Finland, as you often heard, is now in its 8th consecutive year of being called the happiest country in the world. Finland is also known as the country that offers an exceptional education system (a dream for Filipinos if you may) that attracts students globally, including Filipinos. For high school students or those about to start high school, and parents who are wondering if they can send their child abroad to study, studying in Finland can open doors to a promising future. This article answers common questions about pursuing education in Finland, focusing on the legal pathway, the importance of learning Finnish, and how Finest Future Philippines can guide you every step of the way.

WHY CHOOSE FINLAND FOR EDUCATION?

Finland’s education system is renowned for its quality, equality, and innovation. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for Filipino students:

• Student-Centered Learning: Finland consistently ranks among the best globally for its unique learning approach that teaches students critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration of the teacher and student rather than focusing on memorization.
• Tuition-Free Education: Studying in Finnish or Swedish (Finland’s official languages) makes high school and university education tuition-free, an advantage for Filipino families.
• Safe and High Quality Living: Finland is one of the safest countries with clean air, low crime rates, and a high standard of living, making it ideal for young students and working professionals who want a life that is not stagnant. 
• Path to Residency: Completing high school in Finland opens pathways to universities and potential permanent residency, offering long-term study and job opportunities.
• Positive Learning Environment: Finnish schools prioritize student well-being with shorter school hours, longer breaks, and free meals, promoting a balanced and stress-free learning experience.

WHAT IS THE LEGAL PATHWAY TO STUDY IN FINLAND?

The legal pathway to study in Finland as a Filipino student involves learning Finnish (or Swedish in some regions) to qualify for tuition-free education. Here’s why this is important:

• Language Requirement: To enroll in Finnish high schools, students need at least a B1.1 proficiency level in Finnish. This ensures they can follow classes and integrate into Finnish life. 
• Tuition-Free Access: Studying in Finnish or Swedish grants access to free education.
• Integration and Opportunities: Knowing Finnish enhances employability and cultural integration, allowing students to work part-time during studies and pursue careers in Finland.

Take Note: The Finnish government and schools make acceptance decisions based on language proficiency and academic readiness, so mastering Finnish is non-negotiable for this pathway.

HOW CAN THE FINEST FUTURE PHILIPPINES HELP?

Finest Future Philippines is your trusted language school based in the Philippines in starting your journey in Finland. They offer a comprehensive and guided program for Filipino students and parents, ensuring a smooth transition to studying in Finland. Here’s how they support you:

• Finnish Language Courses: Finest Future Philippines provides Finnish language learning, helping students achieve the required B1.1 level to apply to Finnish schools.
• Remote Learning Option: After arriving in Finland, students can continue learning Finnish remotely, offering students more help in settling and acclimating in Finland.
• End-to-End Guidance: From language training to school applications, principal interviews, visa processes, and relocation support, Finest Future Philippines guides students every step until they’re settled in Finland.
• Proven Success: Students in Finest Future’s programs have successfully acquired Finnish proficiency within ten months (this varies from how fast the student easily learns the language), enabling them to start high school.
• Support for Parents: Finest Future Philippines addresses parental concerns, offering counseling and information on safety, accommodation, and student support in Finland.

To start, contact Finest Future Philippines through their Facebook page or website finestfuture.ph for personalized guidance.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY IN FINLAND?

For Filipino high school students, the requirements to study in Finland include:

• Age and Eligibility: Students aged 14–18 years old are eligible for high school programs. The student must be almost completing or have completed Secondary Education as an official Secondary Education Certificate is required for admission to Finnish schools. 
• Finnish Language Proficiency: A minimum B1.1 level is required to apply to schools.
• Academic Records: Students must submit transcripts and other needed documents to Finest Future Philippines which they compile and submit to their partnered Finnish high schools.
• Visa and Residence Permit: Once accepted by a school, Finest Future Philippines assists with the student visa and residence permit process, ensuring compliance with Finnish immigration rules.

IS FINNISH HARD TO LEARN?

A common concern is whether Finnish is too difficult for Filipino students. The answer is with dedication, any learner can master Finnish quickly, especially with help from a native-speaking teacher. Finest Future Philippines’ program, with native instructor, has helped students achieve fluency in as short as six months with their engaging courses that make learning Finnish enjoyable and effective, using interactive methods for the learners. Just like learning any languages like English or Tagalog, for a more effective learning experience students practice Finnish in real-life interaction inside the classroom and with other students. For parents be rest assured as Finnish is a learnable language and trust Finest Future Philippines’ structured program ensures your child progresses steadily.

IS IT SAFE FOR YOUNG STUDENTS TO STUDY IN FINLAND?

Safety is a top priority for parents, and we too, agree. Finland excels in this area as this country has one of the lowest crime rates globally, with a secure and welcoming environment for international students. Furthermore, Finland has this thing called “support systems”, wherein each school and city assigns guardians to support students in emergencies (e.g., medical or safety issues) and help them adjust upon arrival. Not to mention that Finland’s advanced healthcare system ensures students are vaccinated (e.g., 70% of Finns had at least one COVID-19 dose by August 2021) and have access to medical care. Lastly, Finnish schools foster inclusivity, helping Filipino students feel at home despite being far from family.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR FILIPINO STUDENTS?

Studying in Finland offers Filipino students advantages that are not common in other countries like Canada, Australia, USA, United Kingdom, New Zealand or Ireland. For example, Finland has affordable living expenses (well except the capital city which is Helsinki) such as free school meals, subsidized accommodation, and no tuition fees reduce financial burdens. Comparatively, proficiency in Finnish opens doors to part-time jobs during studies and full-time roles in vocational industries like healthcare, tech, education and many more after graduation. Besides that, living in Finland exposes students to a new culture, fostering independence, maturity, and global perspectives.

WHAT CHALLENGES MIGHT STUDENTS FACE?

While Finland is an excellent destination, students may encounter challenges like adjusting to winter which usually starts from November to March. It can be cold, but schools provide support, and students adapt by using bikes or public transport. In addition to that, Filipino students may miss their family and friends, but fear not as schools offer emotional support, and students can build new connections.

HOW CAN PARENTS SUPPORT THEIR CHILD’S JOURNEY?

Parents play a crucial role in this process. First, you have to encourage language learning and support your child’s Finnish studies with Finest Future Philippines to ensure they meet school requirements. Second, stay informed by using Finest Future Philippines’ counseling services to understand the process, from applications to relocation and to trust Finland’s safe environment and support systems to help your child grow independently. And the most important part? Plan financially, while education is free, there might be other expenses like budget for your child’s living expenses, ticket, and initial relocation costs.