What is Erasmus+ Job Shadowing?
A unique staff mobility experience in Finland
What you’ll experience?
Embark on a transformative week of professional learning in Finland — ranked one of the happiest countries in the world — and observe the Finnish education system in action. You’ll spend time alongside experienced teachers, explore their methodologies and daily routines, and return with fresh ideas to implement in your own setting.
This immersive programme is designed for educators seeking to deepen their practice through real-life observation and exchange. Whether you come with a colleague or individually, you’ll gain concrete insights into teaching, learning and student wellbeing — all under the umbrella of Erasmus+ staff mobility.
While most placements will be organised in the Helsinki metropolitan area, we also offer excellent host schools in smaller cities within two hours of Helsinki or in Estonia (and soon Spain) to provide rich, authentic contexts with strong educational practice.
You and your colleagues can job shadow in various types of schools, excluding universities. Options include:
- Kindergartens (ages 1-5)
- Pre-primary (age 6)
- Primary (ages 7-12)
- Lower secondary (ages 13-15)
- High schools (ages 16-18)
- Vocational schools (ages 16-18)
Click here for more information on each educational age group.
Who it’s for
- Teachers and teacher students in primary, lower secondary and vocational education across Europe
- European school leaders, department heads and development teams
- Erasmus+ coordinators and international officers from EU Member States and Programme Countries
- European VET staff seeking structured peer learning
- Curriculum developers and educational experts working within the European education area
This Erasmus+ job shadowing opportunity is exclusively available for European participants.
We recommend that at least two colleagues from the same school take part, as this strengthens joint implementation and impact after returning home.
You can choose placements in a wide range of Finnish educational institutions—from kindergartens to comprehensive and vocational schools—allowing you to match the experience with your professional interests and goals.gartens to vocational schools, with options to suit your preferences.
Job Shadowing in Finland:
- 5 Job Shadowing days In a Finnish school
- Assistance for visitors when needed
| What is the difference? | Erasmus+ Job Shadowing | Teacher Job Shadowing | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistance with logistics, transportation, and cultural programs | ||||||||
| For participants without an Erasmus+ grant | ||||||||
| Tailored for Erasmus+ funding with structured timelines to fit within Erasmus+ project requirements | ||||||||
| Basic fee includes-5 Job Shadowing days | ||||||||
| Briefing session and escorting to school on the first day | ||||||||
| A wrap up -meeting with our educational expert | ||||||||
| Basic fee includes 3 Job Shadowing days | ||||||||
What our clients say?
Dates & Destinations
- Finland: Available 1 Sept – 15 Dec & 15 Jan – 15 May each year. (Certain blackout periods apply.)
- Estonia: Available 15 Sept – 15 Dec & 15 Jan – 15 May. (Other exceptions may apply.)
- Host schools: Typically in the Helsinki metropolitan area or Tallinn for group visits (2+ participants). For individual participants we can place in smaller towns (e.g., Turku, Jyväskylä, Lahti) for greater flexibility.
Duration and Fee
The basic fee for Erasmus+ Job Shadowing is 350€ (excluding VAT) for a maximum of one week, Monday to Friday. Additional days are available for an extra fee.
Schedule
School days usually start at 8 or 9 am and end by 3 pm. The job shadowing timetable will depend on the teachers you and your colleagues are shadowing. Note that primary school days are often short, about 4-6 hours per day. If your plan requires more working hours, we offer online courses to complement the schedule.
Networking with Finnish Colleagues
Finnish teachers are eager to share their insights, but keep in mind they are often busy. The next lesson or its preparation can start immediately after the previous one. There will be moments during the week for Q&A and informal discussions. For guaranteed undivided time with an education expert, we recommend our hosted Teacher Job Shadowing program, which includes two meetings for in-depth discussions.
Group Size and Special Requests
You are welcome to participate alone or with colleagues. For groups larger than five, participants will be split into different schools. We strive to match you with a school that aligns with your background and preferences (age group, subjects, special education, language immersion, etc.), but it’s not always possible to fulfill all requests. Early registration increases the likelihood of finding the perfect school for you.
Register early to secure your spot and ensure a seamless and enriching professional development experience.
All registrations must be completed using the online registration form. We accept payments via credit card and bank transfer. Once payment is received, we will select and book the school(s) for your shadowing experience.
If you have any problems or questions about completing the online form, please contact us at info@visitedufinn.com
Pricing
- Base fee: €350 per participant for a 5-day week (excluding VAT).
- Mandatory school-lunch package: €50/week.
- Extra days: €50 per participant per additional day.
- Visit to a different school during the week: + €100 per participant.
- Last-minute registrations (< 60 days) incur an extra €100 per participant.
- Group placement (2+ participants) required for metropolitan area host schools.
- Erasmus+ funding: eligible organisations may apply via Erasmus+ Staff Mobility.
Prices Include:
- Free 30-day access to Finnish & Estonian Education Online Courses
- Matching you with suitable Finnish & Estonian teachers and schools
- Assistance with timetables, transportation, cultural programs, etc.
We also offer another job shadowing program with supplementary services, allowing individual participants to visit schools in the capital area. Read more about our Teacher Job Shadowing program.
VAT details
Prices are exclusive of Finnish VAT (25,5%) VAT-exempt invoicing is possible if your institution has: A valid EU VAT number, or An Erasmus+ OID (Organisation ID), or A document proving that the organisation is a public educational institution A simple screenshot/photo of the EU VAT number or OID is sufficient If no VAT-exempt status is provided, Finnish VAT (25,5%) is added to the invoice
Payment Options
Please select your payment method on the online registration form. Available options include:
- Online credit card payment: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- Bank transfer: A PDF invoice with the necessary information will be sent to you with the confirmation email. Please note that the client is responsible for all bank transaction fees.
All payments must be made in advance and in euros (€).
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by Participant:
All cancellations must be submitted via email to info@visitedufinn.com. If you are unable to attend, you may substitute someone else from the same organization by notifying us. Payments made to date will be retained as a cancellation fee.
Cancellation by VisitEDUfinn:
In case the shadowing is cancelled due to COVID-19 or similar force majeure situations, we will postpone the visit until it is possible again. VisitEDUfinn is not responsible for any damages caused by the cancellation and strongly recommends purchasing flexible flight tickets and accommodation.
Invitation Letters for Visa Purposes
VisitEDUfinn will issue invitation letters only after full payment is received. If a participant is unable to obtain a visa and provides evidence of the rejected application, we will refund the paid amount, minus a 100€ administrative fee.
Register now to secure your spot and prepare for an enriching Erasmus+ Job Shadowing experience!
Accommodation in Helsinki, Finland
You are free to choose any accommodation that suits your preferences and Erasmus+ budget. For convenience and an enjoyable stay, we recommend selecting a hotel near Senate Square or within easy walking distance of central Helsinki. This area offers excellent public transport connections, cafés, restaurants and many of the city’s most iconic sights.
To support your visit, we have negotiated special rates and discounts with the accommodation providers listed below. After completing your purchase, we will send you the necessary booking codes.
Recommended accommodation partners:
- Scandic Hotels – 12% discount
- Omena Hotels – Special rate
- Hotel Arthur – 10% discount
- Forenom Apartments – 10% discount
- 20 Rooms Hostel – Special rate
These options cover a wide range of budgets, from hotel rooms to serviced apartments and hostel-style stays. All are located in safe, well-connected areas with smooth access to your school placement.
No matter your budget or taste, Tallinn has the perfect accommodation for you.
The best districts to stay in Tallinn are:
- Toompea (Old Town)
- All-Linn (Old Town)
- Kalamaja
- Kadriorg
Explore and choose your accommodation on this page.
How to Get from Tallinn Airport to the City Centre
Buses 20 and 20A provide convenient transport from Tallinn Airport to the city centre. You can purchase tickets for €2 with a contactless payment card on board or at the ticket machines located at Terminals A and D.
Estonia’s Unique Fifth Season
In addition to the traditional four seasons, some regions in Estonia experience a fifth season— the natural flood—starting in late March or early April. Water levels can rise up to five meters, offering unique opportunities for canoeing.
Weather in Tallinn
Summers in Tallinn are moderately warm, with average temperatures in July ranging from 16 to 17°C. Winters are moderately cold, with February temperatures averaging between -2.5 and -7°C. For the latest weather updates, please visit the Estonian Environment Agency’s website.
Wild Orchids
Estonia boasts 38 species of blooming orchids, with the peak season in June. Saaremaa is the richest area for orchids, home to 36 species, including the unique Saaremaa dactylorhiza.
The Estonian Language
About 1.1 million people speak Estonian, making it one of the world’s smallest official national languages. Despite its size, Estonian is used successfully in all areas of society. Estonians also commonly speak English, Russian, Finnish, and German.
Love for Culture
Estonia is a leading country in Europe for cultural consumption. Our 1.3 million residents make approximately 3.4 million museum visits, 3.5 million cinema visits, 2 million concert visits, and 1.2 million theatre visits annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Erasmus Job Shadowing?
Erasmus Job Shadowing is a professional development activity where educators observe and learn from experienced teachers in another country’s educational environment. Participants gain insights into teaching methodologies, classroom management, and school cultures.
What is included in the VisitEDUfinnErasmus+ Job Shadowing program?
The VisitEDUfinn program includes:
- Observing everyday life in Finnish schools.
- Seeing how local teachers apply Finnish educational practices.
- Recommendations for groups of at least two people from one school for shared reflection and effective implementation.
Who can participate in Erasmus Job Shadowing?
Educators and other school staff from various educational institutions, including kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and vocational schools, can participate. The program is designed for both individual participants and groups.
Erasmus+ Job Shadowing is aimed for school, institutions and education professionals who have the Erasmus+ Grant. If you wish to participate in Job Shadowing without the grant, please see our Teacher Job Shadowing-program.
How long does the job shadowing last?
The standard job shadowing program typically lasts for five days, but participants can extend their stay or visit multiple schools for an additional fee.
What is included in the program cost?
The program cost includes the arrangement of suitable teachers and schools for shadowing, assistance with logistics (e.g., timetables, finding transportation), access to online courses, and certificate of attendance if needed. Additional costs may apply for extended stays or extra services.
How do I register for the program?
Participants must complete an online registration form. Early registration is recommended (at least two months in advance) to ensure sufficient time for arrangements. Last-minute registrations incur an additional fee.
You can find the link to the registration on this page, just click the “Register”-button. If you have trouble registering, please contact info@visitedufinn.com.
Can I choose which school level I shadow?
Yes, participants can specify their preferences for the type of school (kindergarten, primary, secondary, vocational). Efforts are made to match participants with schools that align with their backgrounds and interests.
Options include:
- Kindergartens (ages 1-5)
- Pre-primary (age 6)
- Primary (ages 7-12)
- Lower secondary (ages 13-15)
- High schools (ages 16-18)
- Vocational schools (ages 16-18)
Universities are unfortunately not available for Job Shadowing.
What are the benefits of participating in Erasmus Job Shadowing?
Participants benefit from observing different teaching practices, enhancing their professional skills, networking with international colleagues, and gaining a deeper understanding of diverse educational environments.
What should I do if I need to cancel my participation?
Cancellations must be made via email. If you are unable to attend, a substitute from the same organization can be arranged. In case of cancellation due to force majeure (e.g., COVID-19), the visit will be postponed until it is feasible.