Mobility specification

Country:Finland

Institution:Oulu International School

City:Oulu

Program:Erasmus+ traineeship

Activity type:Traineeship

Academic year:2025/2026

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Education / Department of Primary Education

Study level abroad:Master

✅Check the boxes

How would you categorize your internship?Education

💼How-to: Interning abroad

How did you discover this internship opportunity?Other

Other - please specify:I wanted to do an internship in an international primary school where the teaching language will be in English. And I wanted to go to Scandinavia. So I sat down and searched online for suitable schools, and then I sent an email to them asking for an internship.

Can you describe the role you held during your internship?Teaching assistant

What specific responsibilities and tasks did you do during your internship?I did my internship in a Transition Class where students learn to communicate in English. This is a class with approximately 10 students of all ages in elementary education. So not only was I a teaching assistant, but I also team taught Maths and English most of the time with the lead teacher. Outside of that, I helped create curriculum materials, supervised students both in class and during outside recess, and volunteered for school events. My work was very varied.

Did your tasks align with the pre-defined conditions?yes

Did the internship meet your expectations?yes

Did you apply any theory you learned at university during the internship?yes

How well did you manage to communicate in a foreign language?almost no difficulties

Did the institution have any special requirements?Specific language skills

Do you have tips on how to make a great impression on the institution?Be nice already in the email and show genuine interest. Show interest and get involved in school activities upon arrival.

How competitive was the selection process? Did you have to go through an application procedure?Here there was no selection, everything went smoothly.

Why would you recommend students do an internship?My internship at an international primary school gave me countless new experiences and skills. I applied the theory that the university gave me. And I learned so much more. I got an insight into the Finnish curriculum, saw and tried different working methods and got to know the methods of student assessment. The foreign internship is, in my opinion, the best experience in the whole study.

💰And how to fund it?

What were your average monthly expenses during the internship?20000 CZK/month

Did the institution provide accommodation?no

If not, how did you find it?Myself through the Facebook group and on the website.

Did you have any unexpected expenses during the internship?no

Do you have any tips on how to save money during the internship?Don't go for expensive coffee and cinnamon rolls.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How difficult was it for you to adjust to life abroad?absolutely flawless!

How well did you manage to communicate in English?perfectly

How does public transport work in the city?runs like clockwork

And what about transport outside the city?neutral

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?Urban transport - OSL application
Trains - vr.fi
Buses - FlixBus, OnniBus

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?Kaupahalli, Nallikari beach, buffet lunch, floating sauna, town library, secondhand shops.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?National parks Syöte, Oulanka, Hossa, Rovaniemi, Helsinki, ski resorts Levi and Yllas.

Share your best experience:I don't have the best experience, they were all unforgettable. I did a lot of work at school, which I found fulfilling. On weekends and during the autumn holidays I tried to get out into the countryside. I fell in love with all the nature parks, the nature here is definitely worth it - everything is so peaceful! Another great experience was gastronomic - salmon soup and korvapuusti (cinnamon braid), just a must try for everyone! Oh and the highlight for me was being able to watch the Northern Lights right from my apartment window, it was magical.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane
Train

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?If you're going in winter, definitely wear good quality warm clothing. Wool socks, sweaters, fleece sweatshirts, thermal underwear, gloves. Don't forget your swimsuit, saunas are almost a daily occurrence here.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?The 3 months at Oulu International School were a huge inspiration for my future life, not only as a teacher. I am grateful!