September 23 - October 2, 2011

Learning from Finland Orientation Notebook

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Table of ContentsThank You to Our Sponsors 4Participant List 5The Center for International Understanding 6Learning from Other Countries 7Program Purpose, Goals, and Phases 8Itinerary 9Flight Schedule 10Emergency Contact Information 11Why Finland? 12Map of Finland 13Reflection Tools 14Responsible Photography 15Tips for Travel 16Safety and Health Tips 19Packing Checklist 22Packing Tips 23Participant Health Insurance While Abroad 24Finland Resources 26

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Burroughs Wellcome Fund

SAS

Learning from Finland is made possible with generous support from the following sponsors:

Thank You!

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Senator Bob Atwater, North Carolina General Assembly

Ms. Mary Dean Barringer, Director, All Kinds of Minds

Representative Hugh Blackwell, North Carolina General Assembly

Dr. John Burris, President, Burroughs Wellcome Fund

Mrs. Sally Burris, Former Montessori School Teacher and Children’s Librarian

Ms. Stephanie Caplan, Director of Communications, Center for International Understanding

Ms. Alisa Chapman, Associate VP for Academic Affairs, UNC General Administration

Mr. John Dornan, Senior Fellow, Public School Forum of NC

Mr. Ted Fiske, Education Writer and Consultant

Dr. Jayne Fleener, Dean, College of Education, NC State University

Representative Rosa Gill, North Carolina General Assembly

Senator Gladys Robinson, North Carolina General Assembly

Mrs. Ann B. Goodnight, Director of Community Relations, SAS

Dr. Tony Habit, President, NC New Schools Project

Representative Phil Haire, North Carolina General Assembly

Dr. Bill Harrison, Chairman, NC State Board of Education

Ms. Meredith Henderson, Senior Director of Programs, Center for International Understanding

Dr. Helen “Sunny” Ladd, Professor of Public Policy and Economics, Duke University

Ms. Caroline McCullen, Director of Education Initiatives, SAS

Representative Tim Moore, North Carolina General Assembly

Mrs. Jo Ann Norris, President/Executive Director, Public School Forum of NC

Ms. Pat Orrange, Education Consultant

Senator Louis Pate, North Carolina General Assembly

Mrs. Joyce Pate, Retired Educator

Dr. Shirley Prince, Executive Director, NC Principals and Assistant Principals Association

Dr. Valerie Schild, Director, Kenan Fellows, Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science

Mr. John Tate, Sr. Vice President, Wells Fargo and Member, NC State Board of Education

Dr. Peggy Thompson, VIF International Education

Dr. Richard Thompson, VIF International Education

Dr. A. Hope Williams, President, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities

Participant List

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The Center for International Understanding is an educational organization promoting global competence and awareness among current and future leaders in North Carolina.

Founded in 1979, the Center is working to make North Carolina one of the most globally engaged states in the nation. As globalization plays an ever-increasing role in the economy of North Carolina, our current and future leaders need to be globally competent and aware in order to succeed in a changing world. Through a series of international leadership programs focused on issues vital to North Carolina’s economy and work in K-12 schools, the Center seeks to prepare current and future leaders to engage with the world.

The Center for International Understanding, along with 17 campuses and other educational organizations, is part of the University of North Carolina.

The Public School Forum of NC is a not for profit policy think tank which is a partnership of business leaders, education leaders, and government leaders in North Carolina. Since opening its doors in 1986, the Forum has evolved into an organization that has made a significant contribution to schools across North Carolina.

In addition to research and work in the public policy arena, the Forum oversees staff programs such as the Collaborative Project, the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP), the Educational Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP), and the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Scholarship Program in communities across the state.

Finally, in the Public Policy Arena, the Forum provides timely information about trends and best practices in education through its weekly Friday Report and its quarterly Forum Report. It also offers capacity-building seminars and conferences created for policymakers, candidates for elected office and education reporters who cover their actions.

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Global Study Programs for

Education al Policy Makers

Learning from Other Countries

Since 1995, the Center for International Understanding and the Public School Forum of North Carolina have collaborated to co-sponsor global study programs for educational policy leaders. The programs provide opportunities to: benchmark North Carolina’s educational policies against international standards of excellence; examine best practices in other countries and; study the experience of other countries in addressing educational issues of importance to North Carolina.

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Program Goals • Study Finland’s teacher preparation and professional development• Examine reasons for Finnish students’ consistent success in international comparisons• Explore workforce preparation• Identify and publicize policies and practices which can be adapted to strengthen North Carolina’s math and science education

Program Phases• Orientation Workshop – September 8-9, 2011• Study in Finland – September 23- October 2, 2011• Follow-Up Seminar – October 21, 2011

Program PurposeFinland has become an international leader in education. Their students

have consistently performed well over the last decade in mathematics, science and literacy on Programme for International Student Assessments (PISA). Furthermore, according to an analysis by the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation which sponsors PISA, schools seem to rise to this challenge equally well across Finland “regardless of family background, socio-economic status or ability” with only a modest achievement gap between students. The slow, steady reform of Finnish education over the last forty years has begun to yield results and receive international acclaim. Such results have been achieved with lower per pupil expenditure than the United States.

Learning from Finland is co-sponsored by the Center for International Understanding and the Public School Forum of North Carolina. The study is one of a series to examine international best practices in education and their application to North Carolina’s educational system. Upon return, the delegation will meet to analyze lessons learned and publish a report for distribution to legislators and other educational policymakers.

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Friday, September 23, 2011Depart NC for Finland

Saturday, September 24, 2011Arrive in Helsinki. Check into hotel. Group dinner with presentation. Sunday, September 25, 2011Orientation to Helsinki and the educational program.

Monday, September 26, 2011Briefings at the Finnish National Board of Edcation:• Overview of the Finnish Education System• Decentralization--Governance• Reasons Behind the PISA Success

Briefing at the Trade Union of Education in Finland

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 Site visits to the University of Helsinki Teacher Education Department, LUMA Centre and Viikki Teacher Training School

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 Morning school visits to primary or lower secondary schools in small groupsAfternoon briefing on Education Policy in Finland, Ministry of EducationDebriefing SessionGroup dinner with speaker from SAS

Thursday, September 29, 2011Morning school visits to upper secondary schools in small groupsAfternoon site visit to HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences

Friday, September 30, 2011Meeting with Members of Parliament. Site visit to the Parliament HouseFinal debriefing session

Saturday, October 1, 2011Open for cultural visits in Helsinki or a possible optional visit to St PetersburgOptional departure for North Carolina

Sunday, October 2, 2011Depart Finland for NC

Itinerary (September 23 - October 2, 2011)

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Departure &Return Flight

Schedule

DEPARTURE - RALEIGH

DATE AIRLINE FLT.# FROM TO DEPART ARRIVAL 9/23/11 American 2435 Raleigh Chicago 11:00AM 12:05PM 9/23/11 American 130 Chicago Helsinki 3:45PM 8:30AM (9/24/11)

DEPARTURE - CHARLOTTEDATE AIRLINE FLT.# FROM TO DEPART ARRIVAL9/23/11 American 4310 Charlotte Chicago 10:05AM 11:15AM9/23/11 American 130 Chicago Helsinki 3:45PM 8:30AM (9/24/11)

RETURN - RALEIGHDATE AIRLINE FLT.# FROM TO DEPART ARRIVAL 10/2/11 American 131 Helsinki Chicago 2:10PM 3:45PM10/2/11 American 1972 Chicago Raleigh 5:25PM 8:15PM

RETURN - CHARLOTTEDATE AIRLINE FLT.# FROM TO DEPART ARRIVAL10/2/11 American 131 Helsinki Chicago 2:10PM 3:45PM10/2/11 American 4159 Chicago Charlotte 5:15PM 8:05PM

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Emergency ContactInformation

U.S. Embassy in HelsinkiItäinen Puistotie 148HelsinkiTel. 011 358 9 616 250www.usembassy.fi

The nationwide emergency number is 112.

Blackberry for Meredith Henderson, Senior Director of Programs is 919-208-9438.

Families may also contact:Melissa Edwards Smith, Director, Global Leader Programs The Center for International Understanding919-420-1360, ext 204 (work) 919-833-7317 (home) or 919-606-0608 (cell)

ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel GLO Helsinki KluuviKluuvikatu 4, 00100 HELSINKITel. 011 358 10 3444 400http://www.hotelglo.fi/en/glo-helsinki-kluuvi

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Why Finland ?

Finland has become an international leader in education. Their students have consistently performed well over the last decade in mathematics, science and literacy on Programme for International Student Assessments (PISA). Furthermore, according to an analysis by the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation which sponsors PISA, schools seem to rise to this challenge equally well across Finland “regardless of family background, socio-economic status or ability” with only a modest achievement gap between students. The slow, steady reform of Finnish education over the last forty years has begun to yield results and receive international acclaim. During this same period of time, the OECD finds that teaching has become an extremely attractive profession for young people in Finland such that primary teacher education programs can attract as many as ten applicants per slot. Moreover, such results have been achieved with lower per pupil expenditure than the United States.

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Map of Finland

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When we participate in a global study program, we often take the time to learn about the culture we will be visiting. However, it is also important to look at ourselves and what we bring to the experience. One of the key players in the experience is you. It is your eyes that will see, your ears that will hear, and your personal experiences and history that will help you to interpret what you see and hear.

Although we will be meeting in large group debriefing sessions during the course of the program in Finland, a journal is a great tool to help you reflect on your experience on a day-to-day basis as well as upon your return home.

Before You Go:It is recommended that you begin

your journal before leaving the country. Reflect on your feelings about traveling to Finland, your reasons for joining this study program, your expectations, and on questions you hope to have answered. Below are some questions to help you get started:

• Why are you taking this journey?

• What are you anticipating most about the program in Finland?

• What are you concerned or anxious about?

• What are your assumptions about Finland, Finns, and Finnish education? How do you expect the country and the people you meet to look, sound, act, etc?

• What are the key questions you would like to have answered in Finland?

In Finland:While we are in Finland, you can

use your journal to record your journey. Some things to think about are:

• Notes from presentations

• Specific quotes

• Sounds, smells, sights, etc. that you are experiencing

• Questions

• Experiences outside the formal program agenda

• Dreams

• Stories, poems, sketches

• Use your journal to collect mementos, such as pictures, postcards, etc., to share with students and faculty

• Record commitments or intentions to act when you return home

Upon Your Return:

It is important to reread and review your journal after your return home. Continue to reflect on some of your experiences in Finland and their effect on your life in North Carolina. Some additional questions that may be helpful are:

• What did the experience of traveling to Finland with this global study program mean to you?

• What are some of the main ideas that you would like to convey to your family, friends and colleagues about Finland now that you have been there?

• How will this experience impact your professional practice?

• What are some initial ideas that you have for recommendations for North Carolina policy and/or programs based on your experiences?

• What is the most important learning you derived from this experience?

Bring your journal with you to the follow-up workshop. You may find that you want to refer to it as you begin the next stage of your action-planning.

Reflection Tools

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ResponsiblePhotography

Most participants on a travel seminar come with camera in hand, eager to photograph their experience for their own memories and to share with friends and family. Photos are a great way to document a travel seminar, but a camera can be a tricky tool to use well. How you use your camera reflects your level of respect for the local people and your long-term commitment to mutual understanding and responsible travel.

• Ask Permission before you take a photo, even if it is just a smile and a nod toward your camera.

• Avoid Telephoto Lenses: It is best to use them only when shooting landscapes, animals or during performances or festivals, when it is difficult to get close to people. Even then try to seek your subject out afterward to tell them you’ve taken a photo and explain who you are.

• Send copies: If possible, offer to send a copy if it turns out well and make sure you follow up.

• Pay Attention to Your Prejudices: Ask yourself why you feel compelled to take a photo. Ask yourself how you would feel if the situation were reversed: would you feel comfortable having your photo taken by this person in these circumstances?

Guidelines for Taking Photos on a Travel Seminar:

Note: these guidelines were modified from an article by Chris Welch, Tips for Making Better Travel Photos, found in the Minneapolis StarTribune, Sunday July 16, 2000, page G9.

• Make Connections: On your travel seminar, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with many local people. Take pictures of the friends that you make instead of trying to grab images from strangers on the street.

• Take pictures of normal things. Pictures of your room, meals, stores, etc. will help you answer some of the basic questions like “what did you eat?”

• Your trip leaders, resource people and fellow participants all form an important part of your experience. Photos of them will help trigger memories and capture the flavor of visits.

• Get closer and pay attention to details: The best pictures are ones where the subject is clear and where details help to tell the story. Getting closer (easier when the subject is not a person), can vastly improve your photo.

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Check in: Plan to be in the airport at least 2 hours early to provide adequate time for check in for international flight and security. You may need to arrive even earlier in case parking is a problem.

Late arrivals: If for any reason you miss your flight in the departure or connecting city, it will be your responsibility to arrange with the airline to catch the next available flight and to arrange transportation to and from the Helsinki airport to the hotel. As soon as your alternate plans are known, please call the Emergency Contact Person for the program about your new arrival plans so that they can leave word for group leaders at the hotel about when to expect you.

Electric Current: The normal electric current in Finland is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Bring along transformers and converters for electrical appliances. Our hotel should have hairdryers and irons available.

Tips: The program fee includes tips for bus drivers and

guides. Service is generally included in restaurants and additional tips are generally not expected. However, you may always round up the restaurant bill or give one euro per bag for luggage handling.

Meals: Breakfasts are always included at the hotel. Most lunches and several dinners are included in the program fee. For those individuals who have informed program sponsors of dietary restrictions, those have been conveyed to the program coordinators. However, you should ask the servers in every restaurant to be sure that you are not served anything which would cause an allergic reaction.

Insurance: The program fee provides health insurance coverage from September 23 - Oct 4, 2011 while outside the US. You will receive an insurance brochure, card, and claim form at orientation. Please note this insurance is for health only. It does not include missed flight, life, or other insurance coverage. Thus you may want to buy separate trip cancellation

insurance and life insurance. Many program

expenses are non-refundable after specified dates.

Phones: When calling the US from Finland, dial 00+1+phone number. For AT&T Direct service with an English speaking operator dial 0-800-11-0015. When calling Finland from the US, dial 358-city code-number. The city code for Helsinki is 9. Some cell phone carriers have plans for calling from Finland. Check with your provider for more information about this. Be aware that even if your provider says that your phone will work in Finland, it may not.

Tips for Travel

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Time Difference: Finland is 7 hours later than North Carolina.

Money Matters: Finland uses the euro (€ or EUR). Bills are divided into denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros. The euro is divided into cents and coins may be found in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 euros.

Foreign currency (cash or traveler’s checks) may be exchanged for euros at banks and some major hotels or at Forex booths. Save your currency exchange receipts as they may be required to exchange leftover euros back to US dollars. A passport is generally required for currency exchanges. Consult with your bank before departing the US to be sure that your brand of traveler’s check or credit card will be accepted. Major credit and debit cards (American Express, MasterCard, and Visa) are accepted by most major hotels and in many well-known restaurants. ATMs are generally available in Helsinki.

Be sure to record your account numbers (and customer service telephone numbers) in case your credit cards are lost or stolen.

It is a good idea to let your credit card companies know in advance that you will be traveling outside of the US. Otherwise credit authorization may be declined.

Customs: Typical travel items like clothes, cameras, and similar personal goods normal for the purpose of your visit can be taken through customs in Finland duty free, without having to be declared (green customs line upon arrival in Finland). Going through one of those customs lines is for travelers without anything to declare, but customs does random checks. If they find something that should have been declared, you may be charged double the import tax. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you can bring into Finland, however, amounts of cash or traveler’s checks of $10,000 or more should be declared. The allowable tobacco limit per adult is 200 cigarettes or 250 grams tobacco for non-EU citizens. Finland allows travelers from outside the European Economic Area to bring personal prescription medicines (up to a 90-day supply) without a customs declaration. A formal doctor’s note may be requested by Finland customs officials. Some types of narcotics are more highly restricted. The following items are prohibited: illegal drugs, prescription medicines not for personal use or in large quantities, weapons (including knives) and ammunition, copyright infringing works, plants or plant products, meat or milk products, fireworks, endangered animals’ furs, exotic animals and items made from such.

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Film: Although American and Japanese film are available in Finland, you may not always find the size or speed you want, and the price is usually higher than in the US. Note: X- rays from airport scanners don’t affect digital camera images or film that has been processed, i.e. film from which you have received prints, slides, Kodak Photo CD discs, or Kodak Picture CD discs. X-ray equipment used to inspect carry-on baggage uses a very low level of x-radiation that will not cause noticeable damage to your film. However, baggage that is checked (loaded on the planes as cargo) sometimes goes through equipment with higher energy x-rays. New baggage scanning equipment can jeopardize your film. Therefore take these precautions when traveling with unprocessed film:

• Don’t place single-use cameras or unprocessed film in any luggage or baggage that will be checked. This includes cameras that still have film in them.

• If an attendant or security personnel inform you that your carry-on baggage must be stowed with the checked luggage or go through a second scan, you should remove your unprocessed film.

• Have your exposed film processed locally before passing through airport security on your return trip.

• If you’re going to be traveling through multiple X-ray examination (more than 5 times), request a hand search of your carry-on baggage. FAA regulations in the US allow for a hand search of photographic film and equipment if requested. However, non-US airports may not honor this request.

• If you’re asked to step aside for a more thorough search of your carry-on baggage, you should be advised that film could be harmed and you should take it out of your luggage.

Lead-lined bags, available from photo retailers, will weaken the x-radiation on film and reduce potential damage. However, the effectiveness of any particular lead bag depends on the intensity and electric potential of the X-ray generator, the lead’s thickness, and the film speed. If you use

a lead bag, check with the manufacturer for the effectiveness of their products with airport X-ray devices. A lead bag on the scanner screen may trigger the inspection process. In a typical airport surveillance situation, the baggage may be pulled aside for additional inspection.

Safety/Security: Always carry the hotel emergency contact information and the program itinerary with you. The former will assist taxi drivers and others in getting you to the right place and the latter will insure that you know how to catch up with the group if you should become separated from it. Travelers’ checks, debit and credit cards should be kept with you at all times and not left in the hotel, even if in a locked suitcase. The same applies to airline tickets, passports, and other valuables. It is wise to keep a copy of your passport in a secure place in your luggage. Our hotels should have safe deposit boxes in the rooms. Keep the number, date and place of issuance of your passport and travelers checks separate from the documents. It is recommended that you leave good jewelry at home.

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The Center can’t guarantee your safety while traveling but the staff is very conscious of

participant safety in planning and during the exchange. Among the many precautions program planners take are the following:

• Checking periodically with the international counterpart planning the program on local safety issues

• Monitoring State Department advisories and warnings

• Contacting State Department Country Desk or US Consulate or Embassy in country when conditions seem questionable

• Providing you with Emergency Contact Information

• Registering your group at the nearest US Consulate or Embassy with a list of participants and the group itinerary

Although there are certain inherent risks in international travel, there are things that you

can do to help insure your own safety and that of the group when traveling abroad:

• The State Department publication, A Safe Trip Abroad contains some valuable suggestions.

In addition, the Center recommends the following actions by participants found on the following pages.

Safety and Health Tips

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BEHAVIOR• Avoid public places where U.S. Americans

are known to congregate, for example, Hard Rock Café, American Express offices, etc.

• Don’t draw attention to yourself or the group by talking loudly in public. U.S. Americans in their enthusiasm for their new experiences can seem unintentionally obnoxious to others.

• If you become aware of a dangerous situation or a possible health hazard, contact the group leader immediately.

• Respect the customs and obey the laws of the host country.

• Be on your best behavior. For example, avoid arguments over a restaurant tab, which would call attention to you.

• Watch out for each other!

• Be careful who and what you photograph. Always ask permission before taking pictures.

• Beware of pickpockets. Carry purses securely tucked under your arm. Carry valuables such as passports and tickets in an internal pocket or under your clothing or leave them in the hotel lock box.

• Be alert to your surroundings and those around you.

• Keep away from political and other demonstrations.

TRAVEL AND GETTING AROUND• Avoid unregulated modes of

transportation.

• Carry the Emergency Contact List and the itinerary with you at all times. It helps to carry a hotel business card or brochure as well.

• Stay with the group. If you must leave the group, inform the leader or a group member of your whereabouts. Your group might want to develop a buddy system to help insure the safety of all.

• Be alert in airports. Watch and report any unattended luggage. Don’t leave yours unattended! Don’t agree to watch a stranger’s bag.

• Make copies of the picture page of your passport and any other important documents you carry with you (i.e., visas, green card). Give a copy to the Center, leave a copy at home and carry a copy with you.

• Don’t go anywhere with a stranger, no matter how lovely they may seem.

• Travel light. It will simplify check in at airports but it will also make you more mobile in the event that you have to move quickly in an emergency.

• Walk only in well-lighted, populated areas.

• Travel with a companion whenever possible. Familiarize yourself with the public transportation system to avoid appearing like a vulnerable tourist. Travel in daylight hours if you must travel alone.

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DRESS• Dress to blend in with the local culture

so as to avoid calling attention to yourself as an U.S. American. Avoid American flags, university paraphernalia, tennis shoes, baseball caps, and other clothing that marks you as an American.

• Leave jewelry at home, especially your Rolex and other flashy items!

FINANCES• Be discreet when paying for something.

(Although it may seem like play money to you, it isn’t to the host nationals!).

• Be cautious when withdrawing funds from ATM’s again being conscious of people around you.

• Have an emergency financial plan. For example, have a credit card which can be used in the event of unexpected expenses.

• Carry your HTH health insurance card with you at all times.

• Become familiar with the HTH health insurance policy, which is covered by the program fee.

• Consider purchasing individual cancellation insurance, which is not covered by the program fee.

HEALTH• During long international flights, walk

around the plane frequently to keep your circulation going and help avoid blood clots. Flex legs, feet and ankles in the seat. Drink lots of water and avoid dehydration by limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Elastic support stockings may help reduce the danger of blood clots (Joe and Terry Graedon, News and Observer, Oct. 7, 2001).

• Consider your own health situation and consult with your physician before traveling.

• Carry medicines in prescription bottles with you in carry on luggage. Bring a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your health-care provider on office stationary explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you.

• Take extra pairs of contacts or prescription lenses.

• Do not buy foods on the streets. Exceptions are food that you see being cooked and served hot on clean or disposable plates and commercially packaged foods.

Check Out the Following Websites for Additional Safety

& Health TipsAmerican Citizen Services

A Safe Trip Abroad

US Department of State Travel Warnings

Health Information for Travelers

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Traveler’s Diarrhea

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Passport

Passport Holder (waist pack or neck strap) for carrying key documents securely.

Ticket

Debit/Credit Card (Note: ATMs are widely available, be sure to let your bank know prior to leaving for the trip that you will be in Finland, so as to avoid red flags)

Cell Phone (check with your service provider to see if they have a plan for Finland)

Watch/Travel Alarm Clock (especially if you are not bringing your cell phone, in order to stay on time for meetings and departures)

Lightweight Flashlight

Medical/health supplies, including: band-aids, OTC diarrhea medication, Tylenol/Aspirin and etc. as you believe you might need

Medications in their prescription containers for the entire trip/copy of prescriptions

Wash-and-dry towelettes or hand sanitizer

Insurance card and claim form (will be distributed at orientation)

Umbrella

Business casual clothes for site visits; casual dress for sightseeing and free time

Raincoat or jacket

1 pair of comfortable business shoes

1 pair of comfortable walking shoes

Wash cloth (these may not be available in the hotels)

Earplugs, especially if you are a light sleeper

Cosmetics

Extra pair of glasses or contact lens, and a copy of your lens prescription

Copy of the first page of your passport stored separately from your passport

Transformer/adapter if you want to use electrical devices

Camera/memory card

Journal for keeping notes and observations.

Packing Checklist

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Clothes: : Business clothing will be appropriate for meetings with government officials and site visits. Semi-casual/business casual dress will be fine for sightseeing and traveling. It’s a good guess to dress as you would for late fall in North Carolina. The average high in Helsinki in late September is 54°F, with an average low of 40°F. Plan to layer clothing since weather can be changeable and unpredictable. Rain is quite likely. Take clothes which are wrinkle resistant, hand washable, darker colors (to hide dirt), quick drying, interchangeable. Also, don’t worry about wearing the same clothes several times. Others will be doing the same thing!

Luggage: Travel light! You will be handling your own luggage, often in very crowded circumstances. We ask that you limit your luggage to one checked bag of no more than 23 kg (50 pounds) and one carry-on bag of no more than 5 kg (11 pounds). Indeed, if you walk around the block you will find that 50 pounds is far too heavy to manage in difficult circumstances you will occasionally encounter. American Airlines currently allows one free checked bag of 50 pounds each not to exceed maximum linear dimensions of all bags: 62 inches/158cm (length + width + height) each. American also allows one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer. The carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin and should not be more than 9” x 14” x 22” (length + width + height) or 45 linear inches (the length, height and width added together). Please check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website when considering how and what to pack: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm for updates on restrictions.

Passport: Make a copy of the picture page (and visa page if you are traveling to St. Petersburg) of your passport and keep it separate from your passport. Leave another copy at home or scan and save it in your email.

Don’t carry valuables while traveling: You want to avoid expensive jewelry and other such item which would attract the attention of pickpockets.

Carry on baggage: : It is recommended that you include all medications in their prescription containers and at least a change of underwear in your carry on luggage since it is not unusual to have bags arrive later than you do!

Regarding new TSA security requirements for flights, liquids, gels and/or aerosols are permitted through security checkpoints. Items must fit in one clear, re-sealable quart or liter-sized plastic bag, in containers of 3.4oz/100ml or less. (Please note: The TSA’s exact measurements are stated above. But for ease of memory please follow the 3-1-1 rule: 3 ounce bottle or less, 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag, 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.)

Plastic bags must be completely sealed and will be x-rayed at the security checkpoint separately.

The following items are allowed, but must be presented to officials at security checkpoints if they are not contained in clear plastic bags or are of greater volume than 3.4oz/100ml in the U.S. and Japan or 100ml/3.3oz in the EU:

Medications (liquid, gel or aerosol)

Liquids, juices or gels for diabetic passengers who indicate a need for such items to address their medical condition. (A letter from your physician is not necessary).

Packing Tips

Electrical appliances and voltage: Hair dryers and irons will be available in all hotel rooms. If you need additional electronic appliances, you will need to take transformers/adapters since the electric current is 220 volts in 50 cycles.

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HTH Worldwide NumbersWhile you are abroad:

• +0-610-254-8771 (collect calls accepted)

Within the US:

• 1-800-257-4823

• 1-800-101-0061

HTH Worldwide Corporate Office

• 866-281-1668

Center for International Understanding

• 919-420-1360

In all calls to HTH Worldwide Insurance Service, please refer to the patient name and the University of North Carolina group plan underwritten by UniCare Life and Health Insurance Policy, Policy Number U-1052-A-06, which covers participants in NC Center for International Understanding programs as well as UNC system students studying abroad.

The participant program fee covers international health insurance through HTH Worldwide Insurance Services. This policy is valid while abroad, beginning at 12:01 am on the departure date and ending at 11:59 PM on the return date. This policy covers health only. Participants are advised to seriously consider purchasing lost baggage and trip cancellation insurance, since the Center is not responsible for the cost of missed flights for illness or other reasons. Participants wishing to remain abroad past the scheduled return date may contact their exchange coordinator at The Center for International Understanding (CIU), if they wish to extend their insurance coverage.

The Plan features HTH Worldwide’s Global Health and Safety Services- online tools and toll-free assistance to help members manage their health and safety risks, from finding the right doctor to receiving real-time alerts and advice on health and security threats.

ON THE NEXT PAGE ARE SOME SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR

VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES

Participant Health Insurance

While Abroad

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IF PARTICIPANT KNOWS WHAT DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL TO VISIT: He/she may go directly to the service provider and present the insurance card as proof of coverage. Many service providers will require that the participant pay for all or part of the services but some may agree to bill HTH directly. If required to pay, the participant should have the doctor sign the claim form and provide a receipt. He/she can later submit the claim form to HTH Worldwide along with receipts. All participants will receive a claim form with their insurance cards.

If the service provider is willing to accept the policy as coverage but wants to coordinate payment or wants proof of coverage other than the insurance card, the service provider should call HTH Worldwide and identify the participant as a member of the University of North Carolina group plan to confirm coverage. (Collect calls from outside the US are accepted).

IF PARTICIPANT NEEDS HELP FINDING A DOCTOR: Ask the Center program coordinator or local contact person for suggestions. If he/she cannot help, you may consult the

HTH website which lists doctors in various cities, about 90% of whom have agreed to accept HTH coverage without requiring participants to pay directly. Directions for signing- in relate to students but Center participants may also use it. To do so, click on “sign in” and fill in your e-mail address. To create a password, click “No, I’m signing up for the first time.” Then fill n the certificate number from your insurance card and your name. Leave the “graduation date” blank. After you accept the

agreement, create your password, which must include both numbers and letters.

If you still need assistance finding a service provider, call HTH Worldwide at +0-610-254-8771 directly for referrals to doctors or hospitals. The numbers for HTH are on the back of the medical insurance card. Referrals to medical facilities are not intended as payment guarantees but are to direct participants to quality medical services, Thus the participant may still have to pay part or all

expenses and request reimbursement later.

IF PARTICIPANT NEEDS MEDICAL EVACUATION: If a covered person sustains an injury or illness and adequate medical facilities are not available, contact HTH for a medical evacuation to the nearest hospital, appropriate medical facility or back to the covered person’s home country or country of regular domicile. Medical evacuation requires written certification by the attending physician that the evacuation is medically necessary and must be approved in advance by HTH Worldwide. The policy covers medically necessary evacuation expenses up to $100,000. Prior approval by HTH Worldwide is required.

FOR REPATRIATION SERVICES: If a covered person dies, HTH Worldwide will arrange for the repatriation of the covered person’s body to his or her home country or country of regular domicile. The policy covers necessary expenses up to $25,000. It does not include the transportation of anyone accompanying the body or visitation or funeral expenses. Expenses for repatriation require prior approval by HTH Worldwide.

ALL MEDICAL EVACUATIONS AND REPATRIATIONS ARE SUBJECT

TO THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF HTH WORLDWIDE INSURANCE SERVICES.

25 Learning from Finland

The following page contains resources that will help you gain more insight into education in Finland. Just click on the hyperlink to access a particular resource.

Finland Resources

26 Learning from Finland

Culture & LanguageKwintessential: Language, Customs,

Culture

Useful Finnish Phrases

YouTube: Learning Finnish Pronunciation

Some Finish Customs

This is Finland (Country information and daily news)

EducationMinistry of Education

National Board of Education

Centre for International Mobility (CIMO coordinates issues of

international education in the central administration)

Institute for Educational Research - PISA (the Finnish educational

research center at the University of Jyvaskyla)

OAJ is the Trade Union of Education (teachers and school principals) in

Finland

Pasi Sahlberg (a leading expert in education, his site has links to numerous websites and journal

articles)

Overview and HistoryBackground Note: Finland (US State

Department)

Finland Country Specific Information (US State Department):

CIA The World Factbook

Lonely Planet

Suomi is about information and public services in Finland:

Statistics Finland is the state statistical office for official statistics

of Finland

News Articles and Other Resources

Smithsonian Magazine: Why are Finland’s Schools Successful?

The Guardian: Finish Schools Because Teaching is Valued

The Finland Phenomenon (Video)

Finnish Lessons: What Can the World Learn from Educational Change in Finland, Pasi Sahlberg (book -

available soon)

27 Learning from Finland

100 East Six Forks Rd., Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27609

Phone: 919.420.1360

Web: ciu.northcarolina.edu

3739 National Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612

Phone: 919-781-6833

Web: www.ncforum.org