Teacher Job Shadowing
VisitEDUfinn Ltd. offers a unique chance to explore Finnish education by job shadowing local teachers in real classrooms. You will observe daily school life, reflect with an education expert, and take home ideas you can apply in your own school.
You may choose any school level except universities, with placements in the Helsinki region. Joining with a colleague is recommended, though larger groups may be placed in different schools.
Other options:
What you’ll experience?
Step into the core of Finnish education through an immersive job-shadowing experience. At VisitEDUfinn, you will observe authentic classroom life—whether in primary, lower secondary, upper secondary or vocational settings—while working alongside local teachers who apply pedagogical approaches shaped by Finland’s internationally recognised education system.
Your programme includes guidance from a Finnish education expert and a final reflection session designed to help you transfer your new insights into your own school environment.
We recommend joining as a small team (at least two colleagues from the same institution) to strengthen shared reflection, although individual participants are also welcome. Placements are organised in the Helsinki region (Finland), depending on your preference and availability.
Who it’s for?
- Teachers at primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and vocational levels
- School leaders and heads of departments
- Coordinators and staff involved in international or staff mobility programmes
- Educators seeking to enhance their practice with Finnish approaches
How it works?
- Enquiry & registration – Share your interest and preferred dates.
- Matching & confirmation – We identify a suitable school and finalise your schedule.
- Pre-visit preparation – You receive practical guidance on the upcoming week and logistics.
- On-site programme – Begin with an introductory briefing, followed by three days of job shadowing (or more, if selected) in a Finnish school.
- Wrap-up & certification – Conclude with a reflection session led by an education expert and receive your certificate of participation.
Dates & Destinations
The standard format covers five days of job shadowing.
Available dates are from January 15th to May 15th, and September 1st to December 15th. Some dates in 2026 are unavailable due to holidays or exams:
- Winter holiday (in the Helsinki Metropolitan area) 16-20 February
- National holidays April 3, April 6, May 1, May 14
- For high schools in Finland, job-shadowing is not available during: 15–30 September; 17–25 November; 26 January – 3 February; and 1 March – 2 April
What’s included? / What’s not included?
Included:
- Free 30-day access to online courses on Finnish education
- A one-hour introduction to the local education system
- Three job-shadowing days in a selected school
- Day 1 transport from your accommodation to the school
- A concluding wrap-up session with an education expert
- The Success Story book, practical guidance and 24/7 phone support
Not included:
- Flights or other international travel
- Accommodation (hotel or hostel of your choice)
- Insurance
- Local transport except for the Day 1 transfer
Pricing
All prices exclude Finnish VAT (25.5%)
- 1 participant: 990 €
- 2 participants: 1 290 €
- 3 participants: 1 590 €
Each additional participant (up to 10): +200 € per person
Lunch package (required): +30 € per person
- Includes a warm school lunch with local teachers and pupils
Extra days beyond the standard three: +50 € per person per day
Extra school visit: +100 € per person
Optional add-on — “Teach in a Finnish School” programme: +490 € per person
Accommodation
Helsinki, Finland
You are free to choose your preferred accommodation, and we recommend staying near the historic Senate Square in the city centre for easy access to key sights.
We have secured special rates and discounts with several accommodation providers to suit different budgets — you can read more here.
General Information
Click here for information on Helsinki
Job Shadowing in Finland:
- 3 Job Shadowing days in a Finnish school
- Assistance for visitors when needed
- Choose your preferred school level
- Accommodation recommendations after registration
What our clients say
Frequently Asked Questions
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.