Finnish education has a strong image worldwide.
But what exactly makes the Finnish way of life and education so good that they are worth exporting to the rest of the world?
Finn-Sino Education Club’s Chinese colleagues at Rayee ACE picked some points about Finnish education that they find especially surprising or interesting.
So next time someone asks you why Finland is such a great country, simply mention – or show them – this:
Small but outstanding
Finland is a small Nordic country with a population of only 5.5 million.
Nevertheless, this small country shows an outstanding performance in various fields such as economy, society, politics, education and culture.
Happiest in the world
Finland has for several years been named the happiest country in the world.
Even in 2020, when the whole world was down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Finns were once again voted as the world’s happiest people.
Cost-effective education system
Finland is consistently ranked among the top countries in the PISA test (Programme for International Student Assessment) regularly carried out by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).
Experts and scholars also assessed that Finland’s education system was ranked first in the world when it comes to how cost-effective it is.
The cost-effectiveness index of the Finnish education system is as high as 87.81%. South Korea ranks second with 86.66%, and the third is the Czech Republic with 84.38%. China does not make it into this top 30.
Education for the future
Finland teaches for the future, and Finnish education cultivates the skills that young people need for future life, work and study.
According to the Global Future Education Index report, Finland’s future-oriented skills education index ranks first in the world.
Good work-life balance
Finland attaches great importance to balancing life and work.
The standard length of work per day is 7.5 hours, and most employees enjoy at least one month of paid holidays a year.
The Kisi Life and Work Balance Index reports from recent years have pointed out that when comparing data on work intensity, teaching support, laws, and livability, Finland is among the countries with the best work-life balance. The index measures 20 factors, which reflect the work-life balance in 40 cities around the world.
The most sustainable country in the world
A fresh UN report points out that Finland is the most sustainable country in the world.
Finnish citizens also have a high degree of integrity and freedom (Freedom House 2020)