TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
In Pursuit of Happiness:
Inspiring Well-Being and Purpose-Driven Learning
Every corner of the world excels at cultivating happiness in inspiring ways. Through our years of travel, we’ve learned that one of the best ways to reimagine happiness for ourselves and our learning spaces is by traveling and immersing ourselves in environments that excel in distinct aspects of ‘happy’. This program focuses on the following components of happiness: Empowerment, Tranquility, Verve.
Join us on an immersive journey through the educational, cultural, and natural wonders of Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Lapland, designed specifically for educators and lifelong learners. This program offers the unique opportunity to engage with world-class education systems through school visits, lectures, and discussions at universities and vocational schools. As we explore this region of the world, which is consistently ranked as the happiest in the world, we’ll dive into some of the factors that foster this happiness—such as autonomy, high levels of trust, access to green spaces, and a societal focus on well-being.
Alongside these educational experiences, you’ll explore historic sites like Suomenlinna Fortress, Tallinn’s Old Town, and Drottningholm Palace by Stockholm, providing a well-rounded cultural immersion. This program takes you into the heart of Northern Europe's natural beauty. Enjoy serene forest bathing in Finland’s Nuuksio National Park, witness the midnight sun in Lapland, and visit reindeer and sled dog farms for an authentic Arctic experience. You’ll also have the chance to relax in a traditional sauna, enjoy a Viking feast in Stockholm, and explore Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle. This program provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the Nordic culture and uncover the foundational elements that contribute to happiness in the Nordic countries, offering insights that can be applied to classrooms and educational spaces worldwide.
Discover the Details of
Your Next Journey
$1975
Finland is not only known for its saunas, hundreds of thousands of lakes and heavy metal. Students and teachers all around the world are increasingly learning about it in the context of education. Finland’s schools have astounded many with their top performing scores, while employing an approach to schooling that some call “unorthodox”. Schools here are known for their high levels of trust and equity, lack of standardized tests, long outdoor recess, minimal homework, shorter school days, and minimal pressure to perform.
It’s also one of the great economic success stories of the 20th century: within just a few decades Finland was able to lift itself out of generational poverty that had spanned centuries under foreign rule and become a world leader in diverse sectors. Learn what role education played in the shift from an agrarian to a knowledge based society and how those priorities are still at work today.
FINLAND
MAIN PROGRAM
June 9 - June 14, 2025 (6 days)
$1750
Sweden & Estonia
June 14 - June 20, 2025 (7 days)
The Venice of the North, Sweden, presents a Nordic harmony of history and modernity, with culture, architecture, and art that spans the era of Vikings to ABBA, from kingdoms and empires to pop music and eSports. Join us in Stockholm, as we enjoy museums, landmarks, food, and pop culture, as well as learn about how community organizations are empowering a growing immigrant population of students.
Estonia, currently a world leader in cloud-based educational infrastructure, has seen a dramatic improvement in student academic achievement. Learn more about Estonia's efforts to improve digital literacy in the country and how this has facilitated greater education and economic development across this former Soviet state's society. Stroll through the streets and take in the culture and sites of the beautiful, historic city of Tallinn.
$945
The magical, northernmost area of the Nordics, Lapland, is known for the midnight sun, wandering reindeer, endless views of the Northern taiga and on the very tip of the continent of Europe, endless, windswept hills of tundra. We will fly to Rovaniemi, the “capital” of the Lapland area and learn about indigenous Sámi culture and crafts and the importance of dual language immersion in local schools in keeping the Sámi language and culture alive.
Arctic Lapland
June 20 - June 22, 2025 (3 days)
Join us for all three
nordics adventures and save!
Experience the full journey with our packages, offering exclusive savings for those looking to explore everything Nordics has to offer. Don’t miss this chance to embark on all three unforgettable trips at a great value!
finland main program
$1975
Finland, Sweden & Estonia
$3575
Save $150!
Full package:
Finland, Sweden, Estonia & Arctic Lapland
$4370
Save $300!
Note: GEA will fill out the Finland and Sweden programs first.
Lapland will only be offered if there are enough applicants. Please do not buy airfare until you have been interviewed, accepted and confirmed the program.
See below how confident GEA is about asking for a fair price while providing you a quality product
cultural highlights
main program: finland
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Explore a state-of-the-artl nature exhibit center at the Nuuksio national park
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Visit the design district
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Shop the famous farmers market
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Explore the Suomenlinna island fortress (a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsinki)
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Tour one of the oldest stone castles in Europe
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Experience a traditional Finnish sauna on a lake
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Visit the famous Vasa Ship museum
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Explore Gamla Stan (old city), including the Royal Palace, the Nobel museum, and the Drottningholm Castle and Gardens
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Take a cruise on a large ship to Estonia across the Baltic Sea.
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Explore the city of Tallinn, with its incredible medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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Visit an old catacomb under Tallinn.
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Learn about KGB history during the Cold War at the KGB museum
lapland experience
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Cross the Arctic circle
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Visit a reindeer farm and participate in a Lappish initiation rite
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Drop by Santa’s workshop and meet the legend in person
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Learn about indigenous Sámi crafts
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Ride with an Arctic dog sled team and interact with the dogs
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Visit Arktikum, a state-of-the-art museum of the Arctic North
Note: Details on the itinerary may still change
Stories from the Global Classroom
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
who
All interested educators, administrators and community leaders are welcome to apply. Non-educator guests will be considered based on availability. An additional fee of $150 for non-educators will be charged to cover additional expenses.
when & where
Full Program: June 9th - June 22nd (14 days)
Finland Main Program (6 days)
June 9th - 12th: Helsinki, Finland (5 days)
June 12th - 14th: Espoo, Hämeenlinna nature center and spa hotel, Finland (3 days)
Sweden & Estonia post-trip (7 days)
June 14th - 17th: Stockholm, Sweden (4 days)
June 18th - 20th: Tallinn, Estonia (3 days)
Lapland Experience (3 days)
June 20th - June 22nd: Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Lapland (3 days)
Our full program begins in Stockholm, Sweden and ends in Helsinki, Finland.
price
Finland main program: $1875
Sweden & Estonia post-trip: $1850
Lapland Experience: $945
Total: $4670 (before package deal and early bird special!)
package options
Finland & Sweden and Estonia pre-trip package: $3575 (savings of $150)
Full package: Finland & Sweden and Estonia & Lapland Experience: $4370 (savings of $300)
early bird special
For applying before NOVEMBER 30th we will offer a special discount of 5% off the entire package.
*For people applying after the application deadline (if space is still available), we may need to add an additional 5-10% fee over the program cost, to offset the higher prices of late bookings.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Shared accommodations
Most meals and program activities (including sightseeing and entrance fees)
All transportation while on program, including flights between countries.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
International airfare to Northern Europe, airport transportation to and from our meeting and ending locations, some meals, travel insurance, add-on or upgrade options that may be selected (including single rooms) or any covid-related testing costs are not included.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Early bird special: November 30th
Priority consideration: January 15th
Final deadline: March 1st (if spaces are still available)
Zoom interviews will be held starting mid-November and through mid March and all selection decisions will be made by March 15th. A program deposit of $250 for each leg of the program will be due upon acceptance. Program balance must be paid in full 2 weeks before departure.
The GEA pledges:
Our Commitment to You
At GEA, we believe happiness is not just an idea but something to be experienced. That’s why every program we offer is designed with special touches to create moments of connection, relaxation, and empowerment for our valued teachers. Here’s what’s included to ensure your well-being is prioritized throughout the experience:
Every full travel program includes:
A complimentary toast (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) during our 'GEA Happy Hour' before the welcome dinner, cultivating a space of belonging.
A Michelin Star meal (or similar level), offering a moment to connect with our senses and enjoy world-class cuisine.
A rejuvenating spa experience, providing moments of calm and relaxation.
An adventure challenge, empowering us by testing the boundaries of the familiar.
WHY PEOPLE ARE TALKING
ABOUT FINNISH EDUCATION
"Finland’s experience shows that it is possible to achieve excellence by focusing not on competition, but on cooperation, and not on choice, but on equity."
Pasi Sahlberg
Meet Your Adventure Guides
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Quick Links
Explore the Nordics curriculum, designed to introduce key concepts we will explore while traveling in the region.
Take a look at the frameworks we employ that add more substance to your reflective experience.
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GEA will be doing everything to help our participants feel secure and comfortable. There are also many ways you can personally manage a safe and happy travel experience and GEA will help remind you along the way.