HEAT Teacher’s Summer School 

Thank you for these opportunities to broaden our horizons and for the quality of the observations. The exchanges and observations of European practices are very enriching for us, and also for sharing with our students.

This Erasmus+ Job Shadowing was a window into the future of education. I learned that innovation is not just about technology, but about atmosphere, trust, and community. This was a valuable experience because it completely recharged my professional passion. I’m going back home with a suitcase full of ideas and a heart full of memories!

You have chosen a really good school for us. Both Nina, the teacher in charge of guiding us through the process, and the rest of the teachers and students have been very attentive to us and have shown us how the Finnish school system works. We have learned a lot and now we will try to apply what we can in our own school. Really good job with the school chosen.

I had the opportunity to take part in a one-week Erasmus+ Job Shadowing visit at a school in Finland. This was a very valuable experience for me because it allowed me to observe different teaching methods, gain new perspectives on education, and learn from highly professional and welcoming staff. The experience was truly inspiring and will stay with me for a long time.

A very beautiful experience in Finland that allowed me to discover and better understand a way of functioning as well as a culture different from ours, within an establishment perfectly chosen for this. The welcome on site, the living environment, and the program offered throughout the week were excellent. Thank you!

I learned so much about innovative teaching techniques and classroom management during my time abroad. This Erasmus+ opportunity was a career highlight that provided me with a wealth of new ideas and a broader professional network

I learned a great deal about innovative teaching practices and student-centered learning during my Erasmus+ Job Shadowing experience in Finland. This was a truly valuable experience because it allowed me to observe how education can be both effective and engaging, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, wellbeing, and collaboration. It has inspired me to reflect on my own teaching methods and incorporate new ideas into my classroom.

It was an enriching experience to learn about the education system in Finland, a reality quite different from my own. I take away many valuable insights, as well as several ideas for improving my educational practice.

It was a wonderful experience because, as a teacher and architect, I was able to visit contemporary architecture, in particular the Helsinki library and the Kruunuvuorensilta pedestrian bridge inaugurated on April 18th.

I was really impressed by the freedom and autonomy of the students, who moved from one classroom to another to take part in different activities. I liked that they could freely choose which workshop to attend. I especially enjoyed the workshops in sewing, cooking, dance, and art, because some of these could also teach skills useful for a future job. i also appreciated the large, welcoming spaces, with a chicken coop and vegetable garden, which help students understand and respect the environment. I was struck by seeing self-sufficient students in the cafeteria, serving themselves, clearing their tables, and tidying up. They interacted naturally with younger children, without any problems. This is the atmosphere i experienced- seeing a school so different from ours.

The job shadowing experience was highly educational. I was able to closely observe the daily school routine, teaching methods, and the organization of activities, comparing them directly with my own context. This comparison allowed me to notice important differences in the teaching approach and in the management of spaces and the well-being of both students and teachers. On top of that, there was the human value of the experience: the exchange with colleagues was both friendly and professional, which made the whole process even more meaningful. I believe that some of the practices I observed could also be useful in my school to improve the quality of teaching and the overall atmosphere.

This was a very valuable experience because we had the opportunity to learn about the Finland education system and observe innovative teaching methods in a real school environment. We were especially impressed by the students’ autonomy and by the way the school promotes responsibility, well-being, and active learning. At the same time, it was useful to reflect on how this educational model is deeply connected to Finnish culture and society, which are quite different from the Italian context. For this reason, it would be difficult to apply the same system directly in Italy, but observing it gave us valuable ideas and inspiration to adapt some positive aspects to our own teaching practice.

This was a highly valuable experience because I had the opportunity to observe innovative, student-centered teaching practices. I was particularly inspired by the English language lessons, which were interactive and focused on real communication

Participation in this Job Shadowing program, with direct observation classes; interaction with teachers and educational staff; sharing of pedagogical practices between institutions; and participation in cultural and integration activities, was a richly enriching experience, allowing me to acquire new perspectives on teaching and vocational training, highlighting student autonomy, school well-being, and pedagogical innovation. I also emphasize the importance of European cooperation in promoting a more comprehensive and innovative vision of education and vocational training. Participation in this Erasmus program, with the reinforcement of English language skills and the acquisition of basic knowledge of Finnish in a multicultural environment, strengthened my intercultural adaptation and communication skills, also allowing me to develop strong camaraderie with Portuguese colleagues, fellow travelers, and colleagues from the host school, promoting an environment of cooperation, cultural sharing, and support.

This was a valuable experience because I was able to practice my English, I realised the importance of subjects like art to increase creativity and provide a break from other subjects, I was able to value of computer tools in all subjects, I saw the importance of the well-being of both teachers and students and I saw a strong awareness of nature and environmental protection

In finnish pre-primary education, we really liked the orientation towards practical activities, the minimalism which is positiv for good attention of children and the fact that inclusion takes place naturally up to 6 years of age without diagnosing children considering the number of adults per child, it is realistically manageable. We also liked the relationships between emloyees and the work atmosphere..

This was a very valuable experience because I learned new ways of teaching and saw how Finnish education helps students become more independent. I will use these ideas in my own school.

We were able to compare the way our school operates with a similar school in Estonia, draw inspiration from their practices, share experiences, and exchange strategies for dealing with challenging situations at school.

This valuable experience gave me the unique opportunity to experience the Finnish school system, learn about it, and meet new colleagues with whom I will keep in touch to share our teaching experiences.

The organisation was excellent, with great attention to detail and constant support throughout the experience. Even from a distance, the organisers were always available and attentive, making us feel supported and guided during all the activities.

It was a truly valuable experience, as I had the chance to see how colleagues in another country work. I learned a lot in a short time and gained new ideas that I can implement in my own practice. This experience will definitely support my professional development, and I would be happy to recommend it to other colleagues.

I learned how important breaks between lessons are for kids, a different organization, and inclusion strategies. It was a positive experience because it encouraged me to diversify some strategies in order to improve learning.

È stata una esperienza molto positiva e importante. La preparazione dei docenti molto efficace e il loro modo di porgere la lezione molto rilassante e pacata, mai repressiva. I vari laboratori attrezzatissimi consentivano un apprendimento ottimo nelle diverse discipline . Ripeterei l’esperienza altamente educativa con piacere

It was an experience that enriched me a lot because I learned about teaching and educational methodologies different from those I practice and it stimulated me to modify and improve my practices.

Byla to cenná zkušenost, možnost seznámit se se systémem základního finského školství. V praxi vidět práci se žáky se speciálními vzdělávacími potřebami. Velmi inspirativní byl systém školního stravování formou samoobslužných jídelen.

I was able to gain so much insight into my current role by connecting with others who are as passionate as I am. They work in a different country and setting, but we are connected through our commitment to our role.

The conference was so well organized and well worth the cost and travel time! The conference included many different learning experiences as well as some fun activities available each day! A valuable and memorable experience!

This week was an absolute extraordinary experience. I got to learn so much about the school system but also about the Finnish culture. I felt so welcome and nature is so beautiful. I got enthusiastic about inclusion. You inspired me. Thanxxxx for everything.

LIFE 2026 überzeugt durch ein sehr umfangreiches Programm und eine sehr gute Organisation. Die Veranstaltung bietet gewinnbringende Erkenntnisse für das Lernen der Zukunft und einen gelungenen Mix aus Praxiserfahrungen, Austausch vor Ort und einer wissenschaftlichen Basis. Besonders wertvoll ist der internationale Rahmen, der eine hervorragende Vernetzung mit Kolleginnen und Kollegen aus der ganzen Welt ermöglicht.

This experience was inspiring and challenging to our thinking and belief system. What a beautiful and positive experience! We will be returning to continue learning from the lovely Finnish people and systems, as well as the teachers from all around the world!

What an incredible week. We’re often hearing about Finland everywhere around the world. But to be able to see from our own eyes, be IN the schools, with teachers, students has such an impact. Thanks to all members of the organization. It takes such good collaboration to host an event of this wingspan, kiitos. Congrats to all.

This is the most valuable experience I have had after teaching for 20 years! Thank you to this amazing team of people for your passion and sharing your way of life here in Finland. Every teacher should attend at least one Life event in their lifetime.

I leave this seminar with 4 key words: enthusiasm, vision, balance, relaxation, and the phrase “Less is more.” It showed me where I am now and in which direction I need to go next, both as a teacher and as a person.

Life26 was an inspiring and unforgettable experience, showing how the Finnish education system sets a powerful example for the whole world to learn from and adopt. The program beautifully combined learning, culture, and meaningful connections. Suvi and Johanna were exceptionally kind, supportive, and shared deep insights that enriched the entire experience. Kiitos Life26 for creating such a wonderful platform for global learning and collaboration.

An excellent opportunity to get to know Finnish education in an unparalleled setting. Thanks to the careful planning of the program, we were able to visit Helsinki, the Educa fair, and Rovaniemi during Live 2026. In addition, the alternative activities were a true luxury to enjoy. A gift and a memory to cherish forever.