Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Gateway | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | AUG 18-21 | JUN 23-26 |
New York | 15.8-18.8 |
| Semester | AUG 18-21 | JAN 26-28 |
New York | 15.8-18.8 |
| Summer Homestay | JUN 23-26 |
AUG 7-9 | New York | 15.8-18.8 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure. For a more detailed look at age ranges see Programs-at-a-Glance.
Finland Details
Dispel any notions you might have of Finland being a cold, snowy, northern country; it is alive with vibrant culture, outdoor activities, lush landscapes, and the midnight sun. Finnish culture is quite colorful with hundreds of arts festivals and a balanced mix of small-town life and modern cities. Common sense, no fuss, and making things work sums up how the Finns operate. Finland will stay with you long after your study abroad program. And be ready for anything: you will be placed anywhere between the northernmost village Utsjoki and southernmost town of Hanko.
Year and Semester Programs
The school year is usually divided into five terms from August, to June, with breaks at Christmas and Easter, a one-week sports vacation mid-winter, and the First-of-May celebration. You will study a few courses intensively each term, including Finnish and/or Swedish, math, science, psychology, art, music, sports, history, and geography. You’ll meet your host family when you arrive in Helsinki. About a month into your stay, there will be an orientation to help you get a better grasp on the language and culture and to talk about your experiences so far. View PDF Brochure for Finland School Programs.
Summer Homestay Program
Imagine having six weeks in this beautiful country during summer to enjoy daily life with your host family. The country is predominantly an unspoiled natural playground with vast forests and almost two hundred thousand lakes. Many host families will take their student to visit their summer cottage by the lake. There is an arrival orientation in Helsinki and an End-of-Stay Orientation including a two-day cruise to Tallinn, Estonia that is paid for by AFS Finland.
