Focus on Finland

  Finland

Helsinki

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: Dispel any notions you might have of Finland being a cold, snowy, northern country; it is alive with vibrant culture, outdoor activities, lush landscapes, and the midnight sun. Finnish culture is colorful with hundreds of arts festivals, a wide range of sporting events, and a balanced mix of small-town life and modern cities. Common sense, no fuss, and making things work sums up how the Finns operate. Finland will stay with you long after your study abroad program. And be ready for anything: you will be placed anywhere between the northernmost village Utsjoki and southernmost town of Hanko.

Highlights: The school year is usually divided into five terms from August, to June, with breaks at Christmas and Easter, a one-week sports vacation mid-winter, and the First-of-May celebration. You will study a few courses intensively each term, including Finnish and/or Swedish, math, science, psychology, art, music, sports, history, and geography. You'll travel straight to your host family when you arrive in Finland. About a month into your stay, there will be an orientation to help you get a better grasp on the language and culture and to talk about your experiences so far.

Cost in US$: $6,900 - $9,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947