Finnish Language for Foreigners – Finnish as a Second Language (S2)

The target audience for this course are immigrants over age sixteen, foreigners and Finns who are not native speakers of Finnish and would like to improve their Finnish language skills. You can study Finnish starting from the beginning or your current level. Your starting level can be for example A0-B1.

The aim is to achieve a level of language proficiency that enables further studies in Finnish language, vocational studies or entering working life. The training follows the basics of the integration training curriculum, adapted to the duration of the course.

Notice: Because studying at Joutsenon Opisto does not lead to a degree, you cannot get a student visa or residence permit for studying at Joutsenon Opisto. Studying at Joutsenon Opisto is subject to a fee. Read more about payments below.

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Finnish Language for Foreigners – Finnish as a Second Language (S2)
19.8.2024—16.5.2025

Finnish as a Second Language programme provides extensive studies on Finnish language and communication skills as well as social and working life competence.

The training follows the basics of the integration training curriculum, adapted to the duration of the course. The extent of the training is 60 ECTS credits (in 35 weeks). Students are divided into groups according to the level of their existing languge skill. Starting level of study groups: below A1 and A1.3->. The learning objective is B1.1. The aim is to provide learners such linguistic, social and cultural skills that support continuous language learning, coping with everyday life situations and applying for working life or further studies.

Diverse methods are used in teaching and the principles of language-aware teaching are followed. Students participate in the college's joint events together with other students of the college.

Students receive both individual and group guidance according to their personal study plan. The guidance may aim at, for example, completing studies, finding a job or making further plans. It is also possible to study only Finnish language studies (20 hours / week or less) on a part-time basis. You can start studying from your own starting level. Students study every weekday from 9 am to 3 pm.

Notice: In case where the TE Office has made for the student an integration plan, for which the training has been approved, teaching, lunch and day coffee as well as accommodation in the college's dormitory are free of charge for the student.

If the student is a client of a reception centre (asylum seeker), tuition is free of charge. If the student wants to dine during the school day, a student-priced meal fee will be charged for the meals.

Other students are charged the college fees according to the price list. See more detailed payment information further down this page.

 

How to apply

The application period for academic year 2024-2025 starts 1.3.2024. Apply using the online form. The decision on student admissions is made within two weeks of receiving the application. Applications are received also during the academic year, if there still are vacant study places.

The study line for academic year 2023-2024 is full. Further inquiries: opisto(at)joutsenonopisto.fi or 045 844 2993.

Note! Foreigners must have a valid residence permit or visa to start studies in Finland. You can find additional information from Finnish Immigration Services at https://migri.fi/en/home

Because the studies at Joutseno College are non-degree-based education, students coming from abroad cannot get a student visa or residence permit to Finland on the basis of these studies. Students must find out and take care of visas and permits themselves through the Finnish Immigration Service. The college does not offer visa assistance.

For further information, please contact opisto(at)joutsenonopisto.fi

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Included subjects

Subjects
  • Finnish language and communication skills
  • social and working life competence
  • sustainable development
  • functional Finnish language
  • information technology (optional)
  • English language (optional)

Language and communication skills and guidance are integrated into all subjects.
 
Studies take place every weekday from 9 am to 3 pm.

PAYMENTS 2023-2024

Studying at Joutsenon Opisto is subject to a fee. The cost of studies is determined by education, meals and housing. The tuition fee is invoiced in eight equal instalments during the academic year.

PRICE 1
includes tuition, meals (full board) and housing in a single room
6400 € / academic year
Payment instalment 800 € (8 installments per academic year from September to April)
PRICE 2
includes tuition, meals (full board) and housing in a double room
5528 € / academic year
Instalment 691 € (8 installments per academic year from September to April)
PRICE 3
includes tuition, lunch and daytime coffee (on study days)
3448 € / academic year
Payment 431 € (8 installments per academic year from September to April)

PERMITS AND FINANCIAL AID

Permits
Because the studies at Joutseno College are non-degree-based education, students coming from abroad cannot get a student visa or residence permit to Finland on the basis of these studies. Students must find out and take care of visas and permits themselves through the Finnish Immigration Service. The college does not offer visa assistance.

Financial aid
A student who is not a Finnish citizen and has come to Finland to study is principally not eligible for financial aid from Finland. However, financial aid can be granted in some cases, if certain terms are met. The college does not editorialise about student financial aid granted by the government. For more information on student financial aid for foreigners, see Kela's website.

Notice:

If this course has been accepted as integration training for immigrants in student’s integration plan, studying will be free of charge.

https://www.suomi.fi/citizen/moving-and-traveling/moving-to-finland/guide/as-an-immigrant-in-finland/an-immigrant-s-check-list

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