An aspiring teacher has been learning new classroom methods in a country renowned for having one of the world’s best education systems.

Michael Ward, from Netherton, has just returned from working and studying in Finland.

He was based in the Finnish city of Turku as part of his degree at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).

The scheme is part of the Erasmus programme which lets university students from across Europe travel and live in 33 partner countries as part of their course.

The time spent abroad – a minimum of three months – is included in their overall degree back in the UK.

Finland has one of the world’s best education systems according to the United Nations’ Human Development Index.

The Finnish state provides a free education from pre-school to university.

Michael, who is studying for a degree in primary education at MMU, taught in an international school during last term, grappling with a notoriously tricky language and reserved culture.

Michael, 29, said: “It was a very different style of teaching from the British schools and because you get to see different styles, it allowed me to reaffirm some of my beliefs on teaching which is an invaluable experience.

“I’m very grateful for the experience and the programme which lets you go to places like this. It was extremely enjoyable and beneficial.”

Erasmus, run in the UK by the British Council, is a European Union scheme to help fund students abroad.

Ben Sedman, primary lecturer in senior education and Erasmus coordinator at MMU, said: “It’s a brilliant way of getting to see different types and ways of teaching from different countries. You learn a different curriculum and students get a chance to learn about themselves. It’s a great life experience.”