Happy Students Learn Better: Highlights from Our Keys to Wellbeing Erasmus+ Course in Finland
Dear Educator,
In May, educators came together in Helsinki for our Keys to Wellbeing – Happy students learn better course, exploring one of the most essential questions in education: how can schools support students not only to achieve, but to feel safe, motivated, included, and ready to learn?
In Finland, wellbeing is not treated as something separate from learning. It is part of the foundation. This is one reason Finland continues to be known worldwide for its education system, and why the World Happiness Report 2026 ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world for the ninth year in a row.
During the course, participants explored practical ways to bring wellbeing into daily school life: emotional awareness, student participation, active learning, outdoor education, mindfulness, digital tools, teamwork, and social-emotional learning. The aim was clear: to give teachers methods they can use immediately in their own classrooms.
What participants took home
The feedback showed how strongly the course connected with educators’ real needs. Participants highlighted emotional wellbeing, Finnish school visits, active learning, nature-based activities, and practical tools for creating safer and more motivating classrooms.
One participant shared:
“The most interesting presentation for me was the one about emotional well-being in schools. I found it valuable because it showed practical ways to help students feel safe and motivated.”
Another participant reflected:
“This course showed me that students learn best when they feel happy, safe, and supported. I will use practical ideas such as QR-code activities, collaborative learning, and regular wellbeing check-ins to create a more positive classroom. Together with my colleagues and parents, we will build a school environment where every student feels motivated to learn and succeed.”
Participants also planned concrete next steps: sharing ideas with colleagues, introducing emotional awareness activities, using more interactive methods, involving school counsellors and principals, and creating school communities where students enjoy learning.
Join the next course in October
The next Keys to Wellbeing – Happy students learn better course will take place in Helsinki, 7-13 October 2026.
The course includes Finnish school visits, expert-led workshops, hands-on activities, collaborative learning, and cultural experiences that connect education with Finnish nature, trust, participation, and wellbeing.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to strengthen students’ sense of belonging, apply active learning strategies, support diverse learners, and create more positive and inclusive learning environments.
Read the Course Details HERE
Explore More Courses Connected to Wellbeing in Education
Wellbeing in education is one of the strongest themes in Finland’s education system. It is visible in the way schools build trust, prevent exclusion, support student participation, and create learning environments where both students and teachers can thrive.
If this topic inspires you, we warmly invite you to explore more of our courses connected to wellbeing:
LIFE2027 The Shadowing Experience
Explore Finnish education through school visits, teacher shadowing, expert sessions, and cultural experiences in Helsinki and Lapland. The 2027 edition focuses on supporting digital wellbeing in schools, safer online habits, and positive digital experiences.
Read the Course Details HERE
A Finnish Lense on Positive School Environments: Learning from Finland, Preventing Bullying and Promoting Wellbeing
Discover how Finnish schools create safe, inclusive, and nurturing environments. This course introduces practical and research-based approaches such as KiVa and VERSO, with a focus on bullying prevention, social-emotional learning, kindness, belonging, and student wellbeing.
Read the Course Details HERE
The Highlights of Finnish Education
Experience Finland’s education system first-hand through school visits, expert-led workshops, and peer dialogue. The course explores the core principles of Finnish education, including equity, trust, student wellbeing, inclusion, teacher autonomy, and lifelong learning.
Read the Course Details HERE
Together, these courses offer different paths into the same essential Finnish idea: wellbeing is not an extra part of education. It is one of the foundations that makes meaningful learning possible.
Explore our courses and join us in Finland soon!
Warm regards,
The VisitEDUfinn, Euneos & VisitEDUestonia Team
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