Kemijärvi High School
Overview
The well-being of our students is in the focus of all activities and school work. The students are involved in decisions about every day school issues.
Study groups are quite small, so the teachers can assist students personally in class. We can provide some extra lessons (tukiopetus) and help students improve their academic skills and learning practises. There are also homework-groups in some subjects, such as mathematics.
We have an active student body, who organise events all year round. All students, local and international, are included in extra-curricular activities. Orientation is organised for all high school students.
The school is in the centre of Kemijärvi, so all facilities are within 2 km, walking distance. The swimming hall with a gym is 300m away, the cultural centre with the library, youth centre, concert and movie hall and music school are 500m away.
Distances: 900km to Helsinki - 90km to Rovaniemi - 140km to Kuusamo - 270km to Ivalo (All these have airports)
The nearest universities and other higher education institutes are in Rovaniemi and Oulu. Our students continue their studies all over Finland. It is possible to take some sample university classes during high school, or do open university courses which may even secure a study place after high school.
Weather
It can get rather cold in winter, even –40 degrees Celsius, but this is not often. Average temperatures in winter in December to February are from -5°C / 23°F to -13.1°C / 8.6°F. Not to worry though, there is central heating everywhere, and with proper clothing the winter is quite enjoyable.
In January, the days are short and in northern Lapland the sun doesn't rise at all during the beginning of January. This season is called 'kaamos' in Finnish (polar night)– an excellent time to spot the Northern Lights!
Summers are pleasantly warm, up to 25-30 degrees Celsius for a few days each summer. The average temperatures in June 2021 was 15.3°C / 59.5°F and July 17.4°C / 63.3°F. In June, you'll be able to experience the best of the midnight sun as around summer solstice the sun hardly sets.
You can find detailed information on the weather and how to prepare for it on the Visit Finland Website. https://www.visitfinland.com/en/practical-tips/climate-and-weather-in-finland/
Expenses
Free tuition, laptop, breakfast, lunch, learning materials, textbooks, e-learning environment, student healthcare, tutor for international students, access to some sport facilities.
- two-bedroom apartments shared with a roommate, 30m2 total, rent 155 euro/person/month)
- one-bedroom apartments (rent 240 euro/month. 15m2)
Accommodation
International students can rent rooms in the dormitory of the local vocational school Redu.
There are two-bedroom apartments shared with a roommate, and one-bedroom apartments.
All apartments have basic furniture, beds and mattresses.
There are common rooms, laundry room, sauna, and internet
There is a grocery store about 300 meters from the dormitory.
The dormitory is about 2km from the high school, and buses run regularly.
Study line
General line of studies.
It is possible to study in the local music institute (for an extra fee) and get some study credits from there for the high school.