On the 8^th September I flew to Finland for two weeks on a visit organised by my University and the JCI (Junior Chamber International) in Finland.  Six students in third and fourth year were able to go and we were paired off into three different schools within the area of Seinäjoki.

Hayley and I were based at a school called Kärki school which translates as the ‘top’ or ‘best’ school.  We mostly taught English but we helped out in a range of other lessons; taking part in whole class teaching and individual work. We visited six different schools in total, including a secondary school and an international school.  Many of the schools in Seinäjoki haven’t had English visitors before so Hayley and I felt famous in the schools that we visited.  

I stayed with a lovely family who had two boys aged 9 and 7 years old and a cat called Luna.  Here is my first ever Finnish house:

In the evenings and on the weekends we did lots of activities with our families and the other English students.  The two weeks were very busy so here is some of what we did:

Hiking along the swamp.  Hayley and I went for a walk along a swamp with Anna-Maria, the English teacher, as it was such a beautiful day.  

We visited Seinäjoki's amazing library.

Hiking around the lake.  My Finnish family and I hiked through the forest and around the lake until we came to a wooden hut with a fire pit where we cooked sausages over a fire and played games.

Horse riding.  This was second time I have ever ridden a horse - needless to say it was hilarious! I was so proud of myself until I had to get down.  I struggled for a while and ended up lying across the horse crying with laughter!

Going to the swimming pool.  In the changing rooms all of the women have showers and saunas together without any clothes on.  There is even a sign telling you to take your clothes off - I felt very British in refusing to take my swimming costume off! 

Most people in Finland have a sauna in their house - they get very hot!

Floorball is a very popular sport.  Whilst in Finland I both watched a team and played a game with an under 18's team and the other girls from England!

Climbing the 272 steps of the church tower.  This was an interesting climb after two days of horse riding and floor ball as we were all so achy! 

Attending a JCI conference in a hotel at the Powerland theme park.  We were greeted with flashes of a camera and then we talked in front of a room of JCI members.  We answered questions about the differences between the Finnish and English education systems and joined in with group discussions about ideas for new projects.

Met with the head of basic education in Seinäjoki.  This was very interesting as he explained in detail the stages of the Finnish education system.  He told us some of the changes they are hoping to make and we had the opportunity to ask questions.

Tapas and Finnish karaoke with some of the JCI members.

Watching the sunset from Seinäjoki’s ‘mountain’.  As Seinäjoki is such a flat area this is what Finnish people refer to as their ‘mountain’.