High School Students Explore Finland's Essence of Happiness Through Practical Learning
On August 20, 2025, a transformative journey began for ten high school students from Shinagawa City, Tokyo, as they embarked on an 8-day immersive exploration program in Finland, renowned as the "happiest country in the world." Organized by Tiger Mob, a pioneering educational company, this initiative falls under the Shinagawa City’s new "Global Human Resource Development Overseas Dispatch Project," slated to kick off in 2025. The program aims to cultivate self-reliance among students through hands-on learning experiences in an international setting.
The visiting students participated in activities focusing on entrepreneurship and well-being. With local high school students, they engaged in various hands-on projects and natural experiences that emphasized cultivating their ability to drive their own futures. In a departure from traditional sister city or friendly city exchanges, this program is designed around immersive learning methods and deep reflection.
Students experienced:
These experiences empowered students to develop their ability to express themselves in their own words and take initiative in their actions.
A poignant moment saw the students bidding farewell to Kai, the facilitator during their retreat in the Finnish woods, where they embraced outdoor activities like fishing and woodcraft. This immersive experience propelled students into a realm where they learned to "create from nothing."
A crucial part of the program included discussions with local high school students wherein they took part in entrepreneurship classes, brainstorming new ideas based on their favorite brands.
Participants expressed profound realizations during their journey:
The community rallied behind these educational initiative; on July 22, before their trip, participants had the chance to meet with Yukiko Morisawa, the Mayor of Shinagawa. The visit was documented on the official Shinagawa City website and their channel.
Founded in 2016, Tiger Mob embraces the mission of "moving lives through unknown potential," offering practical educational opportunities across 47 countries. The company designs and delivers overseas training, internships, and programs for various educational institutions, local governments, and private entities. They focus heavily on experiential learning, referred to as "Learning by Doing," and have successfully enabled over 10,000 young individuals to undertake international experiences that transform their perceptions of the world.
Company Details
- Providing opportunities for practical and inquiry-based learning through internships,
- Consulting and organizing corporate training programs.
The Program Overview
The visiting students participated in activities focusing on entrepreneurship and well-being. With local high school students, they engaged in various hands-on projects and natural experiences that emphasized cultivating their ability to drive their own futures. In a departure from traditional sister city or friendly city exchanges, this program is designed around immersive learning methods and deep reflection.
Program Highlights
Students experienced:
- - An entrepreneurship education program facilitated by experienced teachers from one of Europe’s top 10 educational systems.
- - Collaborative sessions to generate business ideas with their Finnish counterparts.
- - Street interviews conducted in English, enhancing their communication skills.
- - Nature activities in the forests, along with self-cooked meals and fireside discussions, allowing for personal reflections on identity.
- - Interaction with Japanese expatriates in Finland, providing an insight into diverse career perspectives.
These experiences empowered students to develop their ability to express themselves in their own words and take initiative in their actions.
Creating Lasting Memories
A poignant moment saw the students bidding farewell to Kai, the facilitator during their retreat in the Finnish woods, where they embraced outdoor activities like fishing and woodcraft. This immersive experience propelled students into a realm where they learned to "create from nothing."
A crucial part of the program included discussions with local high school students wherein they took part in entrepreneurship classes, brainstorming new ideas based on their favorite brands.
Student Testimonials
Participants expressed profound realizations during their journey:
- - "I became aware of how hesitant I am about many things and how my thoughts hold me back. I realized the glow and richness of being honest about my feelings."
- - "I have developed a desire to face challenges without fear."
- - "This journey revealed an immense potential within me that I never knew existed."
- - "I gained confidence through dialogue, presentations, and challenges. I didn’t expect to learn so much about the importance of challenges through reflection."
- - "Through cultural exchange, I realized how diversity amplifies my perspective."
Community and Support
The community rallied behind these educational initiative; on July 22, before their trip, participants had the chance to meet with Yukiko Morisawa, the Mayor of Shinagawa. The visit was documented on the official Shinagawa City website and their channel.
About Tiger Mob
Founded in 2016, Tiger Mob embraces the mission of "moving lives through unknown potential," offering practical educational opportunities across 47 countries. The company designs and delivers overseas training, internships, and programs for various educational institutions, local governments, and private entities. They focus heavily on experiential learning, referred to as "Learning by Doing," and have successfully enabled over 10,000 young individuals to undertake international experiences that transform their perceptions of the world.
Company Details
- - Name: Tiger Mob Inc.
- - Address: 1B Zine Yoyogi-Koen, Kamiyama-cho 5-20, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-0047
- - CEO: Eriko Kikuchi
- - Established: April 2016
- - Business Scope:
- Providing opportunities for practical and inquiry-based learning through internships,
- Consulting and organizing corporate training programs.
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