These programs award Certificates of Completion from Oxford Academia, Harvard Chan C-CHANGE, and Columbia Climate School.
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Our Programs
Who We Are
Learn moreÂ
These programs award Certificates of Completion from Oxford Academia, Harvard Chan C-CHANGE, and Columbia Climate School.
*These programs are typically for students in grades 9–12, however motivated rising 9th graders will be considered
Finland is renowned for how its culture and traditions incorporate nature, community, and wellness into everyday life. Known for its thousands of lakes, expansive forests, and strong outdoor traditions, the country provides opportunities for students to step beyond familiar routines and experience a different way of living. In Helsinki, innovative architecture and thoughtfully designed public spaces reflect the country’s emphasis on accessibility and quality of life. Farther north, the forests of Lapland stretch beyond the Arctic Circle, where the summer sun barely sets. Across the country, sauna culture, seasonal foods, outdoor recreation, and a strong commitment to sustainability shape how people live and connect. For students, Finland is an opportunity to explore what wellbeing looks like in practice at a societal scale, and how a society’s relationship with the natural world influences its culture, traditions, and daily routines.
On Putney’s Finland Exploration program, high school students travel from Helsinki to Finnish Lapland and the southern lakes, experiencing the country through a combination of outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and meaningful local connections. They kayak, cycle, hike, and swim across the country’s forests, lakes, and coastlines while discovering Finnish approaches to wellbeing through sauna traditions, local food, and everyday life. During a daystay with Finnish teens and families, students experience everyday life firsthand, build personal connections, and learn about local approaches to sustainability and the important role nature and community play in Finnish culture.
Putney’s Finland summer program is designed for high school students in grades 9–12 who enjoy being outdoors, exploring new cultures, and trying new experiences. It’s particularly well suited to students interested in nature, wellness, sustainability, and the ways different societies approach everyday life. The program includes kayaking, cycling, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities such as foraging with local peers, so students should be comfortable with an active schedule, though no specialized outdoor experience is required. With a small group of 14–16 students and two experienced Putney leaders, students have opportunities to build friendships, develop independence, and pursue personal interests through independent projects. Curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to engage with local people are more important than previous international travel experience.