Basque vs. Finnish Education Systems: A Comparative Study
Population
It is fundamental to start by saying that the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC) has a population of about 2,638,416 people, whereas Finland’s population is approximately 5,425,553 people.
Language
To begin with, it is important to clarify that the most significant difference between Basque and Finnish education is the languages used for teaching. Basque and Spanish are the most used languages in the Basque education system, whereas Finnish and Swedish are the most used in Finland.
Ikastolak and the Evolution of Education Systems
On the one side, Finland’s education system was not as strong in the 1970s as it is today. On the other side, the Basque education system initially developed clandestinely, as teaching in Basque was not permitted during the “Franquism” (the Spanish dictatorship). Once this period ended, the “Ikastolak” movement began teaching freely, and much later, the models of study were established.
Preschool
Both education systems share the same aim at this stage. However, the main difference is that while preschool in the BAC ends at age 6, in Finland, it ends when children are 7 years old.
Compulsory Education
The Basque compulsory education system (from 6 to 16 years) is two years shorter than the Finnish system (from 7 to 19 years), and they are organized somewhat differently. The Basque system is structured into primary education, composed of three two-year cycles from ages 6 to 12, and secondary education, which lasts four years until age 16. The Finnish system consists of two grades. The first grade starts at age 7 and lasts until age 16. The second grade begins after this stage and lasts until the children are 19 years old.
Once children finish compulsory education, they can choose different options to continue studying. In both education systems, university is the most chosen opportunity.
Private vs. Public Education and Cost
Another peculiarity of Finnish education is that there are very few private schools, and the majority of Finnish children attend public education centers. In the BAC, “agreed schools,” known as “Ikastolak,” are well-known and frequent. Compulsory education in Finland is entirely free, and non-compulsory educational stages are also initially free, which is not the case in the Basque educational system.
Language Models
In Finland’s education, classes are given mostly in Swedish and Finnish, the two principal languages in the country, and each school will pay more attention to one or the other. In the Basque Country, there are four language models:
- Model X: Education is entirely in Spanish.
- Model A: Education is entirely in Spanish, with Basque as a compulsory subject.
- Model B: Education is partly in Basque, partly in Spanish.
- Model D: Education is entirely in Basque, with Spanish as a compulsory subject.
Model D is the most attended one.
Multiculturalism and Multilingualism
In Finland, more than 150 different languages can be found, apart from the two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Finland is a desired destination for many students, offering several supporting services for immigrant students. The BAC’s situation is not so different, with more than 100 languages spoken, most of them by Spanish speakers. Many come to the BAC seeking a better lifestyle and new job opportunities.
Best Practices
To compare good practices between the Finnish and Basque education systems, we will discuss different examples that are being worked on in those areas. In the Basque education system, the “Berde Berdea” initiative aims to raise environmental awareness among young students. In Finland, a successful practice is the belief that teachers, together with principals, parents, and their communities, know how to provide the best possible education for their children and youth.
Conclusion
Although the Basque and Finnish education systems have significant differences, they also share a similarity. In the last 40 years, both systems have developed greatly, each in its own area, achieving the objectives that were set for them.