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 applies 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.
Finnish Language for Foreigners – Finnish as a Second Language (S2)
19.8.2024—13.12.2024
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 lasts for the autumn semester. The continuation of education in the spring semester 7.1.-16.5.2025 depends on what kind of decision is made on the appropriations for immigrant education at the national level. We will announce the continuation of the training in the spring semester during December at the latest.
The training applies the basics of the integration training curriculum, adapted to the duration of the course. The extent of the training is 620 ECTS credits (in 17 weeks). Students are divided into groups according to the level of their existing languge skill, if there will be more than one group. 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.
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. When applying, please inform about your interest studying on a part-time basis. You can start studying from your own starting level. Students study every weekday from 9 am to 2 pm.
If the student is a client of a reception centre or has drawn up an integration plan for which the training has been approved, the price of the training is 75€/month (the price includes teaching only). If a student wants to eat lunch during the study day, the price of teaching and lunch is 120€/month. 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.
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
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Finnish language and communication skills
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social and working life competence
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counseling
Language and communication skills and guidance are integrated into all subjects. Whenever possible, Finnish is also studied functionally and experientially.
Studies take place every weekday from 9 am to 2 pm.
PAYMENTS
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
3200 € / semester
Payment instalment 800 € (4 installments per academic year from September to December)
PRICE 2
includes tuition, meals (full board) and housing in a double room
2764 € / semester
Instalment 691 € (4 installments per academic year from September to December)
PRICE 3
includes tuition, lunch and daytime coffee (on study days)
1724 € / semester
Payment 431 € (4 installments per academic year from September to December)
PRICE 4
inclueds tuition only (reception centre clients or persons with a valid integration plan)
300 € / semester
Payment 75 €
PRICE 5
inclueds tuition and lunch (reception centre clients or persons with a valid integration plan)
480 € / semester
Payment 120 € (4 installments per academic year from September to December)
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.
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.
Yhteistyökumppanit
