PROGRAM

This is a preliminary program. There will be small changes as we confirm next year’s speakers and add new elements. 

Friday 23

10:00 – 19:00 Participating in Educa event (English program). You can join an optional Educa School Visit.

Saturday 24

10:00 – 17:00 Educa continues (English program)

Traveling to Rovaniemi (according to individual flight options). Recommended visit before going to Rovaniemi: Oodi Library.

NOTE! Educa program will be streamed so you can also fly directly to Rovaniemi without missing the presentations.

Sunday 25

08:30 – 09:00 Registration at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

09:00 – 09:45  Conference opening, 

09:45 – 10:15 Educa event reflections

10:15 – 10:30 Coffee break

10:30 – 11:00 Module A: Introduction to Finnish pre-education & care

11:00 – 11:30 Module B: Introduction to primary & secondary education (including special education), Ms. Tuovi Ronkainen

12:30 – 17:30 Visiting Santa Claus Village; includes an optional ride in Husky Park

19:00 – 22:00 Ice Restaurant Dinner Experience (opens soon) (optional)

Monday 26

08:30 – 13:00 School visits (including lunch)

• Daycare / Kindergarten
• Primary & lower secondary school
• Teacher Training School (only 20 seats available!)

13:00 – 14:30 Outdoor activities/ participants’ recess

14:45 Coffee served in conference room 

15:00-17:00 Program in conference room at hotel Santa Claus:

• 15:00-15:15 Greetings from schools 
• 15:15-16:00 Working in small groups
• 16:00- 17:00 Mr. Jussi Kainulainen: Local implementations of the national curriculum – case Rovaniemi. 

on Tuesday and Wednesday, the participants are divided into two groups, A and B.

Tuesday 27

08:30 – 13:00 School visits (including lunch), GROUP A

• Primary & lower secondary school
• High school (there is an exam week, so this visit does not include so much lesson observation)
• Vocational school

OR 

08:30 – 13:00 Discovering building blocks of active citizenship at  PILKE and Arktikum, workshops and lectures in small groups (GROUP B)

14:30 – 15:00 Coffee break

15:00 – 18:00 ‘Be a student’ – lesson simulations in a Finnish school*, GROUP B

• Sport (snowshoeing)
• Nature pedagogy
• Home economics
• Handcrafts
• Welfare pedagogy

OR

15:00 – 17:00 Program at the hotel: School visit wrap-up in small groups and a presentation and workshop on  Students’ Agency. This workshop explores how students can become active co-creators of their school community. We’ll look at practical ways to promote voice, shared responsibility, and meaningful participation in shaping the community.  (GROUP A)

19:00 – 21:30 Northern Lights Hunting (opens soon) (optional)

Wednesday 28

08:30 – 13:00 School visits (including lunch), GROUP B

• Primary & lower secondary school
• High school
• Vocational school

OR 

08:30 – 13:00 Discovering building blocks of active citizenship at  PILKE and Arktikum, workshops and lectures in small groups, GROUP A

14:30 – 15:00 Coffee break

15:00 – 18:00 ‘Be a student’ – lesson simulations in a Finnish school*, GROUP A

• Sport (snowshoeing)
• Nature pedagogy
• Home economics
• Handcrafts
• Welfare pedagogy

OR

15:00 – 17:00 Program at the hotel: School visit wrap-up in small groups and a presentation and workshop on  Students’ Agency. This workshop explores how students can become active co-creators of their school community. We’ll look at practical ways to promote voice, shared responsibility, and meaningful participation in shaping the community.  (GROUP B)

19:00 – 21:00 Farewell Dinner at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus (some surprise program) 

Thursday 29

08:30 – 10:30  Educational Administration 

• Behind the scenes: decisions and work that make a happy school possible 
• Guest speaker: Heljä Misukka

11:00 – 11:45 Working on the action plans.

12:00 – 12:30 Closing words, feedback

12:30 – 13.30 Lunch

14:00 – 17:00 Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm (opens soon) (optional)

AFTERLIFE EXPERIENCE: optional with an extra fee

Friday 30

09:00 – 13:00  A hands-on workshop: Learning through and about nature

We have combined three different elements in one package. You get

• to experience Finnish nature education in the role of a student.
• to learn about Lappish lifestyle and survival skills needed in
    Arctic environment.
• concrete tools to use in your work.

This nature pedagogy workshop is designed and conducted by Kimmo Tuunala from Finncredible.  

* IMPORTANT! All the school visits and lesson simulations have a minimum and maximum group size. The earlier you book, the more options you will have!

** NOTE! If there are differences between the brochure and the website, you can count on the website as it has updated information.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS IN ROVANIEMI

JUSSI KAINULAINEN
Jussi Kainulainen has extensive experience in the Finnish education system. He has working experience in primary and secondary education as a class teacher, SEN teacher, and vice-principal. Jussi has also been engaged with school administration as a Development Manager in the City of Kokkola and currently as Pedagogical Director here in Rovaniemi, supporting education in local schools from early childhood education until secondary education. In addition, Jussi has international working experience from, e.g., Namibia and Laos, where he worked for two years within United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). After Laos, he acted as Programme Manager with EduCluster Finland’s leading Education Partnership Program (EPA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Before relocating back to Finland and Rovaniemi, Jussi worked in Malaysia to improve education in Malaysian government schools.

TUOVI RONKAINEN

Tuovi Ronkainen is a former principal of Akaa Secondary School and an experienced educator with a strong background in biology and geography teaching. She has led and coordinated numerous educational projects across Europe, including Comenius and Erasmus+ initiatives. As a Project Ambassador for the European School Heads Association (ESHA), she has supported school leaders in international collaboration and innovation. She has been working on many ecological projects both at the national and international levels. Her passion lies in future education—especially in fostering a positive outlook on the future and equipping young people with the skills to tackle complex global challenges, such as climate change.

HELJÄ MISUKKA

Heljä Misukka has had an exceptional career in the field of education. For the last ten years, she was the Director of Educational Policy and Executive Team member at the Trade Union of Education in Finland; before that, she worked as a Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Education. During 2015-2022, she was also a board member of Finnish National Agency for Education, and during 2013-2016, she was an Executive Board member at the Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Currently, she is the Executive director and owner of LovEdu.

LIFE2026  FACILITATOR

SUVI KRISTA WESTLING
Suvi K. Westling is an expert on educational psychology with a broad view of education and a deep understanding of the human mind. She graduated from and later taught students in an innovative program of educational psychology at the University of Helsinki. Her teaching has included lecturing, supervising pre-service teachers’ practice, and facilitating group processes and phenomenon-based group studies. In her research, she has studied the quality of regulation of students’ learning and activity both at school and in teacher education. She has worked as an expert in educational program design at an academic level as well as in several international organizations.

Suvi has also gained grassroots experience with children and teenagers while working as a classroom teacher, youth worker, and camp supervisor in various places at earlier phases of her life. She has developed an international mindset and understanding of different cultures by participating and working in different international communities and networks, living and studying in Latin America (Chile).

NOTE: Other experts and speakers will be confirmed later

Friday, January 30

AFTERLIFE EXPERIENCE – LEARNING THROUGH AND ABOUT NATURE

➢Date and time: 30.1.2026, 9:30-12:30
➢Place: At an authentic Lappish environment
➢Group size: 15 – 50 persons
➢Price: 190€ (EXCL. VAT 25,5%) per participant
➢Trainer: Kimmo Tuunala
➢Booking: as part of the LIFE2026 online registration process

Benefits of outdoor learning are undeniable and the connection for
learning 21st century skills is strong. In addition, nature affects very
positively on well-being and strengthening the connection with
nature improves self-esteem and confidence. Why not to use it then more
in learning? This workshop gives you very concrete and experiental
methods for outdoor learning.

In this 3-hour hands-on workshop we have combined three different
elements in one package. You get
1. to experience Finnish nature education in the role of a student.
2. to learn about the Lappish lifestyle and survival skills needed in
an Arctic environment.
3. concrete tools to use in your work.

FACILITATOR

Kimmo Tuunala (M.Ed) is a class teacher, teacher trainer, environmental
educator and facilitator. He is a nature enthusiast and has carried out
nature-related lessons, theme days, camps and workshops for years.
With his team, Kimmo designs experience-based sessions that are closely
connected to Lappish nature, the wellbeing effects of nature, the
human-nature connection, sustainable way of living and survival skills.

SOCIAL PROGRAM

Visit to the Santa Claus Village 

Sunday 25 January at 13:30 – 17:00.

Transport from Santa’s Hotel and back.   

Price: Included in the registration fee for all attendees. Optional visit and ride in Husky Park for an additional fee of 35€ – 49€.

Farewell Dinner

Wednesday 28 February 19:00 – 22:00

The farewell dinner is organized at the LIFE2026 venue Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.

Included in the registration fee for all attendees. 

Winter Activities

Sunday 25 January at 19:00 – 22:00
Tuesday 27 January at 19:00 – 21:30
Thursday 29 February at 14:00 – 17:00.

For both LIFE2026 participants and avecs/accompanying persons, we have organized an exclusive winter activity program in the surrounding areas of Rovaniemi. More information is in Winter Activities -tab. 

Price: NOT Included in the registration fee for all attendees. 

WINTER ACTIVITIES

For both, LIFE2026 participants and avecs/accompanying persons, we have planned an exclusive winter activity program. What activity would you like to try? Hunt magical northern lights in the darkening evening, enjoy Finnish delicacies in a restaurant made of ice, or feel the speed of riding a snowmobile?  Maybe all of them… And not to forget the husky ride and cuddling these beautiful dogs.

Please register for all the winter activities by January 18, 2026!

REGISTRATION FOR THE ICE RESTAURANT DINNER AND SNOW MOBILE SAFARI (opens soon)

REGISTER FOR THE HUSKY RIDE (opens soon)

REGISTER FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNTING (opens soon)

SUNDAY, 25 JAN

12:30 – 17:30 (time slot) Husky ride at Santa Claus Village

GENERAL INFORMATION ON ROVANIEMI

Rovaniemi is the administrative capital and commercial center of Finland’s Lapland.

The city is about 800 km north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. In the past few decades, Rovaniemi has grown into a busy and active town with now more than 63,000 inhabitants. Rovaniemi is also the educational center of Lapland, and there are two universities located in Rovaniemi. The University of Lapland is the northernmost university in Finland and the European Union. Lapland University for Applied Sciences has its home base in Rovaniemi. The unique location of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle  attracts more than 400,000 tourists each year from all over the world. Visit Rovaniemi‘s website for more information.

How to get there

Despite its northern location, Rovaniemi is well connected to the rest of the world. From abroad, it’s easiest to reach the city via a short flight from Helsinki. Daily flights between Rovaniemi and Helsinki are operated by Finnair throughout the year. In addition, more and more airlines offer direct flights to Rovaniemi.

Finnair
Norwegian

Train
For those who don’t wish to stay an extra night in Helsinki or Rovaniemi, a night train and sleeping compartment can be an interesting, exotic, economical, and sustainable option.  There are two night trains available every day, and the trains during the daylight offer a good opportunity to see more of Finland. Visit VR for more information.

How to get from the airport/railway station to the hotels

Airport Express

This bus service from the airport to the city center and back drives to all the central hotels and the bus station in approx. 15 minutes for 7-12€ per person. Airport Express departs from the airport after every flight arrival. Check your hotel reception about the pickup time from your hotel back to the airport. For further information call +358 (0)16 – 362 222. 

The railway station is located about 1.5 kilometers from the city center. There is no direct bus connection. The easiest way to get to the hotel is to either walk or take a taxi. 

Taxi

Normal Taxi: The price from the airport to the city center is approx. 20€.

Finnish taxis are reliable and accept credit cards. The following taxi companies operate in Rovaniemi:

Rovaniemi Taxi Service

Taksi Rovaniemi

Menevä

Car rentals

All major car rentals have an office in Rovaniemi for those interested in traveling around the surrounding areas and Lapland by themselves. 

Weather in Rovaniemi

In January-February, the average temperatures are around -11 degrees (Celsius). So have that in mind when choosing your clothing. For the winter activities, however, there is always proper clothing available for the participants. Please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for updated news on weather in Rovaniemi.

Language

The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but most people speak basic English. Those who work in tourism speak excellent English. The language of LIFE2026 is English.

Currency

The Finnish currency unit is the Euro. There are numerous cash machines (ATMs) open around the clock and they accept all major credit cards. In addition, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, cafeterias, bars, etc.).

Voltage

The electric current in Finland is 230V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin continental size.

Time

The time in Finland is UTC/GMT+2

GENERAL INFORMATION ON HELSINKI

Is Helsinki the coolest city in the world?

Probably yes! In the capital of Finland, you can find the influence of both our neighbors, Sweden and Russia, but still the city is unique. It’s a modern metropole with over 650, 000 inhabitants (1,5 million in the larger metropolitan area) and yet you are never more than a 10-minute walk from nature. On the same day, you can pick berries in a forest and go to the Opera. Helsinki is a lively big city that never sleeps, but so safe that you can see 7-year-old first graders the take the tram to school on their own. 

Feeling the fresh breeze of the Baltic Sea while wandering around the picturesque streets of this easy-going city, it is not so difficult to imagine why Finns are the happiest nation in the world. After the walk, warm yourself up with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun. These coffee breaks with friends and colleagues are almost sacred moments to Finns. 

While in Helsinki, check out the libraries as a social innovation in Finnish education, interactive museums, the islands around Helsinki and the sauna. There are many more attractions that promise unforgettable experience in Helsinki such as  Alvar Aalto’s studio, Helsinki Cathedral by Carl Ludvig Engel, Senate Square, Old Market Hall, Löyly sauna and restaurant, and much more. 

Check out What’s up in Helsinki during your study visit!

PROGRAM

This is a preliminary program based on the successful 2024 program. There will be changes as we confirm next year’s speakers and add new elements. 

Friday 24

10:00 – 19:00 Participating in Educa event (English program). You can join an optional Educa School Visit.

Saturday 25

10:00 – 17:00 Educa continues (English program)

Traveling to Rovaniemi (according to individual flight options). Recommended visit before going to Rovaniemi: Oodi Library.

NOTE! Educa-program will be streamed so you can also fly directly to Rovaniemi without missing the presentations.

Sunday 26

08:30 – 09:00 Registration at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

09:00 – 09:45  Conference opening, Ms. Outi Hakanen, Finland’s Ambassador for Education (from The Ministry for Foreign Affairs) 

09:45 – 10:15 Educa event reflections

10:15 – 10:45 Coffee break

10:45 – 11:15 Module A: Introduction to Finnish pre-education & care

11:15 – 11:45 Module B: Introduction to primary & secondary education (including special education)

12:30 busses leave for Santa’s Village

13:00 – 17:00 Visiting Santa Claus Village; includes an optional ride in Husky Park

19:00 – 22:00 Ice Restaurant Dinner Experience (optional)

Monday 27

08:30 – 13:00 School visits (including lunch)

• Daycare / Kindergarten
• Primary & lower secondary school
• Teacher Training School (only 20 seats available!) SOLD OUT!

13:00 – 14:30 Outdoor activities/ participants’ recess

14:45 Coffee served in the conference room 

15:00-17:00 Program in the conference room at Hotel Santa Claus:

• 15:00-15:15 Greetings from schools 
• 15:15-16:00 wrap up talk (in small groups & whole group)
• 16:00-17:00 Mr. Jussi Kainulainen: Local implementations of the national curriculum – case Rovaniemi

19:00 – 21:00 City Reception

on Tuesday and Wednesday, the participants are divided into two groups, A and B.

Tuesday 28 

08:30 – 13:00 School visits (including lunch), GROUP A

• Primary & lower secondary school
• High school SOLD OUT!
• Vocational school
• NEW SESSION! Teacher Training School (only 20 seats available!) 

OR 

08:30 – 13:00 Discovering building blocks of happiness at  PILKE and Arktikum, workshops and lectures in small groups, GROUP B

14:30 – 15:00 Coffee break

15:00 – 18:00 ‘Be a student’ – lesson simulations in a Finnish school*, GROUP B

• Sport (snowshoeing) – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!
• Nature pedagogy
• Home economics
• Handcrafts
• Welfare pedagogy

OR

15:00 – 18:00 Program at the hotel: School visit wrap-up in small groups and a workshop on  Social media’s effect on young people’s happiness, GROUP A

19:00 – 21:30 Northern Lights Hunting (optional)

Wednesday 29

08:30 – 13:00 School visits (including lunch), GROUP B

• Primary & lower secondary school
• High school SOLD OUT!
• Vocational school
• NEW SESSION! Teacher Training School (only 20 seats available!) 

OR 

08:30 – 13:00 Discovering building blocks of happiness at  PILKE and Arktikum, workshops and lectures in small groups, GROUP A

14:30 – 15:00 Coffee break

15:00 – 18:00 ‘Be a student’ – lesson simulations in a Finnish school*, GROUP A

• Sport (snowshoeing) – LAST SEATS AVAILABLE!
• Nature pedagogy
• Home economics
• Handcrafts
• Welfare pedagogy

OR

15:00 – 18:00 Program at the hotel: School visit wrap-up in small groups and a workshop on  Social media’s effect on young people’s happiness, GROUP B

19:00 – 21:00 Farewell Dinner at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

Thursday 30

08:30 – 10:30  Educational Administration 

• Behind the scenes: decisions and work that make a happy school possible 
• Guest speaker: Heljä Misukka

11:00 – 11:45 Working on the action plans.

12:00 – 12:30 Closing words, feedback

12:30 – 13.30 Lunch

14:00 – 17:00 Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm (optional)

AFTERLIFE EXPERIENCE: optional with an extra fee

Friday 31 

09:00 – 13:00  A hands-on workshop: Learning through and about nature

We have combined three different elements in one package. You get

• to experience Finnish nature education in the role of a student.
• to learn about Lappish lifestyle and survival skills needed in
    Arctic environment.
• concrete tools to use in your work.

This nature pedagogy workshop is designed and conducted by Kimmo Tuunala from Finncredible.  

* IMPORTANT! All the school visits and lesson simulations have a minimum and maximum group size. The earlier you book, the more options you will have!

** NOTE! If there are differences between the brochure and the website, you can count on the website as it has updated information.

EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS IN ROVANIEMI

JUSSI KAINULAINEN

Jussi Kainulainen has extensive experience in the Finnish education system. He has working experience in primary and secondary education as a class teacher, SEN teacher, and vice-principal. Jussi has also been engaged with school administration as a Development Manager in the City of Kokkola and currently as Pedagogical Director here in Rovaniemi, supporting education in local schools from early childhood education until secondary education. In addition, Jussi has international working experience from, e.g., Namibia and Laos, where he worked for two years within United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). After Laos, he acted as Programme Manager with EduCluster Finland’s leading Education Partnership Program (EPA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Before relocating back to Finland and Rovaniemi, Jussi worked in Malaysia to improve education in Malaysian government schools.

PIIA ROOS

Piia Roos has long experience as a teacher and a leader in Finnish childcare centers. For the past 10 years she worked as a teacher in vocational college for practical nurses majoring in early childhood education. Her special interests are children’s perspective and participation.

HELJÄ MISUKKA 

Heljä Misukka has had an exceptional career in the field of education. For the last ten years, she was the Director of Educational Policy and Executive Team member at the Trade Union of Education in Finland; before that, she worked as a Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Education. During 2015-2022, she was also a board member of Finnish National Agency for Education, and during 2013-2016, she was an Executive Board member at the Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Currently, she is the Executive director and owner of LovEdu.

LIFE2025 COORDINATOR AND FACILITATOR

SUVI KRISTA WESTLING
Suvi K. Westling is an expert on educational psychology with a broad view of education and a deep understanding of the human mind. She graduated from and later taught students in an innovative program of educational psychology at the University of Helsinki. Her teaching has included lecturing, supervising pre-service teachers’ practice, and facilitating group processes and phenomenon-based group studies. In her research, she has studied the quality of regulation of students’ learning and activity both at school and in teacher education. She has worked as an expert in educational program design at an academic level as well as in several international organizations.

Suvi has also gained grassroots experience with children and teenagers while working as a classroom teacher, youth worker, and camp supervisor in various places at earlier phases of her life. She has developed an international mindset and understanding of different cultures by participating and working in different international communities and networks, living and studying in Latin America (Chile).

NOTE: Other experts and speakers will be confirmed later

Friday, January 31

AFTERLIFE EXPERIENCE – LEARNING THROUGH AND ABOUT NATURE

IMPORTANT! If you are attending LIFE2025 but did not book the workshop at the moment of your registration, you can still do it:

REGISTER FOR AFTERLIFE EXPERIENCE -WORKSHOP

➢Date and time: 31.1.2025, 9:30-12:30
➢Place: At an authentic Lappish environment
➢Group size: 15 – 50 persons
➢Price: 190€ (EXCL. VAT 25,5%) per participant
➢Trainer: Kimmo Tuunala
➢Booking: as part of the LIFE2025 online registration process

Benefits of outdoor learning are undeniable and the connection for
learning 21st century skills is strong. In addition, nature affects very
positively on well-being and strengthening the connection with
nature improves self-esteem and confidence. Why not to use it then more
in learning? This workshop gives you very concrete and experiental
methods for outdoor learning.

In this 3-hour hands-on workshop we have combined three different
elements in one package. You get
1. to experience Finnish nature education in the role of a student.
2. to learn about the Lappish lifestyle and survival skills needed in
an Arctic environment.
3. concrete tools to use in your work.

FACILITATOR

Kimmo Tuunala (M.Ed) is a class teacher, teacher trainer, environmental
educator and facilitator. He is a nature enthusiast and has carried out
nature-related lessons, theme days, camps and workshops for years.
With his team, Kimmo designs experience-based sessions that are closely
connected to Lappish nature, the wellbeing effects of nature, the
human-nature connection, sustainable way of living and survival skills.

SOCIAL PROGRAM

Visit to the Santa Claus Village 

Sunday 26 January at 13:30 – 17:00.

Transport from Santa’s Hotel and back.   

Price: Included in the registration fee for all attendees. Optional visit and ride in Husky Park for an additional fee of 35€ – 49€.

Rovaniemi City Reception and light dinner

Monday 27 January at 19:00 – 21:00

Venue to be announced (Korundi or City Hall)- but both are a short walk away from the hotel. 

Price: Included in the registration fee for all attendees.

Farewell Dinner

Wednesday 29 February 19:00 – 22:00

The farewell dinner is organized at the LIFE2025 venue Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.

Included in the registration fee for all attendees. 

Winter Activities

Sunday 26 January at 19:00 – 22:00
Tuesday 28 January at 19:00 – 21:30
Thursday 30 February at 14:00 – 17:00.

For both LIFE2025 participants and avecs/accompanying persons, we have organized an exclusive winter activity program in the surrounding areas of Rovaniemi. More information is in Winter Activities -tab. 

Price: NOT Included in the registration fee for all attendees. 

WINTER ACTIVITIES

For both, LIFE2025 participants and avecs/accompanying persons, we have planned an exclusive winter activity program. What activity would you like to try? Hunt magical northern lights in the darkening evening, enjoy Finnish delicacies in a restaurant made of ice, or feel the speed of riding a snowmobile?  Maybe all of them… And not to forget the husky ride and cuddling these beautiful dogs.

Please register for all the winter activities by January 19, 2025!

REGISTRATION FOR THE ICE RESTAURANT DINNER AND SNOW MOBILE SAFARI

REGISTER FOR THE HUSKY RIDE

REGISTER FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNTING

SUNDAY, 26 JAN

12:30 – 17:30 (time slot) Husky ride at Santa Claus Village

GENERAL INFORMATION ON ROVANIEMI

Rovaniemi is the administrative capital and commercial center of Finland’s Lapland.

The city is about 800 km north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. In the past few decades, Rovaniemi has grown into a busy and active town with now more than 63,000 inhabitants. Rovaniemi is also the educational center of Lapland, and there are two universities located in Rovaniemi. The University of Lapland is the northernmost university in Finland and the European Union. Lapland University for Applied Sciences has its home base in Rovaniemi. The unique location of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle  attracts more than 400,000 tourists each year from all over the world. Visit Rovaniemi‘s website for more information.

How to get there

Despite its northern location, Rovaniemi is well connected to the rest of the world. From abroad, it’s easiest to reach the city via a short flight from Helsinki. Daily flights between Rovaniemi and Helsinki are operated by Finnair throughout the year. In addition, more and more airlines offer direct flights to Rovaniemi.

Finnair
Norwegian

Train
For those who don’t wish to stay an extra night in Helsinki or Rovaniemi, a night train and sleeping compartment can be an interesting, exotic, economical, and sustainable option.  There are two night trains available every day, and the trains during the daylight offer a good opportunity to see more of Finland. Visit VR for more information.

How to get from the airport/railway station to the hotels

Airport Express

This bus service from the airport to the city center and back drives to all the central hotels and the bus station in approx. 15 minutes for 7-12€ per person. Airport Express departs from the airport after every flight arrival. Check your hotel reception about the pickup time from your hotel back to the airport. For further information call +358 (0)16 – 362 222. 

The railway station is located about 1.5 kilometers from the city center. There is no direct bus connection. The easiest way to get to the hotel is to either walk or take a taxi. 

Taxi

Normal Taxi: The price from the airport to the city center is approx. 20€.

Finnish taxis are reliable and accept credit cards. The following taxi companies operate in Rovaniemi:

Rovaniemi Taxi Service

Taksi Rovaniemi

Menevä

Car rentals

All major car rentals have an office in Rovaniemi for those interested in traveling around the surrounding areas and Lapland by themselves. 

Weather in Rovaniemi

In January-February, the average temperatures are around -11 degrees (Celsius). So have that in mind when choosing your clothing. For the winter activities, however, there is always proper clothing available for the participants. Please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for updated news on weather in Rovaniemi.

Language

The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but most people speak basic English. Those who work in tourism speak excellent English. The language of LIFE2023 is English.

Currency

The Finnish currency unit is the Euro. There are numerous cash machines (ATMs) open around the clock and they accept all major credit cards. In addition, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, cafeterias, bars, etc.).

Voltage

The electric current in Finland is 230V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin continental size.

Time

The time in Finland is UTC/GMT+2

GENERAL INFORMATION ON HELSINKI

Is Helsinki the coolest city in the world?

Probably yes! In the capital of Finland, you can find the influence of both our neighbors, Sweden and Russia, but still the city is unique. It’s a modern metropole with over 650, 000 inhabitants (1,5 million in the larger metropolitan area) and yet you are never more than a 10-minute walk from nature. On the same day, you can pick berries in a forest and go to the Opera. Helsinki is a lively big city that never sleeps, but so safe that you can see 7-year-old first graders the take the tram to school on their own. 

Feeling the fresh breeze of the Baltic Sea while wandering around the picturesque streets of this easy-going city, it is not so difficult to imagine why Finns are the happiest nation in the world. After the walk, warm yourself up with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon bun. These coffee breaks with friends and colleagues are almost sacred moments to Finns. 

While in Helsinki, check out the libraries as a social innovation in Finnish education, interactive museums, the islands around Helsinki and the sauna. There are many more attractions that promise unforgettable experience in Helsinki such as  Alvar Aalto’s studio, Helsinki Cathedral by Carl Ludvig Engel, Senate Square, Old Market Hall, Löyly sauna and restaurant, and much more. 

Check out What’s up in Helsinki during your study visit!

PROGRAM

The fundamental purpose of Full STEAM 2025 in Finland, Oulu is to experience in practice how STEAM skills teaching and learning can be integrated to the daily school life.

During this seven-day course, the participants familiarize themselves with the basics of the
Finnish Curriculum and gain insight into transversal skills in the Finnish Curriculum. Specifically, the course concentrates on STEAM pedagogy. It introduces the fundamentals as well as presents the design circle model that is the basis for planning, teaching and learning, as well as assessment in a STEAM-inspired learning environment. The participants visit several schools to see how STEAM pedagogy is implemented in different ways.

Moreover, during the school visits, the participants can also practice some tools that are used in STEAM pedagogy such as programming and coding and 3D designing and printing. The course furthermore includes a visit to a FabLab operated by the Hintta primary school. Tentative program – Please note that minor changes are possible!

Sunday: Introduction to the course
16:00–18:00 Introduction session

• Welcome!
• Introduction to the course
• Warm up activities and getting to know each other
  Self-study: Online materials: Finnish Education system (4h)
  Venue: In the Oulu city centre

Monday:

Basics of STEAM
09.00–11:00 Finnish education system

•  Introduction to the Finnish education system
• Facilitated discussion based on self-study materials
• Presentation: Transversal skills in Oulu’s curriculum

11.00–12.00 Lunch and coffee / tea
12:00–15:00 STEAM in OULU: introduction to STEAM pedagogy

• Presentation and discussion
• Group work
• Afternoon coffee / tea
  Self-study: Online materials (STEAM), 2h
  Venue: In the Oulu city centre

Tuesday:

Design process model
9:00–11:00 STEAM design process model

• Facilitated discussion based on self-study materials: STEAM
• Presentation and discussion: Design process model

11:00 Walk to the lunch place
11:30–12:30 Lunch and coffee / tea
12:30 Walk to the Oulu Art Museum
13:00–14:30 Visit to Tietomaa on the Road

Introduction about Museum and Science Route using STEAM

14:30-16:00 Optional: Visit to the Oulu Art Museum
Venues: In the Oulu city centre

Wednesday:

Tools for STEAM – Part I
8:40 Walk from the City Centre to OSYK
09:00–12:00 School visit to an upper secondary school (OSYK)

• Tools & Maker’s space as a learning environment

11:15–12:00 School lunch
12:00 Walk to the City Centre

Afternoon: Optional Cultural Program – Winter Day in Koiteli

Thursday:

Tools for Steam – Part II
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre to Rajakylä Comprehensive School
09:00–11:00 Programming and Coding in STEAM curricula
11:00–12:00 School Lunch
12:00–15:00 Workshop at the Maker’s Space with Micro:Bits and Lego Robots
Afternoon coffee / tea
15:00 Transportation to the City Centre

Friday:

Tools for STEAM – Part III
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre to Hintta school
09:00–10:30 Design thinking at Hintta School

• Introduction to design thinking
• How design thinking is implemented on the school level
• Hintta Design

10:30–11:30 Visit to Hintta Early Childhood Education unit
11:30–12:15 School Lunch
12:15–15:00 Workshop at the Maker’s Space with 3d design and modelling
Afternoon coffee / tea
15:00 Transportation to the City Centre

Saturday:

Farewell Brunch
09:00–11:00 Final session

• Reflection and feeback
• Course certificates
  11:00–12:00 Course Brunch
  Venue: In the Oulu city centre

Optional Cultural Program

Sunday:

Departure

Optional Cultural Program

TRAINERS

MAIKKI MANNINEN

Ms. Maikki Manninen (Advisory Teacher for ICT Education) is both a class teacher and early education and care teacher. Her expertise lies eg. in ICT and STEAM education at the primary and secondary levels.

Her working tasks include training and consultation on ICT especially according to the Finnish core curricula and the local strategies for both ICT and STEAM education.

Ms. Manninen is also experienced in development projects funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education eg. on innovative learning environments.

LAURA RITOLA

• Master Degree in Education
• Principal at Hintta Primary School in Oulu

Hintta is a Distinguished STEAM pedagogy school that applies STEAM as design education in their own curriculum. Ritola has got a background in foreign language development, curriculum development and support, and Global Education

ERASMUS+

VisitEDUfinn (OID CODE: E10020922 / PIC CODE: 899855324) and Euneos Corporation (OID CODE:E10124150 / PIC CODE 950782555) organise ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility job shadowing and  professional courses designed for teachers at all levels. Our programs are organized in different parts of Finland in cooperation with other stakeholders in the field of education (schools, universities, municipalities). 

All the courses are designed following the Quality Standards for courses under Key Action 1 and participants are provided with certificates that meet the Europass criteria.

Course title: Full STEAM 2025 in Oulu, Finland

Course description

During this seven-day course, the participants familiarize themselves with the basics of the Finnish Curriculum and gain insight into transversal skills in the Finnish Curriculum. The course concentrates on STEAM pedagogy. It introduces the fundamentals as well as presents the design circle that is the basis for planning, teaching and learning, and assessment in a STEAM-inspired learning environment.

The participants visit several schools to see how STEAM pedagogy is implemented in different ways. During the school visits, the participants can also practice some tools that are used in STEAM pedagogy such as programming and coding and 3D designing and printing.

Versatile learning methods

• lectures and presentations 
• self-study online materials and facilitated discussions 
• school visits 
• workshops at the schools 
• group work and discussions

Desired learning outcomes

After the course you will:

• implement the fundamentals of STEAM-pedagogy and design-circle in your work
• combine your curriculum outcomes with principles of STEAM-pedagogy
• plan, implement and assess STEAM-based curriculum outcomes as a transversal, phenomenon-based learning in your classroom  
• use pedagogical tools such as programming and coding as well as 3D designing and printing as practical implementations in STEAM-based projects

European/ International dimension

We wait participants from many European countries as well as from outside Europe. Sharing ideas together with colleagues from different countries offers a broader perspective on the topic. The course is also a great opportunity for networking for future collaboration.

OPTIONAL CULTURAL PROGRAM

An additional program (with separate fee) will be available for all enthusiasts. Furthermore, participation is entirely voluntary, and the time can instead be used to independent sightseeing as well. 

All optional activities emphasize enjoying Finland’s unique nature. Like STEAM pedagogy  connects different subjects, the tranquility of nature helps distinct brain areas to become ‘connected’. 

Register now: Winter Day in Koiteli (coming soon)

Welcome to Koiteli located by river Kiiminkijoki to spend a wonderful winter day in a good company! Word Koiteli comes from Sami language and means “in the middle”. Thus, you get to enjoy fun snow activities in an island located in the middle of two rapids. Beautiful surroundings, ancient trees and the silence surrounding you will give you the feeling of being also in the center of yourself as well.

Snow activities include short try outs of different kind of snowshoes, traditional kick sledge ‘potkuri’ and sledge ‘pulkka’. In Tunnelmatupa hut everyone will have the chance to make their own souvenir out of wood, leather and pine wood tar. On top of these you will get to know the well-known arctic animal; reindeer and hear the stories of local reindeer herder. And of course, everyone will experience a short ride in a sledge pulled by the reindeer.

Group will be divided into smaller groups that rotate between the activities. Small snack with warm juice/coffee/tea is served.

Duration: about 4 hours including transfers from Oulu, ½ hour one way

Price: 114€/person including transfers, all the activities mentioned in the program, services of English speaking guides, small snack with warm juice/coffee/tea served non-stop during the whole program, winter gear (overall, gloves, hat, wollen socks and winter boots; size infos needed in advance). Minimum 20 participants.

Magical Finnish Forest with Short Skis (coming soon)

Join us to explore the magical snowy Finnish forest on a pair of purpose-built skis – no previous experience needed.

Short ski is an easy-to-use, skin based forest ski that combines the best features of a snowshoe and ski and does not require earlier experience in skiing.

We will enjoy a peaceful ski tour through the silent white scenery. Your guide will tell you stories about local history and the vast surrounding nature. The trip includes a cozy break for hot juice.

Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience on Sea Ice (coming soon)

Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture. There are more than 3 million saunas in Finland – in private homes, offices, summer cottages, hotels, towable trailers – you name it!

Now you have the opportunity to experience a sauna in a unique way in a tent sauna set up on sea ice. The tent has two parts: dressing room and sauna. Wearing a swimsuit is mandatory and you can put it on already at the hotel.

Our guide will tell you how sauna takes place. The guide takes care of adding wood to the stove and making warm washing water. Sauna involves throwing water on the stove, which creates warm, moist steam. When it feels too hot, you can cool off outside on the ice and even go for a spin in the snow! 

If you are still in Oulu on Sunday morning,  you can say goodbye to the city by winter cycling in the Oulujoki river delta area.

Time and duration: Sunday, March 15, 2025 at 9-11 AM. Duration 2 hours.

Starting point: Oulu Market Square. Detailed instructions will be informed to the participants.

Included: fatbike, helmet, guide, warm juice.

ACCOMODATION

The main venue of the course is located in the center of Oulu. There will be transportation to the schools and other visiting places that are not within walking distance.

Hotels: 
Green Star Hotel 
Scandic Station Oulu
Scandic Oulu City
Best Western Hotel Apollo
Hotel Arina 
Radisson Blu Oulu
Lapland Hotels Oulu

De Gamlas Hem
Turusen Saha Guest House
Nordic Art Hotel Lasaretti (about 1 km from the city centre, close to some program venues)
Oulu Hostel AlliMaria (about 2 km from the city centre, public bus connection available)
Hostel Huvila (about 3 km from the city centre, public bus connection available)
Nallikari Cottages, Villas & Apartments (about 4 km from the city centre, public bus connection available)

GENERAL INFORMATION

The City of Oulu is the capital of northern Finland.

Oulu is located by the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of Oulu River, about 600 km north of the capital city Helsinki. The name Oulu comes from a word in the Sami language meaning floodwater. The city of Oulu combines Northern hospitality, nature and culture with modern technology. Oulu has over 200 000 inhabitants, and its investment in education, research and innovation makes it the fastest growing region in Finland. Oulu has been designated the European Capital of Culture in 2026.  

How to get there

Despite its northern location, Oulu is well connected to the rest of the world. Oulu airport is the third busiest in Finland, and there are several connective flights every day from Helsinki.

Finnair

Lufthansa

By Train

Oulu is easily reachable by train from Helsinki. It is an economical and sustainable option.  There are two overnighters available every day, and the trains during the daylight offer a good opportunity to see more of Finland. Oulu railway station is located in the city center, walking distance from most hotels. Visit VR for more information.

How to get from the airport to city center

City busses, routes 8 and 9, run daily from early morning to late night via Oulu city centre to Oulu Airport. Travel time from city centre to airport is approximately 25-30 minutes on both routes.

Name of the Oulu Airport bus stop is Lentoasema (ID-number 2646). The bus stop is located right in front of the airport terminal.

In Oulu city centre name of the bus stop is Kaupungintalo E (ID-number 2087) when travelling to airport and Kaupungintalo P (ID-number 2101) when arriving at city centre.

Adult ticket is 5,80€

Read more about public transport in Oulu.

TAXI

Normal Taxi: The price from the airport to the city center is approx. 40€

Finnish taxis are reliable and accept credit cards. The following taxi companies operate in Oulu:

OTAXI

MENEVÄ

Car rentals

All major car rentals have an office in Oulu for those interested in traveling around the surrounding areas by themselves. 

Weather in Oulu

In March, the average maximum daytime temperature lies around -1.0°C . So it is still cold, but the brightness of the days invites you to enjoy the spring. In addition to new technologies, outdoor activities play an important role in the everyday life of Finnish school children and in the lifestyle of Finns in general (just to bear in mind when choosing your clothing).  Please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for updated news on weather in Rovaniemi.

Language

The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but practically everyone knows basic English; especially the people involved in tourism speak excellent English. Course language is English.

Currency

The Finnish currency unit is the Euro. There are numerous cash machines (ATMs) open around the clock and accepting all major credit cards. Besides, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, cafeterias, bars, etc.).

Voltage

The electric current in Finland is 230V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin continental size.

Time

The time in Finland is UTC/GMT+2

EDUCATION IN FINLAND

How is education in Finland?

During our events and courses, you will get familiar with all the characteristics of Finnish education:

• One of the basic principles is that everyone must have equal access to high-quality education and training.
• Each student has the right to educational support.
• Special needs education is generally provided within mainstream education.
• The Finnish education system is based on the philosophy of inclusion.
• Educational support and guidance covers support for learning according to the individual capacity of the learners, school attendance, pupil welfare, and guidance and counseling. The learning of gifted pupils and students is supported.
• The education system is based on trust and responsibility.
• Educational autonomy is high at all levels.
• Most education is publicly funded.
• National core curriculum gives space for local variations.
• Learning outside the classroom is common.
• The first national examination is at the end of general upper secondary education.
• Teaching continues to be an attractive profession.
• Finnish schools have highly educated teaching personnel.
• Continuing teacher education is widely encouraged.

Read more about Finnish Education.