Question 1

What is the internship / development project?

Accepted Answer

It is the practical component of the PG Diploma in Educational Leadership. It is designed to help you apply educational-leadership principles in a real work context, bridge theory and practice, and reflect on how Finnish approaches can inform your own educational setting.

Question 2

What are the CCE Finland Excellence Awards 2027?

Accepted Answer

The CCE Finland Excellence Awards recognise exceptional educators, schools, researchers, and educational companies worldwide who have demonstrated significant innovation, creativity, and impact in education. The awards are organised by the Council for Creative Education (CCE) Finland in conjunction with the 14th International Symposium on Creative Education.

Question 3

Who can apply to Creative Ideator STEM Camp Finland?

Accepted Answer

The program is designed for students aged 12–18 from any country. We welcome students from international schools, private schools, public schools, and home education programs. No prior coding, STEM, or innovation experience is required — curiosity and a drive to learn are all that's needed.

Question 4

Where is the Symposium?

Accepted Answer

It will be at the Tampere University of Technology
Korkeakoulunkatu 10,
FI-33720 Tampere
Finland’

Question 5

Who is this course designed for?

Accepted Answer

This course is ideal for preschool and kindergarten leaders, school owners, coordinators, facilitators, aspiring educational leaders, and early childhood educators who want to implement Finnish-inspired preschool practices and improve leadership and administration skills.

Question 6

What topics are covered in the course?

Accepted Answer

The course includes 8 comprehensive modules covering:Brain Development in Early YearsPre-Reading & Pre-Writing SkillsCircle Time StrategiesHybrid TeachingPreschool AdministrationFinnish Early Childhood Education (ECE)Academic Year PlanningPreschool Leadership & Management

Question 7

Is the internship mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The course documentation describes completing an internship as an integral and required part of the programme, and the course webpage places the internship / research project in the second, four-week phase of the 12-week route.

Question 8

Where will be meeting sessions be held?

Accepted Answer

All of the education sessions will be held at Tampere University of Technology, Korkeakoulunkatu 10, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland.

Question 9

Where and when will the awards take place?

Accepted Answer

The awards ceremony will take place in April 2027 at Aalto University, Espoo, Finland, during the 14th International Symposium on Creative Education (25–30 April 2027). The specific date for the awards ceremony evening will be announced as the symposium programme is confirmed.

Question 10

Who can apply for these awards?

Accepted Answer

The awards are open to any individual or organisation connected with education globally. This includes classroom teachers, principals, school leaders, researchers, preschools, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate trainers, EdTech companies, educational publishers, and curriculum innovators. Self-nominations as well as peer nominations are welcome.

Question 11

Why is an internship included in an online leadership diploma?

Accepted Answer

Because learning leadership concepts online is only the beginning. The internship gives you an opportunity to translate the course concepts into practical strategies, demonstrate newly acquired skills, engage with real-world challenges, and develop an action plan for improvement.

Question 12

Do I need prior experience in preschool education?

Accepted Answer

No. The course is suitable for both experienced preschool professionals and aspiring leaders. Whether you're managing a classroom or planning to start your own preschool, the course provides practical, step-by-step guidance.

Question 13

How can I reserve a hotel room, and what are the rates?"

Accepted Answer

The accommodation options are available at our website. Please check.

Question 14

I have cancelled by Conference Registration. Will you also cancel my hotel reservation?

Accepted Answer

No. Cancelling your registration will not automatically cancel your hotel reservation. Please contact the hotel directly to cancel your reservation. Your hotel reservation cancellation is subject to the hotel's cancellation policy.

Question 15

Do I need to have previous leadership experience to complete the internship?

Accepted Answer

No specific leadership certificate is required to enter the programme. The internship is designed as an opportunity to apply and develop the skills introduced through the course. The documentation also states that the internship is valuable regardless of how much prior experience a participant brings.

Question 16

Is the course self-paced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is a completely self-paced online masterclass, allowing you to learn anytime and from anywhere at your own convenience.

Question 17

Can I apply remotely, or do I need to be in Finland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can apply remotely from anywhere in the world! For all 44 Regular Award Categories, physical presence in Finland is not mandatory. You can submit your nomination online, and the evaluation will be conducted remotely. However, for the 2 Special Awards, you must be a registered, in-person attendee at the 14th International Symposium on Creative Education.

Question 18

How many modules and lessons are included?

Accepted Answer

The course consists of 8 learning modules with 49 lessons, covering both educational theory and practical leadership strategies.

Question 19

What is the difference between Regular Awards and Special Awards?

Accepted Answer

Regular Awards (44 categories) are open to global remote applicants and carry a separate nomination fee (€200 early-bird / €300 regular). Travel to Finland is not required. Special Awards (2 categories: Best Creative Learning Environment and People's Choice Educator) are open exclusively to confirmed, in-person participants of the 14th International Symposium on Creative Education.

Question 20

Is this a traditional job-placement internship?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The documentation frames it as an internship / development project or research project in which you apply your learning to a real educational context. If you already work in a school or educational organisation, you can use your existing context to develop a project, identify a challenge, or propose an innovative solution.

Question 21

What is the closest airport?

Accepted Answer

The closest airport is Helsinki.

Question 22

What are the travel options to reach Tampere?

Accepted Answer

You can reach Tampere by bus, train, or flight. For buses, visit http://www.onnibus.com/en/index.htm or http://www.paunu.fi/in-english/. For trains, check schedules and tickets at https://www.vr.fi/cs/vr/en/frontpage. If flying, Tampere-Pirkkala Airport is 15 km southeast of the city, with bus and taxi services available. Call +358 100 4131 for taxi bookings.

Question 23

What practical skills will I gain?

Accepted Answer

By the end of the course, you will be able to:Apply Finnish Early Childhood Education principlesCreate engaging circle time activitiesSupport children's brain development through effective teachingManage preschool administration efficientlyBuild stronger parent partnershipsPlan an effective academic yearLead preschool teams with confidence.

Question 24

How long is the internship?

Accepted Answer

The internship requires an equivalent of four weeks of effort. This does not mean that you must complete it within one strict four-calendar-week period; the documentation allows flexibility to spread the work over a timeframe that suits your schedule and the requirements of the chosen organisation.

Question 25

How much is the nomination fee?

Accepted Answer

For Regular Award Categories: The Early-Bird nomination fee is €200 (if submitted on or before 5 October 2026). The standard nomination fee is €300 (after 5 October 2026). For Special Awards: Entry is included as an exclusive benefit for confirmed, in-person delegates of the 14th International Symposium on Creative Education.

Question 26

Can I nominate myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Self-nominations are fully permitted and actively encouraged across all applicable individual and institutional categories.

Question 27

When does the internship begin?

Accepted Answer

The course webpage structures the programme as 8 weeks of guided online learning followed by a 4-week internship / research-project phase. The internship documentation suggests that the ideal project-development period may start after the first 8 weeks, while encouraging participants to think about their project objectives and ideas earlier.

Question 28

How to reach the Tampere University of Technology?

Accepted Answer

The bus transportation in Tampere is very good. The conference venue is accessible by bus. Transport in the city area is by the blue buses.
The bus timetable can be found at http://joukkoliikenne.tampere.fi/en/schedules-routes.html
You can use the journey planner to find the exact bus connection that suits your location.

Question 29

Does the course include assignments or practical activities?

Accepted Answer

es. Several modules include practical assignments such as creating a circle time plan, developing a hybrid learning strategy, solving preschool administration scenarios, applying Finnish ECE principles, and designing an academic year plan to help learners apply their knowledge.

Question 30

Can I apply Finnish preschool methods in my own country?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The course is designed to help educators adapt Finnish-inspired teaching and leadership practices to their local curriculum, culture, and school environment rather than copying the Finnish system exactly.

Question 31

Can I apply for multiple categories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You or your organisation may apply for more than one category. However, each submission requires a separate nomination entry, tailored supporting documentation, and the corresponding nomination fee.

Question 32

Can I start thinking about my project before the internship phase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Participants are encouraged to begin thinking about their objectives, tasks and project ideas before the internship phase. CCE Finland can then discuss the project objective with you and provide guidance.

Question 33

When will the symposium take place? Where is it located?

Accepted Answer

The 8th International Symposium on creativity will take place on April 21-22, 2021. It will be an online Conference. It can be watched from CCE’s Youtube channel, CCE’s website, CCE Facebook.

Question 34

What documents and evidence do I need to prepare?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your category, you will need: A detailed CV or Organisational Profile; Evidence of achievements, metrics, and educational impact; Prior awards, citations, or testimonials; Research papers, white papers, or publications (if applicable); Project portfolio, high-resolution photographs, or video evidence; A 300–500 word written nomination statement explaining why you deserve the recognition.

Question 35

How much support do I receive during the internship?

Accepted Answer

During your internship, you receive continuous, structured guidance from CCE Finland to ensure your fieldwork and final submissions meet international standards:Four Weeks of Dedicated Steering:Throughout the fieldwork phase, CCE Finland provides dedicated steering and academic support to help you apply Finnish pedagogical concepts in your educational Finland. The internship documentation also encourages participants to share a short outline of their idea before setting.Early Outline & Concept Feedback:writing so that feedback can be provided. You are encouraged to submit a brief outline or project idea before writing your full documentation, allowing mentors to review your concept early and offer actionable feedback.Continuous Advisory Support:CCE experts remain accessible to guide you through lesson design, reflection, and project execution, ensuring your practical implementation is both impactful and aligned with course objectives.

Question 36

What is the structure of the conference ?

Accepted Answer

Considering the technical glitches and different time zones, CCE has come up with a unique approach for the online conference. The conference will be divided into two parts. The first part will be streaming the pre-recorded videos by the speakers according to the theme of their talk. The second part is the online live interaction with the speakers.

Question 37

How will this course benefit my preschool or career?

Accepted Answer

The course helps improve classroom quality, strengthen leadership skills, streamline preschool administration, enhance parent engagement, and create child - centred learning environments based on internationally recognized Finnish educational practices.

Question 38

What are the key evaluation criteria used by the jury?

Accepted Answer

Submissions are scored on: 1) Creativity & Innovation in pedagogy; 2) Documented Educational Impact on learners; 3) Leadership and institutional contribution; 4) Sustainability and scalability of the initiative; 5) Authenticity and quality of the verifiable evidence provided.

Question 39

Why should I choose this course?

Accepted Answer

This masterclass combines research-based Finnish early childhood education principles with practical leadership, classroom management, and administrative strategies. It equips preschool leaders with tools that can be implemented immediately to improve teaching quality and school operations.

Question 40

How can I register? What are the registration fees?

Accepted Answer

You can register by filling up the registration form on the conference webpage.
There are no registration fees for the viewers. The presenters need to pay a small fees. The EBD offer (30 Euros) is valid till 10 April 2021. After that the fees will rise.

Question 41

Can I combine the internship with my normal work?

Accepted Answer

The documentation is designed to allow flexibility and specifically recognises participants who are already working in a school. In that situation, the participant can develop a new project, identify an organisational challenge, or propose an innovative solution within the existing work environment.

Question 42

Where can I complete the internship?

Accepted Answer

It can be undertaken in a school, educational institution, or other organisation where you can apply the skills learned during the course. The course webpage refers to applying the project at a partner or nearby school, while the internship documentation allows a broader educational setting.

Question 43

I filled out the registration form as a presenter. How to proceed further?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for taking the first step. Now, the next step is to make a payment. After you make the payment, you will receive the notification. Then you are requested to send your video not later than 10th April. The instructions for making the video and the topic for presentation are given on the conference webpage. For the presenters, the certificate is included in the registration fees.

Question 44

What do winners and finalists receive?

Accepted Answer

Winners receive the official CCE Finland Excellence Awards Trophy and Certificate of Excellence. Laureates gain international visibility through CCE Finland’s global publications, recognition at the awards ceremony in Finland, digital finalist/winner badges, and a platform to present their work to international educators.

Question 45

What if I win a Regular Award but cannot travel to Finland?

Accepted Answer

Your award and certificate are completely secure. Your achievement will be formally announced during the ceremony, and your trophy, official certificate, and digital assets will be couriered to your registered institutional address following the symposium.

Question 46

Do I need to submit an abstract for my presentation?

Accepted Answer

No. You need to submit it in a PowerPoint deck.You need to submit 10 minutes of recording to introduce yourself and the topic being presented by 10th April 2021

Question 47

Can I complete the internship in my own school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you already work in a school or have your own school or preschool, the documentation allows you to use that setting. You may focus on an existing challenge, develop a new initiative, or propose an innovative solution relevant to your context.

Question 48

How to record my presentation?

Accepted Answer

Try to record the video in high quality. 
Use an external microphone and not the built-in microphone of your laptop - if possible.
Introduce yourself briefly at the beginning of the recording - 30 seconds
Preferably if the back wall of your back is pale.
Be careful not to include other sounds in your recording.
Make sure the sound is clear.
The video should be properly illuminated on your face.
When you have finished recording, check it out before uploading. You can also record it with the help of ZOOM or Google meet.

Question 49

What if I am not currently working in a school?

Accepted Answer

You can identify a suitable school, educational institution, or organisation where you can actively demonstrate and apply the skills learned during the course. The documentation emphasises choosing a setting in which the project is practical, relevant and doable.

Question 50

How does the People's Choice Educator Award work?

Accepted Answer

This Special Award is decided through an international public voting phase combined with peer jury review during the 14th International Symposium. Candidates must be confirmed in-person symposium attendees.

Question 51

Does the nomination fee include travel or hotel costs?

Accepted Answer

No. The nomination fee solely covers jury review, evaluation processing, and award certification. Delegates attending in person are responsible for their own flights, accommodation, and personal expenses in Finland.

Question 52

What if I cannot find a suitable internship opportunity?

Accepted Answer

The course webpage states that if an educator / student educator is unable to find a suitable internship opportunity because of circumstances such as inaccessibility, CCE Finland provides an alternative: you may prepare a report based on earlier work you have already done in the field of leadership and submit it to CCE Finland.

Question 53

Where to submit my recording?

Accepted Answer

You can send your recorded video to us at info@ccefinland.org

Question 54

Do I need a completely new organisation or placement arranged by CCE Finland?

Accepted Answer

The supplied documentation does not state that every participant must receive a separate external placement. It specifically allows participants to use their existing school or educational context and also refers to partner or nearby schools. Participants should discuss their proposed setting and objective with CCE Finland if they are unsure.

Question 55

I filled out the registration form as a viewer. How to proceed further?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for taking the first step. 
It is important to fill up the registration form to get the certificate of attendance.

Question 56

Can CCE Finland assist with visa invitation letters?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Once your symposium registration or award finalist status is officially confirmed and all necessary documentation is completed, CCE Finland will issue an official invitation letter for your Schengen visa application.

Question 57

Is there a fixed internship topic?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no fixed topic. You can design your project around a priority, challenge or opportunity in your own educational context, provided that it connects with educational leadership and is practical and relevant.

Question 58

How to get a certificate as a ‘VIEWER’?

Accepted Answer

You are expected to be an active viewer to get the badge for your attendance. This badge can be obtained by writing a blog or post about the conference by April 15, 2021 (in 300 words) and sharing it on various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, etc.).
 
Please make sure to use the following hashtag in the post. #WCID #JYU #CCEFinland #WCID21April #WCID2021.
WEF Certificate will be issued by paying registration fees of Euro 10.
Link for Certification payment- www.ccefinland.org/product-page/ecertificate-8th-symposium-on-creative-education

Question 59

When will the 2027 jury panel be announced?

Accepted Answer

The full international awards jury will be announced on the CCE Finland website and through official communications well before the early-bird deadline. The panel features leading Finnish educators, university professors, and international specialists.

Question 60

Is the nomination fee refundable if I am not selected?

Accepted Answer

No, the nomination fee is strictly non-refundable once an application undergoes formal jury assessment, as it directly finances the intensive review hours and scoring protocols of our academic panel.

Question 61

How do I choose a good project?

Accepted Answer

Start by understanding your organisation's context, stakeholders and needs. Identify a meaningful challenge or opportunity, define a clear objective, and choose something that can realistically be explored, implemented or planned within your work environment.

Question 62

What are the important dates and deadlines for the conference?

Question 63

How will I know if my application has been received and approved?

Accepted Answer

Upon form submission, you will receive an automated confirmation email containing your application reference number. Following compliance verification, our awards secretariat issues an official verification status within 5 business days.

Question 64

What kinds of teaching and learning topics can I choose?

Accepted Answer

Examples include introducing child-centred or phenomenon-based learning, designing project-based or inquiry-based approaches, integrating technology such as AI or educational apps, developing differentiated instruction, and redesigning assessment to support holistic learning.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Symposium?

Where will be meeting sessions be held?

How can I reserve a hotel room, and what are the rates?"

I have cancelled by Conference Registration. Will you also cancel my hotel reservation?

What is the closest airport?

What are the travel options to reach Tampere?

How to reach the Tampere University of Technology?

Frequently asked questions

What is the internship / development project?

What are the CCE Finland Excellence Awards 2027?

Who can apply to Creative Ideator STEM Camp Finland?

Where is the Symposium?

Who is this course designed for?

What topics are covered in the course?

Is the internship mandatory?

Where will be meeting sessions be held?

Where and when will the awards take place?

Who can apply for these awards?

Why is an internship included in an online leadership diploma?

Do I need prior experience in preschool education?

How can I reserve a hotel room, and what are the rates?"

I have cancelled by Conference Registration. Will you also cancel my hotel reservation?

Do I need to have previous leadership experience to complete the internship?

Is the course self-paced?

Can I apply remotely, or do I need to be in Finland?

How many modules and lessons are included?

What is the difference between Regular Awards and Special Awards?

Is this a traditional job-placement internship?

What is the closest airport?

What are the travel options to reach Tampere?

What practical skills will I gain?

How long is the internship?

How much is the nomination fee?

Can I nominate myself?

When does the internship begin?

How to reach the Tampere University of Technology?

Does the course include assignments or practical activities?

Can I apply Finnish preschool methods in my own country?

Can I apply for multiple categories?

Can I start thinking about my project before the internship phase?

When will the symposium take place? Where is it located?

What documents and evidence do I need to prepare?

How much support do I receive during the internship?

What is the structure of the conference ?

How will this course benefit my preschool or career?

What are the key evaluation criteria used by the jury?

Why should I choose this course?

How can I register? What are the registration fees?

Can I combine the internship with my normal work?

Where can I complete the internship?

I filled out the registration form as a presenter. How to proceed further?

What do winners and finalists receive?

What if I win a Regular Award but cannot travel to Finland?

Do I need to submit an abstract for my presentation?

Can I complete the internship in my own school?

How to record my presentation?

What if I am not currently working in a school?

How does the People's Choice Educator Award work?

Does the nomination fee include travel or hotel costs?

What if I cannot find a suitable internship opportunity?

Where to submit my recording?

Do I need a completely new organisation or placement arranged by CCE Finland?

I filled out the registration form as a viewer. How to proceed further?

Can CCE Finland assist with visa invitation letters?

Is there a fixed internship topic?

How to get a certificate as a ‘VIEWER’?

When will the 2027 jury panel be announced?

Is the nomination fee refundable if I am not selected?

How do I choose a good project?

What are the important dates and deadlines for the conference?

How will I know if my application has been received and approved?

What kinds of teaching and learning topics can I choose?

For any further query, where shall I ask?"

CAN I UTILIZE THE 30 STUDY CREDITS IN MY UNIVERSITY STUDIES IN FINLAND

Can my project focus on teachers and professional development?

Whom do I contact if I have questions before applying?

Do they need to pay a Symposium participation fee?

Can my project focus on school leadership or governance?

DO I NEED TO TAKE AN IELTS OR TOEFL EXAM BEFORE APPLYING INTO THE PROGRAM ?