Finland Exchange Program
A transatlantic classroom program between Väinö Linna high school and Leland Public School.
This program involves 2 exchanges. In fall 2023 a group of students and staff from Finland will visit for 10 days of collaboration including field trips and class time. In the spring of 2024, Leland will send a group abroad to continue the work on location in Finland. In between, students and staff collaborate on project activities and goals via Zoom and independent small group study including research and a variety of presentations to showcase student outcomes. Eligible students are in grades 9-12.
BACKGROUND
Main focus is strengthening the international relationship
Develop skills that are needed in an increasingly complex world of interdependencies
A joint goal of the Finnish Board of Education and the US Embassy of Finland to increase transatlantic cooperation between schools
THEME - OUR FORESTS
Develop and collaborate on projects aimed at increasing knowledge of forests and forestry. While doing so, enhance language and social skills and increase cultural understanding with a global perspective
Framework would be common historical aspects of our Michigan region and Finland, migration from Finland, lumberjacks, etc
Students and staff explore environmental similarities and the important role of nature in both cultures and communities
IN PRACTICE
Participants work on an agreed chosen theme and develop activities in cooperation
Activity examples include
Virtual meetings including presentations - topics to include Forestry practices and related agencies (ie farming styles and government oversight), carbon sequestration, biodiversity, historical practices, cultural practices, etc
Student cooperation
Short duration travel (~10 days)
Staff and student teaching exchange
Job shadowing in target country
Exchange includes variety of field trip style activities
Collaboration is virtual and in-person
Duration of program, including period of virtual cooperation is maximum of 1.5 years (2023-mid 2024)
FINANCIAL NEED
Total Need: ~$25,000
Costs
Student and staff airfare
Travel expenses including food and transportation abroad
Field work transportation domestic (bussing and school vans)
Supplies
Teacher duty pay
Substitute teachers during exchange
Host gift
Funding Sources
Local Rotary
LEF
LPS General Fund
Fundraising events (car wash and others)
Grants local and national
Private donations