I have just sent off my application to the Finnish Embassy. But I am not looking for a job, I am applying for a training programme.

In its 19th year, the Foreign Correspondents' Programme gives recent journalism graduates and final year students from various European countries the chance to go to Finland for a month on a full scholarship, and meet politicians, learn about the culture, see the various regions of the country and apply their journalistic skills.

To me, this sounds like an excellent opportunity. The training takes place for the month of August (1st until 29th) in Helsinki, and you live in a single room in the student's halls of residence. You'll also get the chance to learn some words in Finnish and spend a weekend with a host family.

The application deadline is 31st March, so hurry, if you want to go to Finland during the summer!

The link above is for British citizens - although it says that residents can also apply to the Embassy in London, this is not the case. If you hold a foreign passport, you need to go to the Finnish Embassy in your country!