Learning Through Experience - A Journey into Finnish Nature & Pedagogy:

Hands-On Pedagogical Tools for 21st Century Classrooms Experiential Pedagogy in Practice – Course Week in Ylläs, Finnish Lapland.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Finnish Lapland, this week-long course brings together teachers from across Europe to explore experiential learning. Each day centers on a pedagogical theme—ranging from nature-based methods to narrative education—introduced through immersive, hands-on activities. Participants reflect and exchange their own classroom tools in peer-led sharing sessions. The program fosters deep pedagogical dialogue and cultural exchange while embracing the Finnish ethos of learner-centered teaching. By blending local insights with European perspectives, educators co-create a diverse toolkit for inclusive, innovative, and experiential approaches to learning.

Location: Ylläs, Äkäslompolo, Finnish Lapland Shared accommodation in cozy cottages with training sessions held on-site.

Course Concept

This immersive week in Finnish Lapland brings together educators from across Europe to explore experiential pedagogy through nature, storytelling, and collaborative practice. Each day introduces a pedagogical theme through hands-on methods, followed by peer-led sharing sessions where participants present their own classroom practices, tools, and reflections.

The course fosters a dialogue-rich environment where teachers learn not only from Finnish approaches but also from each other—building a shared toolbox of 21st-century teaching strategies.

Daily Schedule

08:00–09:00 Breakfast

09:00–12:00 Morning Workshop: Thematic introduction + hands-on methods

12:00–14:00 Lunch break with collaborative meal prep

14:00–17:00 Outdoor excursion & nature immersion

17:00–19:00 Dinner preparation and shared meal

19:00–21:00 Sauna & Evening Program

(Midnight Sun or Northern Lights, weather permitting)

Who Should Join?

Teachers, educators, and pedagogical leaders interested in:

Experiential and nature-based learning

Cross-cultural exchange of teaching practices

Building a European network of reflective practitioners

Meals and Catering

Meals are organized collectively as part of the course experience. Participants will be divided into small rotating groups responsible for preparing one of the daily meals—**breakfast, lunch, or dinner**. Together, we will agree on a shared food budget and purchase groceries accordingly for the group accommodation.

Those not staying in the shared accommodation may opt out of the group meal arrangements. (On some days, we may also agree to dine out together at a local restaurant, based on group preferences.)

Please note that meal costs are not included in the course fee or accommodation price.

**Pricing**

- Course fee: €80/day

Total for 5-day course: €400

- Accommodation options (Sunday–Saturday):

- Private room (1–2 people): €500

Includes a small twin room with shared living spaces, bathroom, and toilet.

- Room (1–3 people) with private toilet: €650 (shared living spaces)

(Ask more about accommodation and alternative accommodation options!)

- Local transportation in Äkäslompolo is included in the price.

Please note:Travel to Finland, flights to Kittilä Airport, and the airport shuttle from Kittilä to Äkäslompolo are not included in the course or accommodation price but all travel arrangements will be supported and assistance will be provided with everything related to the trip!