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Finland (Early Childhood Study)

Bookbag Tours
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September 26th - October 3rd

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Trip Description

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. 

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Leaders:

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Questions? Visit our Bookbag Tours FAQ page.

Booking Your Trip

Costs & Inclusions
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Booking Info

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!

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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!

✅ What’s Included

  • 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

❌ What’s Not Included

  • 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.

Overview

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Overview

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Trip Description

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Leaders:

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Map

1. Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

Day 1 - Sept 26

Arrive in Helsinki
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Arrive in Helsinki Airport (HEL)

BBT Leader will help assist you to the Hotel

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Welcome Reception

Orientation and light refreshments around 7PM.

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Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 2 - Sept 27

Free Day
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Breakfast At Hotel

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Explore the City using your Helsinki Card

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.

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Group Activity Using Helsinki Card

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Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 3- Sept 28

Introduction to the Finish Education System
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Breakfast

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Workshop Focus:

  • Basics of the Finnish education system

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Lunch Included

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Primary School Visit (Grade 1 - Grade 2)

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.

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Lunch

School visit with School Lunch

accommodation icon

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 4 - Sept 29

Pedagogical Leadership in Finnish schools
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Breakfast

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Workshop Focus:

  • Elements of ECE in Finland

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Lunch On Your Own At the Traditional Market

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School Visit to Early Childhood Education Center

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.

accommodation icon

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 5 - Sept 30

Pedagogical Leadership in Finnish schools
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Breakfast

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Workshop Focus:

  • Elements of ECE in Finland

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Lunch Included

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School Visit to Early Childhood Education Center

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.

accommodation icon

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 6 - Oct 1

Workshop Day
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Breakfast

Workshop Focus:

  • Elements of ECE in Finland

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Free Afternoon To Explore

accommodation icon

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 7 - Oct 2

Final Reflections
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Breakfast

Workshop Focus:

  • Recap, final reflections, takeaways and next steps

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Day In The Life of a Finn

  • 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.

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Farewell Dinner

Reflect on the experience and enjoy some food and fellowship!

accommodation icon

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Or Similar)

Experience the Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the heart of Helsinki for easy access to attractions and public transport. This stylish hotel blends modern comfort with historic charm, featuring unique design elements inspired by Finnish architecture. Don't miss the panoramic rooftop terrace for stunning skyline views. Enjoy local flavors at the on-site dining options, enhancing your stay in this vibrant city.
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Day 8 - Oct 3

Departure Day
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Depart from Helsinki Airport (HEL)

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Free Day to Explore

If flight allows

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Accomodations

Overnight in Helsinki

Package Options

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Shared Room Package

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.

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If we cannot place you with a roommate the single room rate will apply, we hope you understand.

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Private Room Package

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.

Roommate Disclaimer

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!

Travel Tips

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Travel Tips

  1. 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.

  2. Get Comfortable with Silence

    Finns value personal space and quiet moments—don’t feel awkward if conversations are calm or brief.

  3. 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!).

  4. Tap Water is Safe

    You can drink straight from the tap anywhere in Finland—it’s clean, fresh, and tastes great.

  5. Use Cards, Not Cash

    Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, even at small cafes or kiosks.

  6. Public Transportation is Reliable

    Buses, trains, and trams are clean, safe, and easy to navigate—especially in cities like Helsinki.

  7. Don’t Expect Small Talk

    Finns are friendly but not overly chatty. Respect their quiet nature and you’ll be welcomed warmly.

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A Few Useful Phrases

Most Finns speak English very well, especially in cities, but a few phrases go a long way in showing respect and friendliness! 

  1. Hello – Hei (hay)

  2. Thank you – Kiitos (kee-toss)

  3. Yes – Kyllä (kew-lah)

  4. No – Ei (ay)

  5. Excuse me / Sorry – Anteeksi (ahn-teck-see)

  6. Do you speak English? – Puhutko englantia? (poo-hoot-ko eng-lan-tee-ah)

  7. How much does this cost? – Paljonko tämä maksaa? (pal-yon-ko tah-mah mak-sah)

About Us

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Bookbag Tours

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What is Bookbag Tours?

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.

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What to Expect from Your Trip?

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

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Contact Us!

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!