BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//VisitEDUfinn - ECPv6.11.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://visitedufinn.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for VisitEDUfinn REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Helsinki BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0300 TZNAME:EEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0300 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:EET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260123 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260131 DTSTAMP:20250519T063137 CREATED:20241212T161017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T101619Z UID:44827-1769126400-1769817599@visitedufinn.com SUMMARY:LIFE2026 - Lapland International Forum for Education DESCRIPTION:LIFE2025 was a big success with 150 passionate educators from around the world sharing and learning together. Some had also brought their family or friends with them to experience the magic of winter in Finnish Lapland. LIFE2022\, LIFE2023\, LIFE2024\, and LIFE2025 have been sold out\, so book your tickets on time for this magical event! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Welcome to the 9th Edition of the Lapland International Forum for Education™! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n **REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW** \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Discounts available for groups of 5 or more participants! Contact info@visitedufinn.com for more information. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 23-30 January 2026LIFE2026 Event Theme 2026: Cultivating a Sense of Belonging – Building Bridges through Education for a better future. Cultivating a sense of belonging in education is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and empowered. When students feel they belong\, they are more engaged\, motivated\, and likely to succeed academically and socially. It fosters positive relationships among peers and educators\, reduces feelings of isolation\, and boosts overall well-being. In the future of education\, prioritizing belonging will be key to addressing diverse student needs\, promoting equity\, and preparing learners for a collaborative\, interconnected world. By integrating empathy\, cultural understanding\, and inclusive practices\, education can evolve to support not just academic growth but personal and societal development as well. Join us as we delve into how cultivating belonging can transform education — for both academic growth and creating resilient\, compassionate individuals ready to contribute to a more connected society. Together\, we can build bridges that empower all learners to reach their full potential. The LIFE2026 program reflects the collaborative learning culture promoted by our newest national curriculum. You will be job shadowing Finnish teachers and daily life at local schools\, interacting with invited speakers as well as with other participants from around the world\, and walking in the footsteps of the world’s happiest nation in the untouched nature of Lapland. We’ll explore the foundations of happiness\, particularly pedagogical tools and practical methods\, alongside the influence of the environment\, such as the natural rhythm of changing seasons and the northern down-to-earth lifestyle.  This unique teacher training course is the nineth Lapland International Forum for Education™\, and it is organized in collaboration with VisitEDUfinn\, creator of the LIFE event\, and Euneos\, one of the leading course providers in Europe. Welcome to Rovaniemi to experience education in the Finnish way! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lapland International Forum for Education™ was chosen in 2019 as one of the winners in the Authentic Finnish Educational Travel Product contest. LIFE2026 offers an exclusive opportunity to visit Finnish kindergartens\, primary and secondary schools\, and the University of Lapland‘s Teacher Training School. One day you will even get the chance to job shadow Finnish teachers from the students’ perspective during our Be a Student -lesson simulations: Nature pedagogy\, Handcrafts\, Home economics\, Sport (snowshoeing)\, and Welfare pedagogy. In addition to school visits\, lectures\, and workshops\, you can participate in social programs\, such as the city of Rovaniemi reception and farewell dinner.  The essential part of LIFE2026 takes place right near the Arctic Circle in the city of Rovaniemi\, also known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. During the event\, you have an opportunity to meet him in person and participate in many other exciting and unique winter adventures. The main venue is Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus\, and you can stay the last night of the event in a Showhotel or Glass igloo watching the Northern Lights. In addition to the main event in Rovaniemi\, you can extend your visit either at the beginning or at the end: Start the journey in our capital city Helsinki (January 23-24) by listening to the top Finnish education experts at Educa fair\, the largest event for Finland’s education and training sector. You can start your Educa experience by joining a special Educa School Visit. In 2025\, Educa gathered together over 17 000 educators from Finland and abroad. If Educa and LIFE2026 still leave you hungry for more\, don’t worry. On Friday (January 30)\, we will organize an optional extra outdoor pedagogies workshop as an AFTERLIFE EXPERIENCE.  If you participated in the previous LIFE2025\, LIFE2024\, LIFE2023\, LIFE2022\, LIFE2020\, LIFE2019\, LIFE2018\, or LIFE2017 events\, we warmly welcome you to join us again. Based on your feedback\, we have added more interaction with other participants\, and made other changes so that the overall experience will be better than ever.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOOL VISITS INCLUDED \n \n \n \n Event/Course fee \n \n\n \n \n \n 660€ \n \n \n \n Early bird price until September 30\, 2025 \n \n \n \n \n \n Group & Student discounts available \n \n \n \n \n Meal package for additional 240€ \n \n \n \n \n Free access to online courses \n \n \n \n \n Certificates \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VISITEDUFINN \n \n What our clients say \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "This visit is part of our efforts to learn from the best in the world when it comes to education" \n \n Kirsty Williams\, Minister for Education\, Wales\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "So grateful the conference was so well planned and organized. Would highly recommend to others." \n \n Jessica Cowan\, School counselor\, USA\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dawson science teacher Ms. D cannot wait to teach her students all about the Northern Lights! Ms. D\, along with Ms. Musgrave\, Ms. McNamara and Ms. Jacobsen\, spent the week at Visitedufinn Ltd. LIFE2020 Conference and had the unique opportunity to learn from the famous Finnish education. They got to see how everyday life works in Finnish schools\, visit with local teachers and students\, and listen to the top Finnish education experts. Dawson is a true learning community and professional development is a big priority for faculty and staff. We cannot wait to learn more from our Finland Four! #DawsonDifference \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VISITEDUFINN \n \n Interested in other courses or events? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n SEE THEM ALL IN OUR EVENT CALENDAR \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTER FOR THE EVENT\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DOWNLOAD BROCHURE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n COVID-19 INFO\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Program\n Registration and Prices\n Educational Experts\n Outdoor pedagogies workshop\n Social Program\n Winter Activities\n Accommodation\n General Information on Rovaniemi\n General Information on Helsinki\n Contact Information\n \n \n Program\n PROGRAMThis is a preliminary program. There will be small changes as we confirm next year’s speakers and add new elements.  The fundamental part of LIFE2026 is to observe daily life at local schools. You can choose the age range to ensure it is relevant to you. If you want to observe pre-primary education\, it is typically conducted in kindergartens. Here are the age ranges for each visit: Daycare / Kindergarten (ages 1–6)Primary & lower secondary school (ages 7-15)Teacher Training School (ages 7–12)High School/Vocational School (ages 16–18)During the shadowing\, you will be observing teachers in their activities and talking about their daily teaching practices. Special opportunity: We offer approximately 20 participants the chance to swap one of their chosen visits for a principals’ shadowing. This will be offered to all registered participants later\, and the fastest to respond will secure a spot. LIFE2026 offers engaging expert presentations\, workshops focusing on different aspects of Finnish education\, and learning outside the classroom “on the move”. The course also aspires to create an output. This involves working individually or in groups on a concrete project\, such as composing new initiatives for your own school.  Tentative program for LIFE2026 – Please note that changes are possible. ** 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 / KindergartenPrimary & lower secondary schoolTeacher 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 groups16:00- 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 schoolHigh 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 pedagogyHome economicsHandcraftsWelfare pedagogyOR 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 schoolHigh 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 pedagogyHome economicsHandcraftsWelfare pedagogyOR 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 Misukka11:00 – 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. \n Registration and Prices\n REGISTRATION AND PRICES**Registration is now open** Join  Lapland International Forum for Education 2026! All registrations for LIFE2026 must be done using the online registration form. To register a student or an accompanying person\, please contact life2026@visitedufinn.com. Accepted methods of payment are credit card and bank transfer. Below are also additional links for booking accommodation in Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus and the winter activities with Lapland Safaris. REGISTER FOR LIFE2026 REGISTRATION  FOR LIFE2026 WINTER ACTIVITIES (opens soon) Prices(Read more about grants and other options for financial support.)  All prices exclude Finnish VAT 25\,5%. For VAT exemption\, you need to register as a representative/employee of a company or organization and during the registration\, attach a tax certificate\, trade register extract\, or similar from your country. A screenshot/picture of a VAT-number or Erasmus-related OID (Organization ID) are also acceptable.  Registration categories Early bird fee (until  September 30\, 2025)  Standard fee (October 1 – December 31\, 2025)  Late/On-site fee (after  December 31\, 2025) Normal660€760€860€Student*560€660€760€Accompanying person (spouse\, friend\, family member)230€240€250€*Students: you need to contact life2026@visitedufinn.com and attach proof of full-time student status (ID card or letter from your institution or program director).  DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR GROUPS OF 5 OR MORE PARTICIPANTS! Contact life2026@visitedufinn.com for more information.  Prices include (normal or student) Free 30-day access to Finnish Education Online CoursesAdmission to all sessionsEvent materialsSchool visitsVisit Santa Claus VillageCertificate of attendancePossibility to participate in the optional workshop for LIFE2026 participants (additional fees apply)Possibility to participate in special winter activities designed for LIFE2026 (additional fees apply) – REGISTRATION (opens soon)The meal package 240€ is obligatory and it includes: Five lunches and coffee/tea with snacks during breaks mentioned in the programFarewell DinnerPrices include (accompanying person – spouse\, friend\, family member) Visit Santa Claus VillageIce swimming or sled slidesFarewell DinnerPossibility to participate in special winter activities designed for LIFE2026 (additional fees apply) – REGISTRATION (opens soon)Erasmus+ grant holders LIFE2026 can be part of the Erasmus+ staff mobility\, either a job shadowing experience or a course. VisitEDUfinn’s OID code is E10020922. Read more about the VisitEDUfinn’s Erasmus+ staff mobility opportunities. LIFE2026 is listed as a course in European School Education Platform. Payments  Please choose your payment type on the online registration form. The options are  Online credit card payment (Visa\, MasterCard\, American Express)Bank transfer (PDF-invoice). The invoice with the necessary information will be sent to you with the confirmation email. The participant should assume all the bank transaction fees. Please note that all payments must be made in advance and in euros (€).  Cancellation policy Cancellation by participantAll cancellations must be made by email to life2026@visitedufinn.com. If you do not cancel your participation at all\, you will be charged the full fee. For cancellations received by 30 September 2025\, the paid registration fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations made after this date. Please note that a processing fee of 50€ (excl. VAT) per participant will be deducted from all refunds. If unable to attend\, the registered person may substitute someone else from the same organization by sending a notification to life2026@visitedufinn.com. Cancellation by VisitEDUfinnIf the documents attached during the registration process are not valid\, and the participant does not deliver proper documents immediately after requested\, VisitEDUfinn has the right to cancel the participation without any refunding. However\, participation is always possible\, paying the normal fee (or the price difference). In case the event is cancelled due to COVID-19 or a similar situation\, all the payments will be refunded without any processing fee. VisitEDUfinn is not responsible for any damage caused by the cancellation and strongly recommends purchasing flexible flight tickets and accommodation. Invitation letters VisitEDUfinn will write invitation letters only after the full payment. If the participant cannot get a visa and sends evidence about the rejected visa application\, VisitEDUfinn will refund the paid amount. However\, 100€ (excl. VAT) will be deducted as an administrative fee. Any questions about the registration or payments? Please contact life2026@visitedufinn.com Frequently Asked Questions about Registration and Prices \n Educational Experts\n EDUCATIONAL EXPERTS IN ROVANIEMI  JUSSI KAINULAINENJussi 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 WESTLINGSuvi 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 \n Outdoor pedagogies workshop\n Friday\, January 30AFTERLIFE 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 differentelements in one package. You get1. to experience Finnish nature education in the role of a student.2. to learn about the Lappish lifestyle and survival skills needed inan Arctic environment.3. concrete tools to use in your work. FACILITATOR Kimmo Tuunala (M.Ed) is a class teacher\, teacher trainer\, environmentaleducator and facilitator. He is a nature enthusiast and has carried outnature-related lessons\, theme days\, camps and workshops for years.With his team\, Kimmo designs experience-based sessions that are closelyconnected to Lappish nature\, the wellbeing effects of nature\, thehuman-nature connection\, sustainable way of living and survival skills. \n Social Program\n SOCIAL PROGRAMVisit 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 – 22:00Tuesday 27 January at 19:00 – 21:30Thursday 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.  \n Winter Activities\n WINTER ACTIVITIESFor 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 Meet the genuine Siberian Huskies\, enjoy the environment and get thrilled by the speed of the sled! Embark on a wonderful journey through the beautiful wilderness of Finnish Lapland on a husky-led sleigh. This adventure captures the charming spirit of the North. Glide through old\, snow-covered forests\, feeling the cool arctic breezes as you explore this winter wonderland. With every step of the hardworking huskies\, feel the rhythm of the wild\, showcasing the lasting charm of Lapland. This journey is not just a ride; it’s a close encounter with nature\, a touching experience of the old wilderness that promises to leave your heart wanting more. You can choose between two ride options\, Jenga (500 m) and Tiny Quarter (2 km).   DURATION: A couple of minutes (Jenga) – 8 minutes (Tiny Quarter)PRICE (Jenga): 35 € (adults) / 25 € (children 4 – 12 years)PRICE (Tiny Quarter): 49 € (adults) / 35 € (children 4-12 years)Max. 100 persons SUNDAY\, 25 JAN  19:00 – 22:00 Ice Restaurant Dinner Experience What could be a more exciting start for your stay in the Arctic than a dinner surrounded by snow and ice?! Ice restaurant is located within the Arctic SnowHotel\, a 30-minute drive from Rovaniemi. Before the dinner\, SnowHotel’s guide will tell you about the construction\, operation and special features of the SnowHotel during the memorable guided tour through the beautiful rooms of the hotel and arctic specialties\, such as the snow sauna. At the end of the tour\, there is a possibility to order a shot from the ice bar for an additional fee\, served in a glass made from ice. The Ice Restaurant built of snow and ice provides a unique setting for an unforgettable dinner serving up hot Lappish delicacies savoured around ice tables. You can pick your culinary experience from four different menus: Elk\, Chicken\, Salmon\, or Vegetarian Menu. Guaranteed to taste as good as it looks!  DURATION: 3 hoursPRICE: 149€ (adults) / 89€ (children 2-12 years)Min. 5 persons – Max. 80 persons TUESDAY\, 27 JAN 19:00- 22:00 Aurora Hunting During the night\, we normally go to 2-3 different locations which are always chosen according to local weather conditions and photographic opportunities. This means that if we have a clear sky and a possibility to see the Aurora 100 km away\, we will take the chance and drive you there. DURATION: 3 hoursPRICE: 120€ (adults) / 60€ (kids)Min. 15 persons – Max. 90 persons (we will go with several busses if needed) THURSDAY\, 29 JAN  14:00 – 17:00 Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm Go on an exciting snowmobile safari to real reindeer farm! First you will learn about our Lappish culture and reindeer husbandry. Everyone who passes a reindeer-driving test will be issued an international reindeer driver’s license and you will have the possibility of participating in a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or berry juice before returning back to town. NOTE! In this safari two participants share a snowmobile\, single driver option available.DURATION: 3 hoursPRICE: 191€ (adults) / 95€ (children 4-14 years)Min. 10 persons – Max. 40 persons   REGISTER FOR THE ICE RESTAURANT DINNER OR SNOW MOBILE SAFARI (opens soon) REGISTER FOR THE HUSKY RIDE (opens soon) REGISTER FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNTING (opens soon) Looking for daily activities for avecs/accompanying persons? Please contact directly the well-known operator Lapland Safaris: info@laplandsafaris.fi. They have plenty of amazing options for each day\, and you will be taken care of by a very professional team. \n Accommodation\n ACCOMMODATION LIFE2026 has two venues. Educa venue is Messukeskus in Helsinki. There are plenty of excellent options for accommodation in the city center or near Messukeskus. In Rovaniemi\, the venue is at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus. The buses for the school visits also leave from this hotel. You can inquire about available rooms directly from the hotel.  single room 303 EUR/night double room 311 EUR/night   Santa’s Hotel Rudolf is located 500 meters from the Hotel Santa Claus\, and they share the same reception and breakfast restaurant. This is a more affordable option\, but still very comfortable. Special prices for LIFE2025 participants (just tell the hotel that you are joining LIFE2025): single room/ 139 EUR / night double room / 147 EUR / night triple room/ 177 EUR / night Booking Santa’s Hotel or Rudolf: call +358 400 102 220 or send email at info.rovaniemi@santashotels.fi.  Another highly recommended option is Forenom’s 3-year-old apartment building located only 100 meters from the venue. LIFE2026 participants will get a 10% discount (ask for a code). As January is the high season in Rovaniemi\, we recommend booking your hotel roomquickly. All bookings directly to the hotel/hostel/apartment/igloos: Want a unique experience that you will never forget? Spend the last night of your trip in the SnowHotel or Igloo! Santa’s Igloos Arctic CircleArctic SnowHotel & Glass IgloosOther accommodation options in the city center Café Hostel KotiEconomy Hotel RudolfHotel AakenusScandic Pohjanhovi Scandic Rovaniemi CityScandic PolarCity HotelSokos Hotel VaakunaHotel Arctic Light\n General Information on Rovaniemi\n 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. FinnairNorwegian TrainFor 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 \n General Information on Helsinki\n 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! \n Contact Information\n CONTACT INFORMATIONFor additional information about LIFE2026\, Husky Rides\, and Northern Lights Hunting\, please contact: VisitEDUfinn Ltd.c/o Sofia Helsinki MembersSofiankatu 4 C00170 HELSINKIFINLANDTel. +358 504 128 179Email: life2026@visitedufinn.com For additional information about the rest of the WINTER ACTIVITIES\, please contact: Lapland SafarisKoskikatu 196200 Rovaniemi Tel: +358 16 33 11 200 E-mail: info@laplandsafaris.fi \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Register now \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We welcome you to LIFE2026 - SHADOWING EXPERIENCE: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n Do you want to know more about our Events and Courses? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Contact US URL:https://visitedufinn.com/event/life2026/ LOCATION:Rovaniemi\, Rovaniemi\, Finland CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://visitedufinn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LIFE2026-SCALEArtboard-1@2x.png ORGANIZER;CN="VisitEDUfinn":MAILTO:info@visitedufinn.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR