Scouting Trip to Finland and Germany

Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Laurie Kurvonen,
Finnish Board of Education

Dr. Victor Hernandez visited Finland and Germany in June to seek collaboration with university partners to support a short summer study abroad in 2010. The purpose of the study visit in 2010 will be to provide doctoral students in career and workforce education with the opportunity to compare the American system to other leading workforce education systems in the world.

Finland's repeated success in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) study has focused widespread international attention on the country's school system and its support for lifelong learning. They form the basis of this excellence. Finnish teenagers' math, science and reading skills are rated at or close to the top of the nearly 60 countries assessed in the PISA study. Further, the Finnish education system provides education and training opportunities across all educational levels with a commitment to lifelong learning.

In turn, Germany has set the standard for career and workforce education (CWE) around the world over the years. Its dual vocational system and its apprenticeship model have served as benchmarks for many countries. The “German model” epitomizes the innovative spirit and  work ethics that permeates the German culture, economy, and strategies for career and workforce education. The German way emphasizes a balanced system to ensure efficient work and economic activities.

Dr. Hernandez visited colleagues at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research (FIER), University of Jyväskylä in Finland, and the Institute Technology and Education (ITB), at the University of Bremen in Germany to hold conversations about supporting the study visit in 2010, scout the location for a balanced visit including and academic program and cultural experiences, and determine cost. Both venues offer what we are looking for a comparison of workforce education systems in the context of socioeconomic factors and conditions in the midst of a global economy, and deciding on the final location will be a challenge. Learn more...