Frequently Asked Questions
Fees, Registration and Payment
How can I get a VAT exemption? What kind of document is needed?
There are two options to qualify for VAT exemption:
- If your country is part of the European Union, and your school/organization has a valid VAT number (you can check it in VIES), please introduce the number, including the country code, on the checkout page in “EU VAT Number”.
- If your country is not part of the European Union, please send an official document, such as a tax certificate or trade register extract from your country, to info@visitedufin.com, and we will provide you with a link for registration without VAT.
How much would a customized visit program or study tour cost per participant?
The cost largely depends on the number of participants. Since about 95% of the study tour expenses are fixed (fees to schools, experts, host, transportation, venue renting, etc.), the total cost is similar for 10 or 30 participants. To reduce the price per participant, gather a larger group. For an exact price, provide the number of participants, or we can offer a per-participant cost with a minimum number of attendants. The average price is 181 euros/day.
What if I get sick and cannot travel?
You can substitute someone else from the same organization by notifying us as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can get a 100% voucher for any future VisitEDUfinn programs. We recommend getting insurance to cover potential losses of plane tickets, accommodation, and our fees.
I need a visa to travel to Finland. Could you write me an invitation letter?
VisitEDUfinn will write invitation letters only after full payment is received. If the participant cannot get a visa and provides evidence of the rejected application, VisitEDUfinn will refund the paid amount, minus a 100-euro administrative fee (excluding VAT).
General Information about Visits
Is it possible to visit Finnish schools during the summer, between June and August?
The Finnish school year runs from August to the beginning of June. During the first and last weeks, schools typically do not receive visitors. In June and August, we can arrange visits to school buildings and meetings with principals, but no classes are in session. The price is the same as for a Private School Visit.
Can I take pictures during the school visit?
Yes, but avoid taking close-up photos of students’ faces without permission and do not publish identifiable images of students on social media, websites, or reports.
What language will the visits be held in?
School visits are guided in English, even when students guide visitors. Lessons are typically taught in Finnish, but teachers can explain activities and methods in English. Older pupils (around 15 years) usually communicate fluently with visitors.
Visit Programs
We want to extend our job shadowing experience for two weeks. Is it possible, and how much does it cost?
Yes, you can extend your job shadowing program for an extra 50€ (excluding VAT) per day per participant. For groups larger than five, please request an offer. Be prepared to change schools after one week, as not all schools can host visitors for extended periods.
In the Teacher Job Shadowing program, can the briefing/introduction session be on the same day as the visit starts and the wrap-up session one day later or online?
Yes, both the briefing and wrap-up sessions can be adjusted without extra charges. These activities can also be conducted online if preferred.
Can you find a school that matches our specific interests?
As long as the interest is not extremely specific, such as 3D printing in primary schools, we can find a suitable school and teacher. Please inform us of your specific goals before booking.
When can I know the school and teacher that I will shadow?
Once payment is received, we will search for an ideal school for your job shadowing. You will be informed as soon as the school is confirmed. The principal usually selects teachers a few days before the visit starts based on their workload. Often, multiple teachers will be shadowed during the program.
Should I register and book before receiving an Erasmus+ grant for job shadowing?
It is best to wait for the grant. You can register and book, but arrangements will not proceed until payment is received.
Erasmus+ Job Shadowing
What is the difference between Teacher Job Shadowing and Erasmus+ Job Shadowing?
| 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 to fit within Erasmus+ 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 | ||||||||
Can I choose which school level I shadow?
Yes. Participants may indicate their preferred type of school — kindergarten, primary, secondary or vocational — and we do our best to place them in settings that match their background and interests.
Available options include:
- Kindergartens (ages 1–5)
- Pre-primary (age 6)
- Primary schools (ages 7–12)
- Lower secondary schools (ages 13–15)
- Upper secondary / high schools (ages 16–18)
- Vocational schools (ages 16–18)
Universities are not available for our Erasmus+ Job Shadowing -programme. We recommend contacting Finnish universities directly.
How can I choose my preferred dates for job shadowing?
You are free to select any available dates for your job shadowing experience (see the Dates & Destinations section above). During the online registration, you can include your preferred dates in the “Customer provided note” field on the checkout page.
Can I choose the school or the municipality of the school?
You cannot select the exact school or municipality yourself. We match you with a host school based on your professional profile, preferences, and the availability of suitable mentors. Your confirmed placement will be shared no later than two weeks before your visit begins.
If you are travelling individually — or if your group is placed in a vocational school — you can safely book your flights to Helsinki. We will inform you of the final destination city afterwards, along with clear travel instructions on how to get there.
Naturally, we recommend that other groups also consider experiencing the charm of the smaller cities, such as Turku, Jyväskylä, or Lahti.
We have specific focus areas in our Erasmus project. Can you find a school that matches them?
We always do our best to place you in a school that aligns with your professional background and interests—whether that relates to age groups, subject areas, special education, language immersion, or other priorities. However, it is not always possible to meet every request. Registering early greatly increases the chance of finding a strong match.
It is also important to remember that Finnish teachers have a high degree of professional autonomy. Each teacher chooses their own methods, so we cannot guarantee that specific themes—such as phenomenon-based learning, the use of AI, or outdoor learning—will appear in lessons during your visit.
That said, job shadowing offers many opportunities to discuss pedagogy, tools, and everyday practices directly with Finnish teachers. You will be able to explore how they approach your topics of interest, what they use in their classrooms, and what has worked well in their experience.
How long are the job shadowing days?
Most Finnish school days begin around 8:00 – 9:00 and finish by approximately 15:00. Your daily timetable will follow the schedule of the teachers you are shadowing, so the exact hours may vary from day to day.
Please keep in mind that primary schools often have shorter teaching days, typically 4 – 6 hours. If your project requires a longer working schedule, we can provide online learning modules to complement your job shadowing programme.
Note that in the metropolitan areas, the one-way traveling time from the city center (central railway station) to your assigned school can take up to one hour using public transport.
Will I receive a programme, schedule or agenda for the job shadowing days?
Finnish schools have the freedom to organise job shadowing in the way that best fits their daily routines. Some host schools prepare a detailed schedule in advance, but in most cases you will receive your timetable on the first morning, including information about which teachers you will follow.
Because job shadowing is based on real classroom observation and interaction, each experience is slightly different and cannot be fully standardised. This flexibility is part of its value — being open and curious will help you get the most out of your visit.
Will I go to the same school as my colleagues?
Groups of up to five people are usually placed in the same school. However, if your group includes teachers from different educational levels — such as primary and secondary — you may be assigned to different schools to ensure the placement matches your professional background.
We recommend that at least two colleagues visit the same school whenever possible, as it allows you to reflect on your experiences together.
Please note that Finnish schools organise job shadowing so that no more than two visiting teachers observe the same Finnish mentor teacher at a time.
Will I have meetings with Finnish teachers to learn more about Finnish education?
Finnish teachers are generally happy to share their experiences, but their schedules can be tight, as lesson preparation often begins immediately after teaching. Throughout the week, you will naturally find short moments for questions and informal conversations, and these often provide valuable insights.
If you would like guaranteed, uninterrupted time with a Finnish education expert, we recommend our hosted Teacher Job Shadowing programme, which includes two dedicated meetings for deeper discussion and reflection.
What are the benefits and learning outcomes of participating in Erasmus Job Shadowing?
Erasmus Job Shadowing gives you the chance to observe daily school life in another country, learn from experienced colleagues, and return home with practical tools you can use immediately. The experience is designed to support your professional growth, broaden your educational perspective, and strengthen your role within your organisation.
Professional development
You will deepen the competences that are essential for your work—whether you are teaching, coordinating, or supporting learners. By observing real classroom practice, guidance routines, leadership structures, or support services, you gain concrete methods you can apply in your own context.
Insight into different education systems
Job shadowing helps you understand how schools abroad organise learning, support students, use digital tools, collaborate with families, and develop inclusive environments. This wider perspective often leads to new ideas and better decision-making when you return to your own organisation.
New ideas and inspiration
Seeing how other professionals work—how they plan lessons, manage learning environments, assess progress, or use technology—provides fresh inspiration. Many participants report improved motivation and renewed enthusiasm for their daily work.
Stronger intercultural and communication skills
Living and learning in an international environment naturally strengthens your intercultural awareness, language skills, and ability to collaborate across cultures—competences that are increasingly important in modern education.
Impact on your organisation
Your job shadowing experience can support the development of your whole school or training centre. You return with new practices, examples, and tools that can help improve teaching quality, teamwork, international activities, and the overall learning environment.
Personal growth and confidence
Experiencing a new setting builds confidence, independence, and a broader understanding of how diverse classrooms and communities function. Many participants describe the experience as professionally meaningful and personally transformative.
How can I get a VAT exemption? What kind of document is needed?
There are two options to qualify for VAT exemption:
- If your country is part of the European Union, and your school/organization has a valid VAT number (you can check it in VIES), please introduce the number, including the country code, on the checkout page in “EU VAT Number”.
- If your country is not part of the European Union, please send an official document, such as a tax certificate or trade register extract from your country, to info@visitedufin.com, and we will provide you with a link for registration without VAT.
What should I do if I need to cancel my participation?
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation by participant
All cancellations must be made by email to info@visitedufinn.com. If unable to attend, the registered person may be substituted by someone else from the same organization by sending a notification to info@visitedufinn.com. In case of a cancellation after the payment, the amount paid to date remains as a cancellation fee.
Cancellation by VisitEDUfinn
In case the shadowing is cancelled due to force majeure situation, we will postpone the visit until the shadowing is possible again. VisitEDUfinn is not responsible for any damage caused by the cancellation and strongly recommends purchasing flexible flight tickets and accommodation.
I need an invitation letter for visa purposes. Can you send me one?
We can provide an official invitation letter once full payment has been received. If your visa application is rejected and you provide official proof of the refusal, we will refund your payment. Please note that a 100 € (Excl. VAT) administrative fee is deducted from the refund.
What if I want to do job shadowing in Spain?
No worries, we offer job shadowing in Spain as well! Experience a one-week school immersion in Spain’s large urban areas, where you can observe classroom practices, school culture and digital learning in action. This option offers teachers and education professionals a chance to learn directly from Spanish schools while using Erasmus+ funding. You will follow everyday lessons, gain new pedagogical insights and receive a certificate suitable for Erasmus+ staff mobility. In Spain, the job shadowing schools are located in the biggest Spanish cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants. Contact us at info@visitedufinn.com for more information.
Teacher Job Shadowing
What is Teacher Job Shadowing?
Teacher Job Shadowing is a professional development opportunity that allows educators to observe and learn from experienced teachers in another country’s school environment. Participants gain valuable insights into teaching methods, classroom practices and school culture.
What is included in the VisitEDUfinn Teacher 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.
What is difference between Teacher Job Shadowing and Erasmus+ Job Shadowing?
| 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 | ||||||||
Who can participate in Teacher 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.
How long does the Teacher job shadowing last?
The standard job shadowing programme usually lasts five days, but you can extend your stay or visit additional schools for an extra fee.
How do I register for the program?
Participants must complete an online registration form. We recommend registering early—preferably at least two months in advance—to allow sufficient time for arrangements. Late registrations may 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 may indicate their preferred type of school—kindergarten, primary, secondary or vocational—and we will do our best to match them with a placement that fits their background and interests.
Available options:
- Kindergartens (ages 1–5)
- Pre-primary (age 6)
- Primary schools (ages 7–12)
- Lower secondary schools (ages 13–15)
- Upper secondary / high schools (ages 16–18)
- Vocational schools (ages 16–18)
Universities are not available for job shadowing.
What are the benefits of participating in Teacher Job Shadowing?
Participants benefit from observing varied teaching practices, strengthening their professional skills, building international networks, and gaining a deeper understanding of different 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.
What if I want to job shadowing in Estonia?
No worries, we offer job shadowing in Estonia as well! You can see more information here
What if I want to job shadowing in Spain?
No worries, we offer job shadowing in Spain as well! Experience a one-week school immersion in Spain’s large urban areas, where you can observe classroom practices, school culture and digital learning in action. This option, available from 2025, offers teachers and education professionals a chance to learn directly from Spanish schools while using Erasmus+ funding. You will follow everyday lessons, gain new pedagogical insights and receive a certificate suitable for Erasmus+ staff mobility. Contact us at info@visitedufinn.com for more information.