In the 21st century, vocational education is no longer confined within national boundaries. A successful vocational training program today must equip learners not only with technical skills but also with global competencies—such as working in multicultural environments, mastering foreign languages, and adapting to rapidly evolving job markets. In this transformation, one element plays a quietly powerful role: international education networks.
Finland’s Centre for International Mobility (CIMO) explores this phenomenon in its report Faktaa 1B/2010. The study investigates how networks contribute to the internationalisation of vocational education, what benefits they offer, and what makes a network effective. In this blog post, we’ll break down the findings and lessons from the Finnish model—lessons that are relevant worldwide.
What Are Education Networks and Why Do They Matter?
In education, a “network” typically refers to a group of institutions that collaborate toward shared goals over the long term. These are not one-off projects, but dynamic partnerships where information, experience, and resources are continuously exchanged.
Examples include:
- A Finnish vocational school partnering with a German technical college to exchange students and teachers in the automotive field.
- A group of schools co-creating a shared digital teaching materials bank.
Such networks benefit both students and staff by enabling international internships, cultural exchange, innovative learning methods, and wider career prospects.
The Finnish Landscape: 42% of Institutions Are Involved in Networks
According to CIMO’s 2009 data, Finland had 264 institutions offering vocational education and training (VET). Of these, 42% (110 institutions) were members of one or more international education networks. These institutions include:
- 80% regular vocational schools
- 5% special education providers
- 5% adult education centres
- 10% apprenticeship training centres
Notably, many institutions belong to multiple networks. Some are part of three or more. This highlights the widespread adoption and value of collaborative structures in Finland’s vocational education system.
Tangible Benefits of Networking
Educators and administrators reported several concrete benefits from participating in education networks. Among the most impactful are:
a) Increased Student Mobility
Around 11–12% of Finnish VET students participate in international mobility programs, such as internships, short-term studies, or volunteer work abroad—well above the European average. Networks help facilitate this process by providing structure, support, and stability.
b) Easier Access to Internships Abroad
Well-established networks with strong industry ties can secure high-quality placement opportunities for students. These partnerships often also handle housing, insurance, and legal arrangements, removing logistical barriers.
c) Teacher Exchange Programs
Teachers gain valuable experience by participating in international job shadowing and teaching assignments. This helps broaden their pedagogical approach and contributes to overall education quality.
d) Improved Access to Funding and Projects
Networks increase the chances of successful applications for EU programs like Erasmus+ and Leonardo da Vinci. With shared resources and collaborative planning, small institutions especially benefit from this access.
What Makes a Network Successful?
According to the CIMO report, the most effective networks tend to share the following 10 key characteristics:
- Clearly defined rules and shared goals
- Early and active involvement of all members
- Written agreements outlining responsibilities
- Commitment from school leadership, not just coordinators
- An active, experienced, and focused coordinator
- Regular face-to-face meetings
- Integration of feedback and new ideas into goals
- A culture of trust and mutual respect
- Transparent sharing of resources and expertise
- Engagement from both business and international partners
This framework is especially valuable for small institutions with limited resources seeking international reach.
The Coordinator’s Role: The Backbone of a Network
The success of any education network depends heavily on its coordinator. They serve as planners, communicators, facilitators, and motivators.
As Ulla Pantsar, a seasoned Finnish education advisor, notes:
“A good coordinator may not be visible to the public, but their influence is everywhere. They must be goal-oriented, socially skilled, creative, and attentive to detail. Without them, a network cannot sustain itself.”
Coordinators must also balance cultural sensitivities, manage funding accountability, and support continuous innovation.
Trust and Openness: The Emotional Foundation of Networks
Over 90% of participants in CIMO’s study expressed trust in their networks. The open exchange of knowledge, resources, and ideas is one of the cornerstones of successful collaboration.
“The network supports new international coordinators and helps integrate them into the job. It’s not just about information sharing; it’s about motivation and solidarity too.”
– Network member
Big Gains for Small Institutions
Institutions like the Lapua Christian Institute—which offers a single vocational qualification—have benefited greatly from networking. By collaborating with other schools, they gain access to more international partners and multiply their student placement options.
As Sari Peltokangas from Lapua explains:
“As a small school, we couldn’t independently build partnerships in countries like India. But through our network, we leverage the connections others already have. That synergy allows us to offer more international experiences to our students.”
Strategic Structure: Why Density and Equality Matter
CIMO’s report also used social network analysis to examine the internal structure of four large networks. Two key metrics emerged:
- Density: how frequently members communicate with each other
- Centralisation: how much communication is concentrated in a few members
The findings were clear:
→ Networks with high density and low centralisation (i.e., equal participation) achieved higher satisfaction and better results.
Members of highly centralised networks reported lower motivation and engagement, whereas those in open, well-distributed networks were more productive and collaborative.
Could Institutions Internationalise Without Networks?
While some schools pursue international activities independently, the report shows that networks significantly streamline and enrich this process. Particularly for smaller institutions, the collective strength of a network makes internationalisation not just feasible, but sustainable.
Networks provide:
- Shared resources
- Peer learning
- Stronger funding applications
- Broader, safer student placements
- Enhanced visibility for all member institutions
Without such collaboration, many schools—especially in remote or rural areas—would not have the means to go global.
Final Thoughts: Is Your Institution Part of a Network?
Finland’s experience demonstrates that internationalisation in vocational education is not a solo journey. It is built on collaboration, shared vision, and mutual support. Education networks are not only tools for mobility or project development—they are engines of innovation and cultural exchange.
Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or policymaker, one question remains:
Is your institution connected to a network that supports global learning?
Source: CIMO – Centre for International Mobility (2010). Faktaa – Facts and Figures 1B/2010: Networks Help to Make Vocational Education and Training More International.
