02/06/2026
The Finland Group Summer Seminar has officially come to a close.
The Scholars are gathered at the airport. Some are beginning the journey home to Arizona, while others are setting off on independent adventures across Europe. It feels like a fitting ending to a program built around exploration, curiosity, and growth.
Over the past two weeks, the Scholars examined Finland’s education system, explored questions of culture and identity, learned from Sámi communities, experienced life above the Arctic Circle, traveled to Sweden to gain additional perspective, and engaged with people whose experiences challenged and expanded their own understanding of the world.
They also did something equally important: they built community. Long train rides, shared meals, thoughtful discussions, late-night conversations, and countless moments of laughter helped transform a group of talented individuals into an even stronger cohort.
One of the greatest privileges of this seminar is watching Scholars make meaning of what they experience. During their final presentations, they worked collaboratively to develop recommendations, listened carefully to one another, asked thoughtful questions, and demonstrated the kind of intellectual curiosity and respect that make this program so special.
Thank you to our faculty leaders, in-country partners, and everyone who helped make this experience possible. Most of all, thank you to the Scholars for embracing every opportunity with enthusiasm, openness, and a genuine desire to learn.
Safe travels, Class of 2025. The journey home may be beginning, but the impact of this experience is only just getting started.
