Application Deadline & Fee

December 1, 2024; $75*
*The $75 application fee is non-refundable

Program Travel Dates

May 3 - 16,  2025

Program Details

We are thrilled to have you join us on this exploration of two remarkable countries: Estonia, an emerging educational powerhouse, and Finland, a long-standing leader in global education. Both nations are at the forefront of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores and K-12 academic outcomes, sparking widespread discussion about the systems and elements driving their success. You now have the exciting and unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the school systems and teacher preparation programs of Estonia and Finland. Along the way, you will also immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of these beautiful nations. We believe that the new knowledge, skills, and perspectives you gain will enhance your classroom practices and open future leadership opportunities. Beyond learning about educational systems, you’ll experience European culture, cuisine, architecture, and sightseeing. You’ll make wonderful friends and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Course Outcomes

Participating students will earn one credit during this education abroad experience. The intended outcomes to fulfill the credit are to:

  1. Engage in learning the overarching values, systems, and policies in the Estonian and Finnish Education systems. 
  2. Observe instruction and classroom management for K-12 students in Estonia and Finland.
  3. Engage in cultural learning experiences in Estonia and Finland. 
  4. Compare and contrast the educational systems in Estonia, Finland, and the U.S.
  5. Consider ideas about their personal educational philosophy and how those beliefs influence the classroom.
  6. Discuss the history and development of the educational systems in Finland and Estonia.
  7. Prepare to implement principles from Finland and Estonian education systems to enhance their future classrooms.

Anticipated Curriculum

*Students are expected to enroll in the following course for this study abroad:

EDUC 520R - Special Topics in Education (1 credit)

 

NOTE: There will be several pre-departure meetings scheduled in the Spring semester for accepted students. There will be pre-travel course assignments posted in Canvas during the summer semester and a final reflection due after the travel dates.

Course pre-requisites for students accepted into the School of Education Program will be waived. 

Program Requirements*

Must be 18 years of age at the time of departure

Minimum G.P.A.: 2.0 

Pre-requisites: Acceptance into the School of Education Program

Students with Academic Standings registration holds at the time of application received for falling below a 2.0 GPA in the previous semester(s) will not be allowed to study abroad and should not apply. Students who fall below a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester may be withdrawn from their Summer study abroad program (possibly with no refund).

Physical Requirements:

Study Abroad typically involves a lot of walking! Make sure that you will be able to walk long distances over uneven surfaces.

Travel during the summer in foreign countries can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Air conditioning is not always available.

Students on study abroad must be able to independently navigate in a foreign country and be able to follow specific instructions. This may include figuring out and using public transportation, making their way through airports, negotiating large crowds, and making smart decisions related to their own safety in unfamiliar circumstances.

*Accessibility services vary from country to country. Contact the Office of Education Abroad if you require such services. Students with significant physical or mental health needs should discuss their suitability for study abroad travel with their medical professional, UVU Student Health Services, UVU Accessibility Services, and/or family before making the decision to apply.

Estimated Program Fee*

Program fee covers in-country housing and transportation, three group meals, excursions, school visits, and international insurance. The program fee does not include the listed Additional Estimated Costs. 

$3030

*This cost is tentative and based on program plans and the exchange rate at the time it was posted. This cost may or may not be updated due to exchange-rate fluctuations, program revisions , and program date changes.

*Within 5 days of acceptance into a Study Abroad program, you will be required to pay a $500 non-refundable commitment deposit to confirm your spot. See the Refunds and Cancellation policy.

Additional Estimated Costs

The student is responsible for these additional costs:

  • UVU study abroad tuition* ($200 for 1 credit)
  • International Flight (approx $1500-$2000+)
  • Food ($400 for purchasing meals on own)
  • Discretionary spending (approx $100 - $500 based on personal spending needs)
  • Entrance Fees for Side Trips/Tours: (approx $100)
  • Passport ($165)
  • ETIAS European Travel Authorization (approx $8)

Students over the age of 73 at the time of travel may be required to purchase a supplemental international health and evacuation insurance plan through GeoBlue (approx $200-$500+)

Students should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket for travel disruptions including lost luggage, possible COVID tests or quarantine stays if required by the host country for entry or exit, missed flights, etc.

All students are required to pay a $75 non-refundable application fee.

 

*UVU study abroad tuition is charged as an additional study abroad fee in your student account. It is separate from the study abroad program fee and regular UVU summer tuition. It is not factored into the "equal payment" calculation of the UVU Tuition Table. Study Abroad students are advised to only take study abroad courses during the block of their study abroad program.

Scholarships

There are some scholarship opportunities that are available from UVU and nationally. These scholarships are competitive and have varying application dates. Please click here for more information.

Financial Aid 

Pell Grants and Student Loans may be applied to the program, based on eligibility. Speak to the UVU Study Abroad Advisor (LA 209) and a Financial Aid Advisor for more information (BA 105).

UVU Faculty/Staff Dependent Tuition Waiver benefits may not be used to pay for study abroad tuition or fees.

Program Director

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Travel Report

Students are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department’s country information webpage for the most up-to-date information on travel advisories, entry, exit, and visa requirements, safety, security, health, and other important travel factors.