 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
||
|
||
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
EducationIn 1990, a government commission recommended that Finns become the best educated people in Europe by 2010. Investment in education was substantially increased to 6.5% of GDP (compared to European Union average of 5.3%), higher than any other industrialized country; the result is that 99% of the country is literate. Finland is 1st in the world in literacy and math among high school students, according to the OECD. Finns learn well because they are taught well. Teachers, who are required to have a masters degree, are given freedom to choose their own textbooks and help develop course content based on student interests and needs. Finnish society bestows respect on teachers. In a recent survey among 18-year olds in Finland, teaching was voted the most popular profession. For all of this success, in 2003 Finland spent about $6,000 per student annually (primary through university), as compared to the OECD average of $6,360 and the US at $10,240. All education is totally funded by the government. Finns begin school at age 6 in preschool and start regular school at 7; they continue through nine levels (primary and junior school = perus-koula) until age 16, at which time they will go on to high school (lukio) for 3 years or a technical school. Approximately 50% of all students complete high school. High school is essential for going on to university, but to be enrolled in university, students must also pass a high school exam and a university exam. Since university is also totally funded by the government, it is not unusual for qualified students to obtain masters degrees; the majority stay at university for 7-8 years. There are 20 universities plus 29 polytechnics for post-secondary vocational learning. During 2002, approximately 6000 foreigners studied in Finnish universities, while approximately 7500 Finns studied abroad. See Educational Opportunities for Americans in Finland |
 |
