More and more exchange students choose Finland
The number of exchange students choosing Finland as their host country has increased significantly since the 1980s. The reason for this may be the high rating of Finland’s education system in the European-wide Programme for International Student Assessment, PISA. Also the student culture, which emphasizes independency, appeals to many exchange students. Through increased travelling many youths have already toured around Central Europe and experience Finland as an exotic alternative. The international success of Finnish bands has also increased the country’s fascination.The non-profit educational organization, Youth for Understanding, coordinates most of the international student exchange between Finland and other European countries. However, more and more Asian youth are also showing interest in studying in Finland. YFU predicts that the exchange student numbers will continue to grow.
Exchange students are often located in small towns. Although some students struggle with this, the intimacy of the small town environment helps in creating social networks and friendships.
The role of the host family is to give the youth a glimpse of Finnish culture through sharing everyday life with them. The close relationship between the exchange student and the host family lasts often well beyond the shared year.
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