Why Finland’s Education System is One of the Best in the World

Sponsored by the University of Eastern Finland

If you’ve got your heart set on studying abroad but aren’t sure where, you might do well to consider Finland.

Over the last few years, more than 20,000 students have moved to Finland to experience its great quality of life, laid-back culture, natural beauty, and exciting cuisine. 

But it’s the country’s reputation for academic excellence that seals the deal for many. Finnish universities have been ranked among the best in the world, with many offering English-taught master’s programs. In the most recent QS World University Rankings, nine Finnish universities were featured – with the University of Eastern Finland being one of them. 

We caught up with a couple of master’s students from the Faculty of Science and Forestry at the University of Eastern Finland to find out more about their study experience so far, and what makes Finland a special place to study.

Its modern study environments and forward-thinking teaching

From kindergarten all the way through to higher education, Finland has always been a front-runner in education and learning development.

The University of Eastern Finland in particular, prides itself on the development of its new and evolving physical learning facilities and resources, with the university’s state-of-the-art technologies and innovative learning environments cater to each and every student’s individual studying styles.

From Multilocation Classrooms (MLCs), to virtual laboratories – students can be sure that their learning experience in Finland will look (and feel) quite different to what they are typically used to.

The Escape Room Lab – which is the first of its kind in the country – opened in October 2020. It was designed and created in collaboration with a team of computer science and physics academics. The Escape Room Lab aims to ‘gamify’ the learning experience and enhance students’ teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Another unique learning facility, is the Sm4rtLab which can be accessed from anywhere in the world. It is a safe space for students to try out new ideas and gain new learning experiences through augmented reality.

Flexible studying is another open and diverse pathway in which students are encouraged to take the lead and responsibility for their own learning. Flipped Classroom learning shifts the focus from teacher-centered teaching to student-centered learning. This means students utilize a variety of learning materials including videos to familiarize themselves with the subject matter before class. Class time is then dedicated to students’ feedback, insights and questions surrounding the relevant topic.

Which leads us to the next reason…

Student-centered learning is at the heart of Finnish education

Student-centered learning provides valuable learning experiences. It increases your capacity to learn and encourages collaboration with your peers. As a result, your independent and critical-thinking skills improve, as will your self-confidence and global perspective.

Godswill is a second-year Medical Physics master’s student at the University of Eastern Finland, and is originally from Nigeria.

His learning experience so far “has been terrific”, especially when it comes to working and learning alongside his fellow peers.

“It is great that there are about 12 students on the program which means that the student to lecturer ratio is ideal, and this in turn makes our learning more effective.

“The diversity of the program’s cohort is quite incredible as my classmates come from Egypt, Poland, Pakistan, Iran, and Bahrain which provides the opportunity learn and share intercultural and international knowledge.”

Giang Tran is originally from Vietnam, and is another second-year master’s student studying Environmental Policy and Law. Before officially starting their studies in autumn 2019, Giang had the opportunity to attend several summer courses at the University of Eastern Finland, and believes it was a “great chance to get to know the campus and university.”

Having the freedom to choose their own courses that best suits their career aspirations was something Giang very much appreciated, along with the support and guidance from professors and guest lecturers.

They said: “I was truly blessed to be able to learn from my professors at the University of Eastern Finland Law School.

“It has been very enjoyable, and I am looking forward to next semester.”