Experience what Finland’s reputed school system has to offer, and discover the beauty of Nordic nature and its four seasons. Immerse yourself in Finnish culture and language!
AFS students come to Finland from all over the world to discover our reputed education system, and to experience our four seasons and the possibilities they offer. Winter sports like skiing and skating are popular in Finland, and during the warmer months many take advantage of the possibility to cycle and to play sports outside.
AFS students live with host families and get to know Finnish culture, traditions and language (in a few cases, the Swedish language) firsthand. Students attend local high schools and most students have a chance to attend a formal ball/prom in February. Finnish high schools have a broad selection of courses to choose from, ranging from languages and humanities to sciences and arts. While Finnish schools generally do not have many extracurricular activities, AFSers may find hobbies in organized sports clubs and the like.
Language Level Needed Upon Arrival: Medium English. No Finnish language proficiency is needed upon arrival. Average English skills are required, but more important is a strong motivation to learn Finnish or Swedish (depending on placement). AFS Finland covers some of the cost of Finnish/Swedish language material and/or course (where available) for students, and motivated students will find themselves being able to use a new language by the end of the year.