In this article we will talk about education in Finland and its features. You will also learn how a Russian can become a Finnish student and how best to do it.
Preschool education
Every child in Finland is treated as a complete and completely independent person. That is why every citizen receives a passport immediately after birth. From the age of nine months, a child has the right to a nursery and even a round-the-clock visit to a kindergarten if one of the parents, for example, works the night shift. Much attention in preschool institutions is paid to the he alth of the child, so children walk a lot and play outdoor games. There are several types of kindergartens in Finland:
- State.
- Private - usually in such gardens a certain program is chosen (Montessori, Waldorf Garden) and all children's activities are built in accordance with it.
- Private-municipal - in this case, the costs (or kindergarten fees) are covered by the state.
- Family Kindergarten - children are supervised in a private house or apartment. Organizers are required to fulfill a number of conditions. For example, organizeimported food or hire a cook, provide supervision for children - up to three years old, there can be only four children per adult.
From the age of six to seven, children begin to prepare for school. Moreover, it is their right, not a duty. Compulsory education begins the year a child turns seven.
Finnish school
Statistics says that Finnish students have high results in many school subjects, but spend very little time studying. Here are some interesting facts that demonstrate the veracity of the last statement:
- Children don't get grades until third grade.
- Exams in schools are optional.
- The child can decide for himself whether he needs the knowledge that is given in the lesson. If not, then he has the right to do something else.
- It's not a shame to stay for the second year.
For all that, the discipline at the local school is quite tough. Each child has an electronic diary in which comments are made by a teacher, he alth worker or psychologist. Parents can control the child, know about his affairs and whereabouts. The child makes up for each missed lesson - he can attend the classes of the class indicated by the teacher.
Education in Finland is based on the principle of equality. So, every school in the country has the same equipment and financial support. The institutions do not have classes for the "stupid" and "gifted", "handicapped" or "children with mental retardation". Generally,they try to include children with physical disabilities as early as possible in the children's team and adapt to ordinary life. "Ordinary" children also do not see much difference between themselves. Perhaps that is why parents choose a school that is closer to home, do not seek to get to any particular teacher and do not take their children to tutors.
I would like to discuss Finnish teachers separately, as in this matter the Finns stand out from other countries. For example, each teacher has an assistant in the class, receives a high salary (5,000 euros per month), but they sign an employment contract with him for only one academic year - from August to May. Teachers in this country work quietly, no one torments them with checks and paper reports. But they are happy to help students in their personal time, pulling up those who are lagging behind in some subjects.
Equality applies to Finnish schools and students. So, it is not customary here to collect questionnaires with data on the place of work of parents or to be interested in family income. Children are not accustomed to being singled out, labeled as a favorite or a klutz. On the contrary, in every child they try to highlight the talents and develop them. The teacher of the future (this is such a profession) studies the inclinations of students with the help of tests and oral conversations. And there is no shame in the fact that someone is more interested in the profession of a bus driver than the prospect of becoming an influential banker. As they say, all professions are needed…
Studying in Finland is not limited to standard arithmetic or writing lessons. On the contrary, it is very practical and direct.associated with living conditions. For example, each student knows how to calculate taxes, sum up discounts and understand the conditions of the promotion. Children also learn how to write resumes, make presentations and use the Internet. Even for the exam, students bring reference books and tablets. It is considered important here not to memorize dates, but to be able to find the information you need.
Secondary education
After nine compulsory classes, at the age of 16, children must choose a further path - vocational education or study at a higher school (an analogue of our lyceum). In the first case, a graduate after graduation can go to work or continue to receive education at the University of Applied Sciences. In the second case, he will choose the university that suits him best. Moreover, the decision made may not be final, and there are cases when, after lyceum, a student chooses a completely different specialization. To enter the lyceum, the student must pass a rather difficult exam in high school. In the last years of education, children can independently choose the core subjects and the degree of their study. So, a future student of the Faculty of Mathematics will most likely choose in-depth lessons in the exact sciences.
Higher education in Finland
The country's universities are famous and popular among students from all over the world. It is not surprising that many young people dream of getting here. In order to enter the University of Finland, you need a certificate of completed school education and fairly high grades. Additional termsfor applicants, each university sets its own. Education in the country is free, even for foreign citizens. The only condition is the payment of membership fees or payment for teaching aids. All universities are divided into universities and polytechnic institutes. Here you can get not only the usual bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees, but also an intermediate between the latter - a licentiate. University students should be prepared for the fact that serious scientific work awaits them, huge lists of references, term papers and laboratory research. The University of Applied Sciences attracts those who want to immediately start working after their studies. Often, this educational institution offers part-time education, since many students are already employed in enterprises and firms.
For international students
Education in Finland for Russian students is still quite affordable and completely free of charge (with the exception of mandatory contributions for all, which we wrote about above). To fulfill his dream, the applicant must prepare a package of documents, which include a certificate confirming graduation from school with fairly high marks. In addition, the prospective student should have an amount on his account that will cover his current expenses for several months in advance. However, the availability of work can be taken into account by the university management (but it should be remembered that a student can spend only 25 hours a week on part-time work during study hours). If you want to get an education in Finland, then you need to know at a basic levelone of three languages – Finnish, Swedish or English. However, English is enough for the first time, and the state language of the country can be mastered at free courses.
Language schools
Finnish is known to be one of the most difficult languages in the world. But if you know one of the Finno-Ugric languages (for example, Udmurt), then the task will be greatly simplified. If not, but you still decide to learn Finnish, then you will immediately face several problems. First of all, in this country there are practically no language schools for foreign citizens. Recruitment for learning Finnish from scratch is held several times a year at certain times, and for businessmen it is difficult to find corporate courses. But the method of full immersion works best when the student lives at the home of his mentor. In this case, he not only learns the language, but also gets acquainted with the way and traditions of this country.
In recent years, many Russians have begun to travel to other countries in order to learn English. However, Finland practically does not practice such experiments. Most school camps are organized by Russian companies for Russian children. Students do not show high results because they communicate with each other, and most teachers are not native speakers. But for students, attending a summer language camp can do a good job. Firstly, it will be possible to deepen existing knowledge, and secondly, to improve your English. But it should be remembered that the trip will be productive only if the student already knows the language enoughgood.
Abo
This ancient academy is located in the student city of Turku and is the second largest educational institution here. Many students who decide to study abroad choose this university, as English language programs have been successfully introduced here for many years. Another feature of the academy is that the main language of instruction here is Swedish. That is why the Abo Academy is so popular among Scandinavian students, who, by the way, take a mandatory language exam. Every year the university accepts about 600 foreign students. Like other universities in Finland, Abo teaches their pets for free.
Helsinki
This educational institution, founded in the middle of the 17th century, enjoys great prestige in Europe. The University of Helsinki offers its students a wide range of disciplines and a course of study in the Bologna system. Among the most famous graduates of this university are several presidents of the country, Nobel laureates and the creator of the Linux system. Upon admission, applicants choose one of eleven faculties (each of which includes several departments). Later, they will settle on the campus, where, in addition to hostels, there are cafes, sports complexes, language schools and many places for a relaxing holiday. The pride of Helsinki is the National Library of Finland and the University Museum. Foreign students can start their studies after passing the exam, interview and submission of a motivation letter. It should not be forgotten thatthe competition for admission is always high, as the management is used to working only with the best students.
A alto
As in other Finnish universities, A alto University has gathered within its walls a variety of faculties. Here you can get an education as a designer, become an architect, learn how to manage a business or plunge headlong into new technologies. More than 20 thousand students study at the university, 11 percent of which are foreigners. Young people are attracted here by the opportunity to connect different disciplines and interact with different sciences. Their mentors believe that only in this way can the innovation that is so necessary in every field of activity be possible.
University of Eastern Finland
This large scientific institution is considered one of the best in the country. More than 15,000 students study here and about 3,000 teachers work here. UVF offers applicants a choice of 100 speci alties, a constantly evolving modern learning environment and comfortable living conditions. Interestingly, this educational institution appeared only in 2010, when the University of Joensuu was merged with the University of Kuopio.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is the dream of many Russian students and their parents. If you decide to enter a Finnish university, then you can be congratulated on the right choice. First of all, you will receive a quality education that is highly valued all over the world. Secondly, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in a new language environment, learn several languagesor improve existing knowledge. Another important point - you will find yourself in living conditions that are not too different from Russian ones. A similar mentality and similar climatic conditions will help to adapt to a new life. If we add to all of the above free education, not too high prices and the possibility of employment in a good company, then a rather attractive picture emerges. However, do not forget that getting an education in Finland is not easy. To do this, you will have to pass rather difficult exams, present a diploma of secondary education with high marks and prove your financial viability. It is also necessary to know enough English or Finnish. If you have all the indicated papers and knowledge, then you can safely apply to any university you like.
