Finland Summer Exchange 2025 — A Journey of Discovery, Culture, and Sustainability
From 13 July to 3 August 2025, four Pooikeinains —Jaum Man Ki, Wong Nga Yau, Pang Hong Shun and Fan Joy —embarked on a transformative summer exchange programme in Helsinki, Finland. Organised by Twin Oaks Education in collaboration with the Helsinki Upper Secondary School of Languages, the 22-day programme invited participants to immerse themselves in Nordic culture, explore sustainability through hands-on learning, and foster independence and global-mindedness.
This photo story captures the unforgettable moments, reflections, and personal growth experienced by our students during this unique journey.
Programme Overview
The Finland Summer Exchange 2025 was designed to help students:
Discover the meaning and value of learning beyond the classroom
Develop cross-cultural collaboration skills and 21st-century competencies
Strengthen environmental awareness through sustainable living practices
Students attended lessons led by Finnish teachers on topics such as environmental science, biology, and sustainability. They explored real-world issues, including soil salinisation, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture, while working on a ‘Circular Economy’ group project with local Finnish students.
Beyond the classroom, the exchange featured exciting outdoor and cultural experiences—canoeing in national parks, forest treasure hunts, chocolate factory visits, and self-guided city explorations that simulated the life of exchange students. Participants also developed important life skills through budgeting, grocery shopping, and cooking their own meals.
A Breath of Fresh Air and Friendship
🔹 Reflection by Jaum Man Ki
When I first stepped out of the airport, the fresh and crisp air of Finland instantly struck me. For the next three weeks, I was completely free from my usual allergies—proof that Finland truly lives up to its reputation for having the world’s third-cleanest air. This made me fall in love with being outdoors, surrounded by wildflowers and vibrant greenery.
One of my biggest surprises was how friendly the Finnish students were. Despite the stereotype of Finns being introverted, they welcomed us warmly. We quickly bonded over shared interests like anime and music, and I genuinely wish we had more time together. The cultural exchange was not only fun but deeply meaningful.
Innovation and Inclusiveness in Every Corner
🔹 Reflection by Wong Nga Yau
Helsinki’s Oodi Library left a lasting impression on me—not just as a library, but as a symbol of Finnish values. The spiral staircase decorated with Finnish words chosen by the public reflects a powerful message of inclusion and respect for diversity. It was a reminder that education belongs to everyone.
Helsinki as a city embraces smart, sustainable design. From multifunctional parks to cleverly designed parking facilities, every space is maximised for community benefit. This tour gave me a deep appreciation of how a city can reflect a nation’s core values and showed me how innovation and inclusiveness can harmoniously coexist.
Learning Science through Hands-on Experience
🔹 Reflection by Pang Hong Shun
One of the most impactful parts of the exchange was learning how our everyday actions affect the planet. Finnish teacher Laura showed us practical solutions to major environmental challenges without overwhelming us. Among the most memorable projects was an experiment on how soil salinisation impacts plant growth—we watered plants with varying salt concentrations every two days and recorded their development.
We also explored sustainable farming practices, such as feeding cows alternative diets to reduce methane emissions. These activities not only made science come alive, but also showed us that sustainability can start with simple, thoughtful changes.
A City that Breathes Sustainability
🔹 Reflection by Fan Joy
Our early morning arrival in Helsinki was unforgettable—not because of jet lag, but because of the flowers blooming everywhere, attracting buzzing bees. In Hong Kong, seeing bees is rare, but in Finland, biodiversity thrives even in the heart of the city. The locals cultivate a wide variety of plants to support insects and soil health, giving their ecosystems a strong foundation.
What also stood out were the recycling facilities—there were more recycling bins than general waste bins. This attention to environmental responsibility shows just how deeply the culture of sustainability is embedded in daily life.
Conclusion
The Finland Summer Exchange was more than just a study tour. It was a journey of personal growth, environmental discovery, and cultural exchange. Our students returned not only with new knowledge and friendships, but with renewed passion for learning and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping a sustainable future.
