Finland Adventure - SEN School Trip
Arctic Education
This programme is built around genuine inclusivity, not adapted as an afterthought. Every activity is planned with flexible pacing, trained SEN support guides, and accessible facilities as standard, so you can confidently bring students of all abilities on a real Arctic adventure. With LOtC, ATOL and ABTA accreditation, £10m public liability cover, comprehensive SEN planning documentation, and 24/7 support from wilderness guides with youth and first aid experience, the safeguarding and paperwork side is fully covered ' leaving you to focus on giving your students an unforgettable, confidence-building trip.
Current special offers for school groups
£750 Bursary + Free Teacher Places for Your 2027 Arctic Adventure!
Book your 2027 Arctic school trip with Arctic Education by 31 December 2026 and we'll include a £750 bursary to support one student for every booking of 20 or more, plus one free teacher place for every 10 students. More adventure, more access, for every group.
valid until: December 2026
Teacher Checklist
Risk Assessments Free Places for Teachers Resource Packs LOtC Quality Badge ABTA Licence ATOL Licence School Travel Forum Assured Expedition Providers Association Tailor your trip
Example Itineraries for our 2026 & 2027 trips
Offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience authentic Finnish culture and see the Northern Lights, this package is perfect for schools looking to get away from the standard ski holiday. With the perfect balance of adventure, challenge, cultural immersion and learning - our school trips to Finland really tick all of your educational, service, inspirational and fun boxes.
ATOL | ABTA | LOtC | EPA
Trusted, multi award winning provider of trips to the Arctic
This is an 8 day, 7 night experience where students will immerse themselves in Finnish wilderness culture, building igloos, mastering winter sports, and connecting with local communities. The remote Kuusamo location provides fantastic opportunities to see the Northern Lights if they are on display.
Our exclusive Finnish cultural immersion programme gives real value to students and staff with direct impact on environmental awareness and cultural understanding - providing authentic experiences that develop resilience, teamwork and global citizenship.
What's Included:
Day 1 / KEY THEMES: Welcome to the Arctic
Day 2-3 / KEY THEMES: Team Building & Survival Skills
Day 4-5 / KEY THEMES: Cultural Exchange & School Visit
Day 6-7 / KEY THEMES: Winter Sports & Adventure
Day 8 / Reflection & Departure
Special Features:
ATOL | ABTA | LOtC | EPA
Trusted, multi award winning provider of trips to the Arctic
This is an 8 day, 7 night experience where students will immerse themselves in Finnish wilderness culture, building igloos, mastering winter sports, and connecting with local communities. The remote Kuusamo location provides fantastic opportunities to see the Northern Lights if they are on display.
Our exclusive Finnish cultural immersion programme gives real value to students and staff with direct impact on environmental awareness and cultural understanding - providing authentic experiences that develop resilience, teamwork and global citizenship.
What's Included:
- Return flights to Kuusamo (KAO) Airport
- All local transfers including airport pickup, with SEN support
- 7 nights exclusive use of Adventure Apes Lodge, accessible facilities
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus evening snacks
- Optional winter clothing rental package ' thermal layers, boots, gloves, hats
- All activities led by professional wilderness guides, available 24/7
- Finnish school visit and authentic cultural exchange activities
- Comprehensive SEN support documentation and individual planning
- £10m public liability insurance coverage
- Complete ATOL and ABTA protection
- Professional wilderness guides with youth experience and first aid certification
- 24/7 emergency support while on tour
- Free of charge (FOC) places for staff
Day 1 / KEY THEMES: Welcome to the Arctic
- Evening arrival at Kuusamo Airport, with dedicated SEN support where required
- Comfortable 30-minute transfer to exclusive-use Adventure Apes Lodge
- Welcome dinner and safety briefing, delivered with visual aids
- Settling into accessible accommodation with private facilities
Day 2-3 / KEY THEMES: Team Building & Survival Skills
- Igloo construction workshop, a 2-day project with step-by-step guidance
- Winter fire-making and Arctic clothing techniques
- Team building challenges in small, supportive groups
- Traditional Finnish kota gatherings around the fireplace
- Evening Northern Lights watching with expert guides
Day 4-5 / KEY THEMES: Cultural Exchange & School Visit
- Visit to a local Finnish school with structured interaction activities
- Collaborative lessons and games with Finnish students
- Finnish language workshop using visual learning techniques
- Authentic sauna culture experience (optional participation)
- Cultural discussion sessions led by teachers
Day 6-7 / KEY THEMES: Winter Sports & Adventure
- Cross-country skiing lessons, adapted for all ability levels
- Guided skiing tours through Finnish wilderness
- Day trip to world-class Ruka Ski Centre with equipment rental
- Choice of snowshoeing adventure or accessible ice skating
- Optional overnight in student-built igloos with professional gear
Day 8 / Reflection & Departure
- Final breakfast and group reflection session
- Certificate presentation ceremony
- Group photos and farewell activities
- Supported transfer to Kuusamo Airport for departure
Special Features:
- Exclusive use of Adventure Apes Lodge - no other groups present
- Sports hall available for indoor activities during free time
- On-site souvenir shop (nearest stores 30km away)
- Daily Northern Lights watching opportunities with expert guides
- Accommodation designed specifically for school groups aged 13-19
- Professional wilderness guides with youth experience and first aid certification
Which Curriculum Subjects do we cater for?
Cultural
Deep in Finnish Lapland, students step into Sami culture and Arctic tradition rather than just reading about it - from reindeer herding country to the rhythms of a landscape shaped by indigenous life for centuries. Living outdoors, cooking on camp, and adapting to Arctic conditions gives pupils a genuine feel for a culture built around resilience and respect for nature
Geography
Arctic Finland is a live geography lesson: glacial landscapes, frozen lakes, snow ecosystems and the physical extremes that shape how people live, travel and survive this far north. Students experience first-hand how geography dictates everything from route-planning to daily survival, turning classroom theory into lived understanding
Expedition
This is a real wilderness expedition, not an activity day with a name attached. Students plan routes, navigate, snow-camp and problem-solve as a self-sufficient team, building the independence and resilience at the heart of a genuine DofE-style challenge. Small groups and remote Finnish terrain mean every student is relied on, not a passenger
Citizenship
Living and travelling as a team in the Arctic wilderness teaches students what genuine responsibility looks like - to each other, to their kit, and to a fragile environment that doesn't forgive carelessness. Our Finland expedition builds Leave No Trace principles, group accountability and respect for Sami land and traditions into every day, mirroring the ethos behind DofE's wider awards, not just the walking
Community Projects
We can arrange a genuine range of community projects to suit your group, from building and repairing birdhouses to maintaining local nature trails and supporting conservation work in the surrounding wilderness. Projects are flexible and tailored to what your school wants to achieve - tell us your requirements and objectives, and we'll put together options that give students a real, hands-on contribution to the places they're visiting, not just a token activity.
Team Building
Snow-camping, route-finding and husky trails only work as a team - there's no faking it when you're relying on each other in genuine Arctic conditions. Students build trust, communication and shared responsibility fast, the kind of team building that sticks because the stakes (staying warm, fed, on route) are real.
What size groups do we cater for?
10-24
Access for visitors with disabilities?
Yes! Whilst snow presents considerations, this is one of our most adaptable winter programs. We work closely with schools to accommodate most needs and ensure every student can participate meaningfully in this Arctic adventure.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
Absolutely! Our location and approach are outstanding for SEN learners. We've successfully welcomed numerous high-needs schools, adapting activities to ensure every student thrives in Finland's inspiring wilderness classroom.
Anything else?
The package is available year round and is fully tailorable to school and learning needs.
Who are Arctic Education?
Arctic Education is the trusted school travel brand of Travelbee Ltd, the multi award winning Arctic travel specialist based in the UK. Established in 2004, we have become the UKs leading online Arctic tour operator. Offering holidays, educational tours and corporate trips, we're now the World's biggest supplier of holidays to the Glass Igloos to see the Northern Lights.
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