Busy schedules have kept the South Texas team moving from activity to activity, resting with host families only in the late evening. In addition to the initial jet lag and the eight hour difference from Central time, time confusion has also occurred because the beginning of Spring marks the lengthening of the day. The Summer will of course be an even longer day. Plans for adding buildings in phases five through seven are underway. A striking difference pointed out to the team is the country's social democracy which guarantees education for students at any level.
Students pay for books and some living expenses.
The Finnish educational system requires attendance through the end of 9th grade, but few stop at this level and the country has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. As a bilingual nation, its inhabitants are required to learn Finnish and Swedish, plus another language of their choice by the end of their primary studies. That choice is usually English. The team has had no difficulties in communication, as most activities are lead in English, but have had a few encounters where Spanish was necessary. For example, my host family was Spanish and spoke no English.