The American Institute of Architecture's Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) held their annual fall conference in Helsinki, Finland. Several international studies have rated Finland among the world's best in student achievement, largely due to the country's main principles for comprehensive education. This stands in sharp contrast to much of the educational system in the United States where students are for the most part being educated for the 21st century in 20th century industrial-model. Further, the schools run on a 19th century agrarian calendar schedule. As the world becomes flatter it is imperative that educators look at the best models for learning environments wherever they may be.