Flinn Scholars Program

The Finland Group Summer Seminar has officially come to a close.

The Scholars are gathered at the airport. Some are beginning the journey home to Arizona, while others are setting off on independent adventures across Europe. It feels like a fitting ending to a program built around exploration, curiosity, and growth.

Over the past two weeks, the Scholars examined Finland’s education system, explored questions of culture and identity, learned from Sámi communities, experienced life above the Arctic Circle, traveled to Sweden to gain additional perspective, and engaged with people whose experiences challenged and expanded their own understanding of the world.

They also did something equally important: they built community. Long train rides, shared meals, thoughtful discussions, late-night conversations, and countless moments of laughter helped transform a group of talented individuals into an even stronger cohort.

One of the greatest privileges of this seminar is watching Scholars make meaning of what they experience. During their final presentations, they worked collaboratively to develop recommendations, listened carefully to one another, asked thoughtful questions, and demonstrated the kind of intellectual curiosity and respect that make this program so special.

Thank you to our faculty leaders, in-country partners, and everyone who helped make this experience possible. Most of all, thank you to the Scholars for embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm, openness, and a genuine desire to learn.

Safe travels, Class of 2025. The journey home may be beginning, but the impact of this experience is only just getting started.

Stockholm offered the Flinn Scholars a deeper look at how history, identity, and social values shape everyday life.

Scholars had the opportunity to visit Regnbågen House, Europe’s first retirement home for LGBTQ+ residents, where they experienced a traditional Swedish fika and learned more about the community and its residents.

The group also explored Stockholm’s breathtaking Gamla Stan before engaging in a thoughtful Q&A with a local college student about life in modern Sweden.

One of the most meaningful ways to understand a city is through the people who call it home.

The Flinn Scholars learned from Sámi communities in northern Finland.

In Inari, they visited a reindeer farm, explored Sámi cultural traditions, and met with community members at the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos.

The experience deepened their understanding of Indigenous culture, language preservation, and cultural self-governance in the Arctic.

Education takes many forms.

At Lapland Education Centre REDU, the Scholars explored Finland’s vocational education system through hands-on experiences in food production, forestry, and automotive programs. Along the way, they sampled pastries prepared by students and experienced another distinctly Finnish tradition: the free school lunches.

The visit offered another perspective on how Finland prepares students for a wide range of careers and futures.

And after a day of learning together, some Scholars wrapped up the evening with a volleyball game—a reminder that some of the most meaningful moments of the group seminar happen when Scholars simply connect with one another.

Following an unforgettable overnight train journey north, the Flinn Scholars arrived in Lapland and are now experiencing life above the Arctic Circle.

Highlights have included a visit to Santa Claus Village and introductions to two beloved Finnish traditions: the sauna and the cold plunge.

Last night, Scholars experienced the “nightless night” of Lapland, where the sun barely dips below the horizon and daylight lingers well past midnight.

From Helsinki to the Arctic Circle, Finland continues to offer new perspectives on culture, place, and daily life.

Art, history, nature, and coffee culture — all in one unforgettable day.

The Flinn Scholars explored Finnish national identity through the Sibelius Monument and Seurasaari Open-Air Museum before experiencing Helsinki from the water during a Baltic Sea kayak tour.

Afterward, they warmed up with coffee and traditional Finnish favorites, including puuro (porridge) and voisilmäpulla (Finnish butter eye buns).

The Scholars are beginning to understand Finland’s love of coffee.

Today, the Flinn Scholars explored what civic life looks like in Finland through conversations about national service and a visit to Helsinki’s public library.

Though very different experiences, both reflected a strong investment in community, shared responsibility, and the public good.

Scholars visited Viikki Teacher Training School of the University of Helsinki to observe classrooms, meet educators, practice Finnish phrases, and experience Finland’s student-centered approach to education firsthand.

They wrapped up the day with a guided walking tour through Helsinki, exploring the city’s history, culture, and architecture.

A day full of learning, connection, and new perspectives.

Hei from Helsinki!

After arriving in Finland, Scholars spent the afternoon getting oriented to life in Helsinki. They explored the neighborhood and enjoyed a welcome dinner featuring traditional Finnish cuisine.

New city, new perspectives, and the start of an incredible seminar.