Happiness, Education and School - Across the World

Different countries have very distinct views on happiness in relation to school—shaped by culture, values, education policies, and even spiritual beliefs.

Here's a global glimpse at how happiness and education intersect around the world:

Finland: Well-being Before Tests

• Core Belief: A happy child learns best.

• Approach: No standardized testing till late, lots of play, free school meals, and emotional support.

• Outcome: Finnish students consistently rank high in well-being and educational performance.

• Cool Fact: Teachers are highly respected, and mental health is openly supported in schools.

Bhutan: Gross National Happiness

• Core Belief: Happiness is more important than GDP.

• Approach: The Gross National Happiness index guides even school curriculum.

• Curriculum: Includes meditation, values, compassion, and environmental stewardship.

• Outcome: A more holistic, spiritual view of success and fulfillment.

Japan: Joy in Discipline and Community

• Core Belief: Happiness through order, community, and shared responsibility.

• Approach: Students clean their own classrooms, eat together, and engage in group activities.

• Focus: Character building, respect, and perseverance (gambaru spirit).

• Caveat: Academic pressure is high in high school years, which can affect mental health.

Denmark: Empathy and Emotional Literacy

• Core Belief: Empathy = Happiness.

• Approach: "Klassens Tid" (Class Hour) is dedicated weekly to talk about feelings and friendships.

• Focus: Teaching kindness, emotional well-being, and anti-bullying early on.

• Outcome: Danish kids often top the list of the happiest in the world.

India: Balancing Values and Performance

• Core Belief: Education as a tool for both liberation and success.

• Approach: Traditional values of discipline + growing focus on well-being.

• Trend: Newer schools and boards (like IGCSE or IB) are integrating social-emotional learning (SEL).

• Challenge: Pressure to perform and competitive exams still weigh heavily.

The Netherlands: Student Voice Matters

• Core Belief: Children have a say in their own learning and emotions.

• Approach: Balanced academic work, less homework, and strong home-school communication.

• Outcome: Dutch children are some of the happiest, according to UNICEF reports.

• Bonus: Strong focus on family time and hobbies after school.

Costa Rica: Pura Vida in the Classroom

• Core Belief: Life is to be enjoyed, not endured.

• Approach: Education is free, and the system is built on peace and environmental consciousness.

• Curriculum: Includes peace education, values, and sustainability.

• Philosophy: Emotional well-being is as important as literacy.

Australia: Balanced Learning & Outdoor Joy

• Core Belief: A happy learner is an engaged learner.

• Approach: Emphasizes student voice, well-being programs, and learning through inquiry.

• Well-being Focus: Many schools offer mindfulness, SEL (social-emotional learning), and outdoor education.

• Unique Element: Strong emphasis on nature play, Indigenous wisdom, and student-led projects.

• Outcome: Encourages independence, resilience, and emotional health in a relaxed yet rigorous system.

New Zealand: Whānau, Well-being & Whole Child

• Core Belief: Education must nurture the whole person (hauora – physical, mental, social, spiritual well-being).

• Approach: Grounded in Māori philosophy and the concept of whānau (family/community).

• Curriculum: The New Zealand Curriculum values student agency, creativity, and cultural identity.

• Key Value: Manaakitanga – kindness, care, and respect within the school community.

• Outcome: One of the few national curricula that explicitly centers well-being as a core learning area.

Cuba: Education with Equality & Community Spirit

• Core Belief: Education is a right, and happiness comes from collective progress.

• Approach: Heavily values education as a public good, with strong teacher-student relationships.

• System Features: Free education, strong teacher training, and focus on arts, music, and sports alongside academics.

• Community Model: Schools often function as community hubs, where cooperation and emotional bonding are emphasized.

• Outcome: Despite economic limitations, Cuban students report high levels of school engagement and purpose.

Happiness in school goes beyond academic success; it’s about creating an environment where students feel valued, safe, and inspired to explore their interests. A positive school atmosphere fosters emotional well-being, encouraging students to form meaningful connections, express their creativity, and build confidence.

When students are happy, they are more likely to engage actively in learning, embrace challenges, and develop a growth mindset. Schools that prioritize happiness understand the importance of balance—supporting both intellectual and emotional development, fostering resilience, and promoting a sense of belonging. In this way, happiness becomes not just an emotion, but a foundation for a successful, fulfilling educational experience.