BSPU Student Completes International Education Internship in Finland

Svitlana Mykhailenko, a second-year master’s student at Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, took part in the international research internship “Features of the Finnish Education System”, held in Finland from 3 to 11 October 2026. The internship was organised by the OPPI SIPPOLA Education Centre and the Association of Ukrainians in Kouvola with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Inclusive Education Support Centre and the Embassy of Ukraine in Finland.

The in-person stage of the programme took place at the OPPI SIPPOLA Education Centre. There participants learned about the Finnish education system, modern approaches to organising learning, education management and the development of international cooperation. The programme also covered adult education and distance learning. Participants were introduced to the work of Folk High School and Otavan Opisto and visited South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (XAMK) in Kotka.

During a study visit to Helsinki, Svitlana Mykhailenko visited the Help Center, the University of Helsinki, the Academy of Fine Arts and the vocational college Ammattiopisto Spesia, which specialises in vocational education and support for students with special educational needs. The cultural and educational part of the programme included visits to the Ateneum Art Museum and Helsinki Central Library Oodi.

The internship also addressed modern educational technologies, project-based learning, the potential of distance education, the concept of lifelong learning, building an inclusive learning environment and grant activities. Lectures, trainings, working meetings and study visits gave participants first-hand insight into Finnish educational, research and cultural institutions, as well as into practical ways of implementing modern educational solutions.

Participation in the international internship became an important part of the student’s professional training. It helped deepen her teaching and management competencies, encouraged the exchange of experience and expanded her international network. The knowledge and practical insights gained can be applied in her future professional work, educational research and the introduction of modern teaching practices.

Oksana Dubrova, Associate Professor,
Department of Foreign Languages ​​and Teaching Methods