In November, Experience Workshop welcomed back a school group from the Csontváry Primary School in Hungary. This six-day Erasmus+ mobility in Jyväskylä built upon the great success of their first visit a year earlier. The group included 20 students, two teachers there to observe Finnish classrooms, one accompanying teacher, and a second teacher who took part in a professional training course on AI and digital skills.

 

School Week in Kuokkala Comprehensive School

The core of the week was spent at Kuokkala School, a local Finnish comprehensive school. Here, the Hungarian students were fully integrated into the school schedule, attending lessons alongside Finnish eighth and ninth graders. The visiting teachers had the chance to see different subjects being taught and to talk directly with the Finnish teachers about their educational methods.

The visit to Kuokkala School started with an introduction to the Finnish school system by principal Markku Juhola. Following this, the 20 Hungarian students were divided into five different classes. In each class, a small group of Finnish students took responsibility for welcoming their guests and giving them a tour of the school. After these friendly introductions, the Hungarian students joined in the regular school day.

During their time in the school, the visiting group participated in a wide variety of subjects. They joined health classes, took part in dance lessons that were preparing the ninth graders for their Independence Day performance, and especially enjoyed the home economics classes where they learned to cook. Everyone also ate lunch in the school cafeteria, enjoying the healthy Finnish meals that are provided free of charge to all students.

Hungarian students noted several surprising differences. One was the common Finnish rule of removing your shoes before entering a classroom. They also observed that the general atmosphere felt more calm, with no shouting heard in the classrooms. This was a distinct contrast to what some were used to.

A clear sign of the week’s success was visible by Friday. The initial hesitation to speak English had completely faded away. Hungarian and Finnish students were exchanging contact information and hugging each other goodbye.

Cultural Activities

Outside of school hours, the group enjoyed a rich cultural program. They took an educational tour of Jyväskylä city, went on a hike, and grilled marshmallows by a lakeside. A classic Finnish experience was also on the agenda: a real sauna with the chance to take a refreshing swim in the lake. On their final Saturday, the group visited the local Aalto2 museum, shared a farewell lunch, and took part in a fun reflection and quiz about the week, with sweet prizes for the winners.

Feedback from Participants

”Seeing a delivery robot on the street and a squirrel in class – it was those little surprises that made Finland so special.”

”The school was so calm and quiet. It was interesting to see a different, more relaxed learning environment.”

”Making friends from a different culture was the best part. It taught me the importance of being open-minded.”

”I learned that you shouldn’t be afraid of new things; they can be the most exciting and interesting experiences.”

”I brought home a magnet. It’s a small thing, but it holds all the memories of how good it was to be in Finland.”

 

Photo credits: Nora Somlyody and Tereza Pruknerová

 

The job shadowing mobility was realized in the frameworks of the Erasmus+ KA1 programme.

 

 

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