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