends 2 months before the Tour Start Date. Example: For the tour starting on 10th April 2024, early bird closed on 10th February 2024. So, choose an appropriate payment option.
NOTE:
Finland and CCE do not claim to show the best teachers, best schools or best teaching methods in this program, as in Finland, there is no selective approach. Education is learner-centered. The teachers do their best to make learning better. You will get to see what is actually happening in the classroom. We can not guarantee a school visit to a particular school as it is the school's decision if they want to take any visitors on a particular day.
The detailed schedule with time and options for school visits will be declared two weeks prior to the tour and will be sent to the confirmed registered participants.
CCE reserves the right to change the program depending on the batch size of the participants.
Faculty Profile
Kari Louhivuori
Head, Pedagogy Leadership at CCE Finland
Veteran teacher and ex-Principal of Kirkkojarvi School, Espoo who have been instrumental in developing Finnish learning experiences since the 1970s. Throughout his career, Kari strongly emphasized on the collaborative developments of schools and organic educational leadership. Kirkkojärvi School got a new building in 2010. Kari worked in close collaboration with Verstas Architects in the planning of the prize-winning school building. Before you meet Kari, just read an interesting article featuring him: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/why-are-finlands-schools-successful-49859555/
Currently, Kari consults schools, universities, and educators across the globe as CCE's pedagogical coach.
Heramb Kulkarni
Head, ICT Development, and Strategy - CCE Finland
Speaker and trainer on EduTech, collaborative learning, and innovation across 12 countries. Trained more than 14000+ teachers, Educators, leaders on strategy and ICT innovations Research. Heramb consults many governments and large organizations across 3 continents, Europe, Asia and Africa within key countries like Denmark, USA, Bahrain and Indian states like Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. His research areas are educational technology and creativity, global education reforms and collaborative innovations. As an educator, social entrepreneur and technology wizard, he is on the advisory board of many educational institutes and innovative start-ups across Europe and India. He has held leadership positions across large MNCs like Nokia, Lucent Technologies, Skyworks and Accenture with vast experience in technology, architecture and software development domain.
Marja Suurla
Director at CCE Finland
International trainer and researcher for Education and learning through paintings. She has been visiting different countries to make teachers aware of the teaching through drawing and painting, mainly the form painting. Follows Waldorf pedagogy and teacher from Steiner School, Tampere. She is an expert teacher of arts and paintings for 30+ years and has participated in many international exhibitions with her students.
Shirin Kulkarni
Research Director at CCE Finland
Shirin Kulkarni is the Founder and Research Director of the Creative Education Council (CCE) Finland. With over 20 years of experience in creativity in education and educational psychology, she is a leading expert in developing innovative teaching methodologies and teacher training programs.
Shirin has trained more than 12,000 teachers worldwide, equipping them with creative techniques inspired by Finland’s world-renowned education system. She is currently conducting a comparative study of the Indian and Finnish education systems, providing insights into how creativity enhances learning across diverse cultural contexts.
Nelli Louhivuori
Finnish Pedagogy Expert
Nelli is a professional trainer and teacher (MEd) from Finland. She has specialized in elementary school education and has worked as a classroom teacher and an Italian language teacher in Finland. She has co-taught and trained Finnish elementary school teachers to use co-teaching in their work. She is currently working with CCE Finland to design schools across 3 continents.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between education tour and symposium arranged by CCE?
The Finland education tour focuses on the Finnish education model and specially designed to make the participants aware of as many aspects of Finnish education system as possible. The symposium is generally for 4 or 5 days, out of which first two days are dedicated to the Finnish education model and last two days are reserved for the international paper presentations on creativity in education. So there is more scope for discussion on creative education. One can listen to various studies going on in different parts of the world about creativity.
2. Where do we start from?
All participants are required to CHECK IN on Sunday evening at Tampere/ Helsinki hotel.
3. Where will we be staying in Finland?
The participants shall be accommodated in popular hotels in Helsinki and Tampere. Hotels in the range of 120 to 180 Euro per night (breakfast included), are being considered. All hotels are 4 Stars category.
4. What is the duration of this training?
The training shall consist of 5 nights & 6 days in Finland. Of these, 5 days shall be for official visits to schools and other institutions and workshops. Participants will be free to explore Helsinki, Tampere and other places of interest nearby during free time.
5. Does the fee include payment for meals too?
Breakfasts are included in the hotel charges. Lunches and snacks will be served on all 5 days of official visits as per the schedule. Dinners are not provided so that the participants can explore the local cuisine.
7. What about visa processing?
CCE will send the necessary documents to the participants like invitation letters but the participants need to arrange their own visa.
8. What if I confirm and drop out? Will I be given a refund of the fee?
Refunds are subject to the cancellation policies of the travel agency and the hotel partners. The refund policy is as follows: a. Less than 30 days prior to the trip - No refund under any circumstances (e.g. rejection of visa) b. Less than 90 days but more than 30 days - 50% of the cost will be refunded. More than 90 days to trip - 80% of the cost will be refunded
9. What are some of the key dates?
Last date for sending the registration form and paying full training fee - 1 month before tour starts
Last date for sending all the documents for Visa and Ticketing - 1 month before tour starts
Important: Visa Application - To ensure timely processing and avoid delays, we recommend applying for your Schengen visa well in advance, in accordance with the visa office guidelines of the respective country. For detailed information about Schengen visas, you can visit the official Schengen Visa Information website: https://www.schengenvisainfo.com and Schengen Visa - Europe Short Stay Visa Types and Application (visaguide.world)
Applications should take around 15 days but can take up to 30 days to process, especially during busy periods. However, it may take up to 60 days in complex cases or if there is a backlog of applications - so apply early.
* Schengen Visa may take longer to complete the process - up to 30 working days. You will get more information about Schengen Visa via this link - Schengen Visa - Europe Short Stay Visa Types and Application (visaguide.world)
Fees, Registration and Payment
How can I get a VAT exemption? What kind of document is needed?
For VAT exemption, you need to register as a representative/employee of a company or organization. At the end of the registration process, it is required to attach that company’s or organization’s tax certificate, trade register extract, or similar from your country.
How much would a customized visit program or study tour cost per participant?
The most crucial factor is the number of participants. As approximately 95% of the study tour expenses are fixed (fees to the schools, experts, host, transportation, renting the venue, etc.), the total cost is very similar for 10 or 30 participants. The best way to have a low price per participant is to gather a big group. When you know the number of participants, we can give you an exact price. Alternatively, if you don’t know the number yet, we can provide you with a cost per participant, but always with a minimum number of attendees.
What if I get sick and cannot travel?
You can substitute someone else from the same organization by sending us a notification ASAP. Alternatively, You can get a 100% voucher to attend any other CCE Finland’s events or visit programs later. However, we recommend that you get insurance to cover the possible loss of plane tickets, accommodation, and our fees.
I need a visa to travel to Finland. Could you write me an invitation letter?
CCE Finland will write invitation letters only after the full payment. In case the participant cannot get a visa and sends evidence about the rejected visa application, CCE Finland will refund the paid amount. However, 100 euros (excl. VAT) will be deducted as an administrative fee.
Phase 2: Preparation - Creative Observation Coordination and Documentation
Coordination and Planning:
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CCE coordinates Creative observation dates.
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Guides the preparation of necessary documents.
360-Degree Evaluation Implementation:
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Conduct a comprehensive 360-degree evaluation.
On-Site Visit Facilitation:
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CCE leads on-site audit.
Duration: 4-6 Weeks
Important Note: For international institutions, this combines Phases 2 and 3. A team of CCE Accreditation specai, focusing on statutory compliance, quality research, management, and student support, conducts a thorough 2-3 day visit. Discussions with the principal and key staff lay the groundwork for the next phase.
Institution Action Items:
Create a concise document outlining your institution's integration of Finnish core values:
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Teacher autonomy
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Shared Leadership
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Developing student agency
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Parent Partnership
Phase 3: Verification - Decision and Feedback
Decision Making:
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Based on audit findings, decisions are made.
Accreditation Award:
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If aligned with standards, accreditation is awarded.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
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Feedback provided for further enhancements.
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Ongoing adherence to CCE guidance for continuous improvements.
Duration: 8 Weeks
Important Note:
Building on the insights from Phase 2, the final visit solidifies the accreditation process. Discussions with the principal and administrative staff, along with an examination of timetables and class schedules, ensure a comprehensive assessment. The success of this phase relies on the institution's proactive engagement and transparency. Open communication, readiness to share relevant information, and a commitment to continuous improvement are crucial aspects during the on-site audit.
Institution Action Item:
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Completion of Phase 2, Engagement with Finnish education experts
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Facilitating On-Site Evaluation
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Ensuring Standards Compliance
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Active Participation
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Administrative & Leadership Availability
Decision - Recognition & Accreditation
Each decision outcome is carefully considered, reflecting the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of Finnish education
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Accreditation:
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Description: Awarded when an institution demonstrates substantial alignment with CCE Finland's standards, with identified areas for further attention or improvement.
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Duration: Granted for a total period not exceeding 24 months, contingent on the occurrence of the Phase 3 completion.
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Fee Implication: The Initial Annual Accreditation Fee is valid for 24 months and yearly renewal becomes payable upon quality audit at that point in time.
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Accreditation with Conditions:
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Description: Occurs when weaknesses or concerns are identified, and CCE Finland specifies conditions for full accreditation.
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Timeline: The institution is given a three-month period to satisfy specified conditions.
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Next Steps: Upon meeting conditions, the institution submits evidence, and the Committee reconvenes to decide on Interim Accreditation.
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Refusal of Accreditation:
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Description: Issued when significant shortcomings indicate a misalignment with CCE Finland's standards.
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Right of Appeal: The institution has the right to appeal within 12 months of this refusal.
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Appeal Process: The institution can present additional evidence or address concerns raised during the refusal decision. The committee reconsiders the decision based on provided information.
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Listing on CCE Finland Website: All accredited institutions will be proudly featured on the CCE Finland website, with their accreditation status clearly displayed.
Accreditation Expert Commitee
By joining our community of accredited institutions, you become a vital part of this dynamic process, where knowledge is not just acquired but forged, where ideas are not simply taught but explored, and where students are not only learners but visionaries of tomorrow. Embarking on a journey of research-driven excellence opens doors to transformative education, paving the way for innovation and exceptional learning experiences.
We invite you to take this significant step towards accreditation, embracing a commitment to excellence that echoes through generations. To begin this transformative journey, you have two options for online application as listed below.
Whichever path you choose, rest assured that you are embarking on a bold stride towards educational excellence. Your institution's impact will resonate for years to come within our network of forward-thinking educators and organizations committed to shaping a brighter future.
[Option 1: School Institution Application] - Streamline the process with our dedicated online application portal designed specifically for educational institutions. This user-friendly platform ensures efficiency and ease, guiding you through the accreditation process seamlessly.
[Option 2: Organization Application] - Organizations seeking accreditation can also take advantage of our online application portal. Our team of accreditation specialists stands ready to provide personalized support, assisting you every step of the way.
Phase 2: Preparation - Creative Observation Coordination and Documentation
Coordination and Planning:
-
CCE coordinates Creative observation dates.
-
Guides the preparation of necessary documents.
360-Degree Evaluation Implementation:
-
Conduct a comprehensive 360-degree evaluation.
On-Site Visit Facilitation:
-
CCE leads on-site audit.
Duration: 4-6 Weeks
Important Note: For international institutions, this combines Phases 2 and 3. A team of CCE Accreditation specai, focusing on statutory compliance, quality research, management, and student support, conducts a thorough 2-3 day visit. Discussions with the principal and key staff lay the groundwork for the next phase.
Institution Action Items:
Create a concise document outlining your institution's integration of Finnish core values:
-
Teacher autonomy
-
Shared Leadership
-
Developing student agency
-
Parent Partnership
Phase 3: Verification - Decision and Feedback
Decision Making:
-
Based on audit findings, decisions are made.
Accreditation Award:
-
If aligned with standards, accreditation is awarded.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
-
Feedback provided for further enhancements.
-
Ongoing adherence to CCE guidance for continuous improvements.
Duration: 8 Weeks
Important Note:
Building on the insights from Phase 2, the final visit solidifies the accreditation process. Discussions with the principal and administrative staff, along with an examination of timetables and class schedules, ensure a comprehensive assessment. The success of this phase relies on the institution's proactive engagement and transparency. Open communication, readiness to share relevant information, and a commitment to continuous improvement are crucial aspects during the on-site audit.
Institution Action Item:
-
Completion of Phase 2, Engagement with Finnish education experts
-
Facilitating On-Site Evaluation
-
Ensuring Standards Compliance
-
Active Participation
-
Administrative & Leadership Availability
Decision - Recognition & Accreditation
Each decision outcome is carefully considered, reflecting the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of Finnish education
-
Accreditation:
-
Description: Awarded when an institution demonstrates substantial alignment with CCE Finland's standards, with identified areas for further attention or improvement.
-
Duration: Granted for a total period not exceeding 24 months, contingent on the occurrence of the Phase 3 completion.
-
Fee Implication: The Initial Annual Accreditation Fee is valid for 24 months and yearly renewal becomes payable upon quality audit at that point in time.
-
-
Accreditation with Conditions:
-
Description: Occurs when weaknesses or concerns are identified, and CCE Finland specifies conditions for full accreditation.
-
Timeline: The institution is given a three-month period to satisfy specified conditions.
-
Next Steps: Upon meeting conditions, the institution submits evidence, and the Committee reconvenes to decide on Interim Accreditation.
-
-
Refusal of Accreditation:
-
Description: Issued when significant shortcomings indicate a misalignment with CCE Finland's standards.
-
Right of Appeal: The institution has the right to appeal within 12 months of this refusal.
-
Appeal Process: The institution can present additional evidence or address concerns raised during the refusal decision. The committee reconsiders the decision based on provided information.
-
-
Listing on CCE Finland Website: All accredited institutions will be proudly featured on the CCE Finland website, with their accreditation status clearly displayed.
Accreditation Expert Commitee