High School in Finland includes three grades. However most schools are now offering a new system of “classless high school ”, meaning that Finnish teenagers can study at their own pace in two, three or four years. This very flexible and innovative system has proven to be very efficient and popular.

As an exchange student you can choose the subjects you would like to study. The only compulsory subject is Finnish or Swedish (the two official languages in Finland). Some schools might require that you study one foreign language, mathematics and physical education.

The school day usually starts between 8 and 10am and ends between 2 and 4pm. Classes are held from Monday to Friday. Lunch breaks are 45 minutes and the school lunch is free for all students. There is a 1-week autumn break in September, a 2-week break at Christmas, a 1-week spring holiday (known as the skiing holiday) in February/March and a few days off at Easter.

Finnish schools have no official dress code and the student-teacher relationship is quite relaxed and open.