In Finland, world-class education starts with exceptional early childhood education, emphasizing a “stress-free childhood.” This informal approach is filled with play and activities typical of children, ensuring excellent learning abilities despite its non-formal nature.
Research-based, Finnish early childhood education fosters balanced growth and development for children aged 0-8 years old. Pre-primary education becomes compulsory at age six, with basic education beginning when a child turns seven.
Activity Level: Low to Moderate
School Visit: Yes
This trip offers immersive professional development through school visits, allowing educators to engage directly with local teachers and students, observe classrooms, and participate in meaningful dialogue about education systems around the world. These experiences foster fresh perspectives and practical ideas to bring back home.
Professional Development – High Level
This trip includes educator discussions, offering authentic opportunities for cultural exchange and professional growth. While you may not be matched with your exact grade level, you’ll gain meaningful insights to reflect on and bring back to your classroom. Participants will receive a certificate for 20+ professional development hours. The true magic of PD on this trip comes from the organic conversations and connections you make with fellow educators along the way.
Graduate Credits- In addition, we have partnered with an accredited university to allow participants to earn 1 graduate credit for an additional $100 or 3 graduate credits for an additional $300.
Questions? Visit our Bookbag Tours FAQ page.
Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure with just a $300 nonrefundable deposit. From there, 40% of your trip cost will be due 6 months before your travel date, and the final payment will be due 3 months prior to departure. It’s a simple, flexible way to lock in your journey and start counting down to the experience of a lifetime!
Trip pricing can change at any time due to fluctuating travel costs. Book now to lock in your rate and secure your spot at the current price!
Hotel
4 star or better
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 2 school lunches, & 1 Dinner
School Visits
3 school visits and 5 workshops
Tour Leader
Your experienced Tour Leader and Professional Development facilitators
Ground Transportation
Transfers between schools, hotels, and included experiences
Certificate
PD Certificate for 24 Hours
Welcome Reception
Welcome drinks and Orientation in Helsinki
Farewell Dinner
24 Hour Helsinki Card
Airfare
Airfare is not included
Optional Side Trips
You will have a list of optional side trips for an additional fee at a later date
VISA
At the appropriate time, we will provide a link to the VISA application.
Tips and Gratuities
For in-country guides and drivers
Early/Late Transfers
If you are arriving or departing earlier/later than the scheduled Group dates, you will be responsible for your own transfers. We are happy to advise, but we will not cover the cost.
BBT Leader will help assist you to the Hotel
Orientation and light refreshments around 7PM.
Experience Helsinki using this 24 hour pass!
Helsinki is one of Europe's most amazing cities, so we understand that you would like to travel here and discover everything the city has to offer. The city offers you four clearly distinctive seasons, which makes it an attractive travel destination all year round.
In the city you'll find a unique combination of many museums, attractions, events, exhibitions and restaurants. With the City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off you'll see the most interesting sights of Helsinki as well as local life - the Helsinki Card as your tour ticket!
This original City Card has offered the best of the city since 1983.
Basics of the Finnish education system
We will have the exciting opportunity to visit a Finnish school, where we will engage in collaboration with dedicated educators and gain valuable insights into their innovative school system. This experience will allow us to explore the unique teaching methods and educational philosophies that have made Finland's education system renowned worldwide. We will interact with teachers, observe classroom dynamics, and discuss best practices, making this visit not only educational but also inspiring for our future endeavors in education.
School visit with School Lunch
Elements of ECE in Finland
We will have the exciting opportunity to visit a Finnish school, where we will engage in collaboration with dedicated educators and gain valuable insights into their innovative school system. This experience will allow us to explore the unique teaching methods and educational philosophies that have made Finland's education system renowned worldwide. We will interact with teachers, observe classroom dynamics, and discuss best practices, making this visit not only educational but also inspiring for our future endeavors in education.
Elements of ECE in Finland
We will have the exciting opportunity to visit a Finnish school, where we will engage in collaboration with dedicated educators and gain valuable insights into their innovative school system. This experience will allow us to explore the unique teaching methods and educational philosophies that have made Finland's education system renowned worldwide. We will interact with teachers, observe classroom dynamics, and discuss best practices, making this visit not only educational but also inspiring for our future endeavors in education.
Elements of ECE in Finland
Recap, final reflections, takeaways and next steps
This is the ultimate cultural experience. After the sauna and refreshing lake we walk through the forest to the home of a Finnish friend (Petteri), where we have a traditional Finnish dinner and refreshments enjoying our final night together.
Reflect on the experience and enjoy some food and fellowship!
If flight allows
Overnight in Helsinki
Perfect for travelers looking to save and connect. Share a comfortable room with another traveler and enjoy all the same great experiences at a lower cost. If you’re traveling with a friend, let us know your roommate preference at checkout. Otherwise, we’ll thoughtfully pair you with someone of a similar age and teaching level.
If we cannot place you with a roommate the single room rate will apply, we hope you understand.
Ideal for those who prefer extra privacy. Relax in your own room after each day’s adventure while still enjoying all group activities and inclusions. A great option for travelers who want a little more personal space.
Heads-Up, Snoozers! If you snore like a bear, rock a CPAP machine, need white noise, or have any other quirky sleep habits, we totally understand — everyone has their bedtime vibe! But to keep things peaceful for your fellow travelers, please consider booking a private room.
Even better? Bring a friend you’ve already shared a room (and some laughs) with, and have them register too!
Let’s keep the Zzzs drama-free and the vibes just right. Thanks for being the considerate rockstar you are!
Pack for the Season
Winters are cold and snowy—layer up with thermal gear, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. Summers are mild and perfect for exploring outdoors.
Get Comfortable with Silence
Finns value personal space and quiet moments—don’t feel awkward if conversations are calm or brief.
Try the Sauna Culture
Saunas are a huge part of Finnish life! Don’t be shy—join in and embrace the tradition (towels are optional in many local saunas!).
Tap Water is Safe
You can drink straight from the tap anywhere in Finland—it’s clean, fresh, and tastes great.
Use Cards, Not Cash
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at small cafes or kiosks.
Public Transportation is Reliable
Buses, trains, and trams are clean, safe, and easy to navigate—especially in cities like Helsinki.
Don’t Expect Small Talk
Finns are friendly but not overly chatty. Respect their quiet nature and you’ll be welcomed warmly.
Most Finns speak English very well, especially in cities, but a few phrases go a long way in showing respect and friendliness!
Hello – Hei (hay)
Thank you – Kiitos (kee-toss)
Yes – Kyllä (kew-lah)
No – Ei (ay)
Excuse me / Sorry – Anteeksi (ahn-teck-see)
Do you speak English? – Puhutko englantia? (poo-hoot-ko eng-lan-tee-ah)
How much does this cost? – Paljonko tämä maksaa? (pal-yon-ko tah-mah mak-sah)
Bookbag Tours is dedicated to providing quality professional development through immersive travel experiences for educators and their family and friends. Our trips offer a truly global perspective, allowing participants to gain insights that enrich their classrooms and lives.
Our mission is to empower educators and their companions with hands-on global experiences, equipping them to inspire students both in and out of the classroom.
With Bookbag Tours, you’ll earn 20+ professional development hours while exploring incredible countries alongside fellow educators and their guests. We also offer specialized trips focused on Marine Conservation and Ancient Civilizations that provide excellent PD without school visits, ensuring valuable knowledge is brought back to every participant.
We’re committed to enhancing the lives of those who strive to make the world a better place through meaningful group trips, professional development conferences, and cultural engagement.
We're here to help you plan the perfect adventure! For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out:
Phone or WhatsApp: +1 (864) 907- 9874
Email: [email protected]
DM us on Socials: @bookbagtours
Our team is available to assist with bookings, itinerary changes, and any questions you may have. Let us help you make your dream trip a reality!