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From September 27 to October 1, the project’s Uruguayan team visited Jyväskylä to dive into Finland’s unique educational approach. The week was packed with moments of discovery, cultural exchanges, and inspiring activities that embody the project’s mission of blending Finnish and Uruguayan perspectives on STEAM.

A Warm Finnish Welcome

The Uruguayan team arrived in Jyväskylä on a crisp autumn evening, met with Finnish hospitality and warmth. Over a traditional Finnish meal and lively conversation, they shared their teaching philosophies and goals for the week. The dinner was setting the tone for a week of learning and collaboration.

"The evening was more than a welcome—it felt like the start of a family gathering," one Uruguayan educator noted, reflecting on how this shared experience laid the groundwork for a dynamic exchange of ideas.

Researchers’ Night: A Celebration of Science, Mate, and STEAM Magic

The week’s highlight was Europe's largest science popularization event, the Researchers’ Night at JYU—a vibrant, interactive science fair. The Uruguayan team hosted a Mate Brewing Science Workshop, blending cultural storytelling with chemistry. Visitors learned about the tradition of mate and its scientific properties with every sip of mate tea, sparking engaging discussions on how culture influences learning. "Mate brought a little piece of Uruguay to Finland," a participant shared, noting how cultural practices can serve as powerful teaching tools.

The night also featured book launches, live music, and a massive STEAM workshop, conducted by ILE researcher, Kristof Fenyvesi. The participants and audience were building together the Warka Tower of Creativity and transforming the venue into a hub of science, art, and cross-cultural dialogue. This event, accompanied by the music of the ILE member Matias Mäki-Kuutti and friends, underscored the project’s goals of integrating diverse perspectives into STEAM education, illustrating how hands-on experiences and music can ignite curiosity and foster a sense of wonder across all ages.

Exploring the City of Light and Cultural Connections

Saturday brought a chance to explore Jyväskylä through the City of Light Treasure Hunt—a nighttime adventure filled with art installations and light displays. As the Uruguayan educators navigated with the leadership of ILE researcher Orsolya Tuba the city’s illuminated paths, they experienced firsthand how art and technology merge in Finland to create interactive, community-centered learning experiences. The treasure hunt was a vivid reminder of how STEAM education extends beyond the classroom, connecting people to their environment and each other.

"It was an eye-opener to see how a city can be transformed into a learning space," one participant noted, recognizing how such initiatives could inspire similar community-focused activities back home.

A Visit with Juhani and Leila: Art, Nature, and Finnish Heritage

Sunday offered an immersion into Finnish culture and artistry with a visit to Juhani Lillberg’s sculpture garden. Juhani, a renowned Finnish artist, veteran academic and cultural ambassador, and his wife, Leila, warmly welcomed the group to their home, where sculptures crafted from natural materials harmonized with the surrounding autumn landscape. Each piece felt like a tribute to Finland’s environment, sparking new ideas about incorporating local art and nature into STEAM education.

The day continued with a tour of the Serlachius Museums in Mänttä, where Finnish educator, artist and museum guide, Manu Mäkinen demonstrated how art can be woven into educational settings. Reflecting on this, a team member shared, "This experience redefined how we see art's role in STEAM. It’s about engaging all senses and understanding our world from multiple perspectives."

Hands-On STEAM Education: Craft and Innovation in Finnish Schools

Monday’s itinerary brought the group to JYU’s Craft Education space, where they witnessed Finnish STEAM in action. Pasi Ikonen and his team showcased hands-on approaches to learning, from textile techniques to woodworking. The Uruguayan team saw how Finnish schools use these methods to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By incorporating local crafts, Finnish teachers empower students to explore STEAM concepts in practical, culturally relevant ways.

The day concluded with a sauna experience—a quintessentially Finnish tradition that deepened the bonds between the two teams. "Sauna isn’t just relaxation; it’s reflection," an Uruguayan teacher observed. Inspired by this, the groups discussed the potential of creating spaces for reflection and creative thinking in Uruguayan schools, fostering a holistic approach to education.

Early STEAM Education: Learning from Finland’s Youngest Learners

On their final day, the Uruguayan educators toured a Finnish primary school and participated in an Early Childhood STEAM workshop. They saw Finnish students engaging in inquiry-based learning, using science, art, and collaborative projects to understand the world around them. For the Uruguayan team, this was a demonstration of how early exposure to STEAM builds a foundation for lifelong curiosity and adaptability.

"The way Finnish children naturally approach STEAM is something we can bring back to our students," one educator said, inspired to integrate similar approaches into Uruguay’s early childhood education.

Reflections on FinnUruSTEAM: Bridging Borders in Education

In just a few days, the FinnUruSTEAM project demonstrated the power of collaborative learning. This experience of cultural exchange and shared exploration underscored the project’s core mission: to create a sustainable, adaptable STEAM education framework that unites Finnish and Uruguayan practices. "This week wasn’t just about observing; it was about building something new together," reflected a team member.

The insights and inspiration gathered from this visit will continue to shape STEAM education in both countries, enriching teacher training programs and fostering an educational environment where creativity, culture, and science converge. The FinnUruSTEAM project has laid a solid foundation for future collaboration—a bridge between Finnish innovation and Uruguayan warmth that will continue to inspire students and educators for years to come.

As the Uruguayan team prepared to head home, one participant summed it up: "This isn’t just a visit; it’s the beginning of a movement. FinnUruSTEAM is more than a project—it’s a partnership with the power to transform education." With these words, the FinnUruSTEAM project concluded its chapter in Jyväskylä, igniting a vision of a shared future in STEAM education across continents.