[kyamktrainee]

Guys, have you ever considered studying in Finland? I bet most of you would say no. The reason for that is lack of information about the country. Here i list several things that might catch you interest.
- Finnish education is among the best ones in the world
- its free
- opportunity to study in English and get a European degree
- beautiful nature, nice culture and people

[wonton]

Unfortunately the thought of studying in a country that doesnt speak english scares the bejaysus outta most irish people to begin with, but scandanavia in general isnt a very poplar place here at all. probably also alot to do with the weather , we generally like to go someone warm(er) if we leave out shores

[HavingCrack]

To be honest Finland doesn't have a world renowned university system. Sweden and Denmark both have some very good universitities, Finland not so much.

The lack of daylight in winter is also fairly horrible.

[Domo230]

I would be interested. Is there a website you can recommend to find out more information?

[Maldesu]

You can take a look here. Haven't never studied in Finland, but have been to Helsinki and loved it.
http://www.studyinfinland.fi/

[Forest Demon]

I worked over there for about 2 months. The standard of English is amazing with most young people. Trying to learn a bit of the language will go a long way with the locals. It can seem like a very cold place (people as well as weather) but it is just their way. They love their rules and accept no crap. Most services run on time and well. You really have to make an effort to socialise with people. The Fins are very liberal and plenty of the beautiful people so thats a bonus

I really liked it TBH after I got used to it. It would be a great place to study.

The cinemas are mostly in English with Finish subtitles. I went to see an american action film and the people where booing it and slagging it when the usual corny american dialogue was going on. It was funny.

[Ellis Dee]

Originally Posted by kyamktrainee

Guys, have you ever considered studying in Finland? I bet most of you would say no. The reason for that is lack of information about the country. Here i list several things that might catch you interest.
- Finnish education is among the best ones in the world
- its free
- opportunity to study in English and get a European degree
- beautiful nature, nice culture and people

That applies to secondary schools only, more precisely to assessment of 15-year-olds (see: http://www.oph.fi/english/sources_of_information/pisa )

I have become fluent in both of the national languages, but it is quite easy to get by in Helsinki and most other places in English, which most 12-year-olds now speak.

This article explains why the educational system functions so well here:

http://www.cimt.plymouth.ac.uk/journal/malaty.pdf

Don't be put off by talk of the darkness and cold in winter. Helsinki keeps running smoothly after six inches of snow in a single night, whereas one-tenth of that would paralyse Ireland and the standard of housing and public transport are beyond the dreams of most Irish people.

University of Helsinki main building:

[HavingCrack]

Originally Posted by Ellis Dee

That applies to secondary schools only, more precisely to assessment of 15-year-olds (see: http://www.oph.fi/english/sources_of_information/pisa )

I do think that's important to note. 2nd Level education in Finland excellent but 3rd level and postgraduate research would be quite far down the university standings. As I said previously there's far better universities in Sweden and Denmark than in Finland.

[effluent]

Anyone ever hear of anyone actually make the move to study in any of the Scandinavian countries? How did they fair out with the cost of living? It seems pretty expensive but it must be some experience going over there

[moriz]

Haha, this caught my eye 'cos I'm originally from Finland. I haven't myself thought of going to uni in Finland, it just doesn't interest me whatsoever. No other reason than that. I love Finland and from what I've heard the schools are decent. Like someone just said Sweden and stuff might have better established universities and the uni's in Finland aren't so high in the rankings, but if you're looking for a cheap enough education, Finland is a place to look into Obviously seeing that you are an EU student.

If you're worried about the language barrier, so many people there speak fluent English these days it wouldn't be a problem I'm sure. A lot of the uni's offer courses and degrees in English too. I know a good few people who have moved over with no Finnish at all and are doing just fine. I'm sure you'd do grand in the bigger cities, at least.

Like someone said earlier, the housing and public transport is amazing. Even though it might be -20 outside, you'll definitely be warm in your home. They have all that insulation stuff and proper windows, unlike in Ireland haha. Over all, the standard of living is so much better over there. Don't get me wrong, I like Ireland, even though it has its flaws.

[Tanukki]

I'm from Finland studying in Ireland now and I would say yes, go for it, as long as the courses you're taking are being taught in English. Otherwise it'll get difficult/boring without a major commitment to learn the language. I studied in University of Jyväskylä and can totally recommend that place, small but very fun town where students are the majority of the population