2. Travel

Vaasa, Finland 2014

What makes the schools so wonderful in Finland? It all comes down to the national mindset about education. Because being well-educated is part of the national identity of Finland, it only makes sense that ALL students have access to the highest quality education possible. So, despite the fact that there is no standardized testing, very little homework, shorter school days and compulsory education in only grades 1-9, Finland continues to top the charts. And with free higher education, the learning rarely stops at grade 9. That's just "the way it is." We here in the U.S. could learn a lot...
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  • The happiness in Finland begins at the Vaasa airport...
  • Bikes. Because it's Europe.
  • I present to you--globalization.
  • There was sculpture all over the city.
  • Not too helpful for those who don't know either Swedish or Finnish.
  • Vaasa City Hall
  • Typical street scene. And bikes. And no jaywalking.
  • The Abo Akademi University, where Finland's Swedish speaking teachers are trained.
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  • One of the lecture halls at the Abo Akademi University.
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  • The Abo Akademi University is housed in an old grain mill. This chute was left over from when the mill was operational.
  • A long computer lab can be found in the long hallway that connects the grain towers to the main building.
  • Outside view of the grain towers and the long hallway (now a computer lab) that connects them to the main building. The towers themselves are now used as student union space and meeting rooms.
  • Student exhibition space inside the main Abo Akademi University building.
  • More remnants of the old grain mill that now houses the university.
  • The only piece of graffiti I could find was at the university. Go figure.
  • Shot of the Abo Akademi University from the waterfront.
  • The university is at the end of the block.
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