Finland is one of the most fascinating and underrated exchange destinations for Australian and New Zealand students. The country is consistently ranked at or near the top of global education quality indices, consistently among the world’s happiest populations, and home to a natural environment – forests, lakes, saunas, and the Arctic that has no parallel elsewhere in Europe.
For students interested in education, design, technology, or simply a way of life radically different from the Pacific, Finland offers a genuinely horizon-expanding experience. YFU Finland has operated exchanges for decades and has a strong volunteer network that supports students throughout their placement.
Finnish culture values silence, space, and independence in ways that can initially feel unfamiliar to Australians or New Zealanders used to more socially expressive environments. Finns are not unfriendly – they’re simply comfortable with silence in a way most Western cultures aren’t. Once inside a Finnish family’s trust, you’ll find warmth, generosity, and a deep pride in their country and traditions.
The sauna is central to Finnish culture in a way that outsiders frequently underestimate. It’s a social space, a ritual, and a genuine expression of Finnish identity – and your host family will likely share this tradition with you early in your stay.
The Finnish natural environment is extraordinary: 40% of the country is forested, there are nearly 190,000 lakes, and the midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter offer experiences not available anywhere else in the world at this latitude.
You don’t need to speak Finnish before you arrive, but you should be enthusiastic and committed to learning the language. As Finnish is the primary language of instruction in schools, students are expected to participate fully in their classes.
We strongly encourage you to start learning Finnish as soon as you are accepted into the program. Language-learning apps such as Duolingo are an excellent way to build a basic understanding before you leave.
The Finnish school system has been consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. The school year in Finnish high schools begins in mid-August and ends in early June. School vacations include an Autumn vacation in September-October as well as 2 weeks of Christmas vacation and a 1 week long ‘skiing break’ in February-March.
Students attend a lukio (the Finnish Senior High School) which allows students to take a variety of subjects. You will have the option of learning a number of foreign languages such as Swedish, German, French, Spanish amongst others as well as Art, Music or Sports.
The school year is divided into 6 terms, each of which has a different schedule. Students get the opportunity to choose courses for each term, making school life varied and interesting.
Finnish upper secondary schools (Lukio) are the world’s most discussed and studied — consistently ranking at the top of PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) tables for student outcomes. The Finnish system is characterised by minimal standardised testing, high teacher autonomy, flexible study paths, and strong emphasis on student wellbeing alongside academic achievement. Exchange students typically follow a broad curriculum including Finnish, Mathematics, Sciences, Social Studies, Arts, and at least one additional foreign language.
Many families live in large apartment complexes in towns and enjoy all modern conveniences. In the countryside, separate houses are more typical. Many families also have a summer cottage in the countryside where they spend most of their weekends especially in the summer time, sometimes even throughout the year.
In some Finnish families grandparents might be living in the same home (the traditional way), while other families will be visited by their elderly relatives only a couple of times a year. At Christmas time families usually get together. A family Christmas (Joulu) get-together can be up to 20 people. Another important event for families during the year is Juhannus, midsummer at the end of June, which families will usually spend in the countryside if possible.
In Finland family roles are not clearly defined. The equality between spouses is highly respected. You will most likely see your host father ironing his own shirts and/or host mother mowing the lawn. A mother can be the head of the family as well as a father, it really depends on the family. In most families both spouses work outside home. Because of parents’ long working days, the children are expected to help with household chores (such as washing the dishes, keeping rooms tidy, shopping and more).
You don’t need to speak Finnish before you go, but you do need to be motivated to learn it. Finnish is the teaching language in schools, and students are expected to participate in classes.
We strongly recommend starting to learn Finnish as soon as you’re accepted onto the program, apps like Duolingo are a great way to begin building a foundation before you arrive.
Once in Finland, students can take Finnish language courses after arrival, at their own expense. Some schools and local institutes offer these courses free of charge, while others may charge a small fee.
Finnish schools are internationally recognised for high student outcomes achieved through minimal testing, strong teacher autonomy, emphasis on student wellbeing, and flexible learning paths. Exchange students often find the environment less pressured but more intellectually stimulating than their home schools.
The sauna is a genuine cultural institution in Finland and not a hotel amenity. Finnish families use the sauna weekly and will almost certainly invite you to join as a way of welcoming you. It’s a social ritual and an important part of Finnish identity.
Depending on your placement location and time of year: yes to both. The midnight sun is visible across much of Finland in June and July; the northern lights (aurora borealis) are visible in northern Finland from autumn through early spring.
Finland has among the highest English proficiency levels in the world. While this makes daily life easier, it also means you need to be intentional about practising Finnish immersion requires conscious effort in a country where English is so accessible.
Yes. Finland is part of the Schengen Area, and a long-stay national visa is required for programs over 90 days. YFU provides full documentation and application guidance as part of your enrolment.
Enrolment in a public or private school for the first semester and placement in an NGO project for the second semester
Placement in an NGO project (Typically related to childcare, women's care, environmental NGOs)
Our standard all-inclusive program price with no hidden fees.
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, plus receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting a student*
Host a student and enjoy up to 20% off the program fee, receive up to $4000AUD / $4800NZD reimbursement for hosting* plus a further $2500 discount when you book your own flights**
*The host a student reimbursement is a payment of $100AUD/$120NZD per week
**When you book your own flights, you will be required to adhere to specific travel dates and arrival times in the destination country. This offer does not include exchange programs to Thailand, Korea, or China.
A successful exchange is not simply about travelling to another country. It is about a young person arriving safely, being welcomed by a prepared host family and community, receiving support when challenges arise, and returning home with greater confidence, maturity and understanding of different perspectives.
Curious about the next three stereotypes? We’re continuing to bust the myths around what it really means to be a host family. Haven’t read the first four? Catch up with Part 1 here.
Perhaps a large family with a spare bedroom, parents who love travelling, and children who are already fascinated by different cultures. Or maybe you imagine a family that has hosted international students for years and knows exactly what to expect.
Enquire today about this program. We’ve got experts ready to assist with any enquiry about the countries, programs and the process.
Simply register and attend one of our in-person Information Evenings and you will automatically get $100 off your program fee.