Contrary
to popular belief, Finland has relatively warm summers.
Finnish Lapland is home to the Midnight Sun, when the
sun doesn't set at all for two months! The snowy Finnish
winter provides an excellent opportunity for winter
sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey
throughout the country.
Finnish people identify strongly with
the beautiful nature that surrounds them. The blue and
white of the Finnish flag echo the thousands of lakes
and the lush winter snow. Although there are many urban
areas, you are never too far from green forests, bright
blue skies, and fresh air. Finns truly appreciate nature
as a source of tranquility and energy which brings balance
to their busy lifestyles.
Although both parents often work,
Finnish families get together on weekends to visit their
lakeside summer cottages or to watch and participate
in sports. The most popular sports are ice hockey, skiing,
soccer, and track and field. Young Finns are often given
quite a bit of freedom, but they also have a lot of
responsibility. Loyalty and reliability are essential
ingredients of Finnish families, and Finnish children
usually come and go by themselves, thanks to a safe
country and a good public transportation system.
Academic Programs
If you’re in Finland on a year or
semester program, you will attend lukio (high school).
You will pick your subjects from social sciences, mathematical
and computer-related studies, physical education, a
wide range of languages (including Finnish, Swedish,
German, French, Spanish, and Russian), as well as arts
and special courses. Interest in information technology
is at the top level in schools. Finnish schools have
many things to offer the exchange student, the schools
are modern and teaching methods are relaxed but effective.
For an additional fee, YFU students
in Finland for the year or spring semester may enjoy
a five-day trip in March to Lapland, the home of the
Sami people. On this adventure, you'll travel above
the Arctic Circle to go skiing and snowboarding and
to explore a new landscape and a completely different
culture. All year and semester students may enjoy a
cruise to Stockholm, Sweden or Tallinn, Estonia for
an additional fee.
All year and semester students receive
an orientation upon arrival which includes an introduction
to the Finnish language, as well as a local re-entry
orientation prior to departure. Year students also attend
a local mid-year orientation in January or February.
SOURCE:
YFU USA.
