Organization of International Education in the City of Lappeenranta

The study explored the possibilities around and the conditions pertaining to the organisation of international education in the Lappeenranta region, defining alternative ways of organising the region’s educational offer. 

International schools and programmes have been established in Finland at different times with various conditions and operating models. With the growing number of non-native speakers and increasing expectations for diverse educational paths, the interest in international education has further increased. Currently, international schools operate not only in major cities but also in places like Kokkola, Joensuu and Pori. 

Factors influencing the demand for international education include the number of foreign children, returning immigrants and Finnish children who have acquired sufficient language skills, for example, in a foreign-language based daycare setting. Other factors include parental awareness and interest, the location of the school, arrangements for school transportation and other daily activities, as well as the impact of school choice on a child’s educational path and future opportunities. 

From the city’s perspective, the issues under consideration include the extent of the demand for foreign-language education, questions regarding the applicable curriculum and the impact on education costs.