Finnish language study opportunities for international Doctoral Researchers
When you work as a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku, you have a wide range of opportunities to learn Finnish! The courses are available to all doctoral researchers, regardless of their employment or grant situation.
The University of Turku encourages international doctoral researchers to learn Finnish. Finnish language skills can expand your job opportunities and facilitate your integration into Finland. When you study Finnish at the University of Turku, you will also learn interesting aspects of local culture and society.
You can include Finnish language studies in your personal study plan for postgraduate studies. If you are working in a salary position, it is a good idea to discuss with your supervisor how you can include Finnish courses in your working hours.
You can start your Finnish studies in the tailored teaching groups for doctoral researchers in the Finnish courses offered by the Centre for Language and Communication Studies. The Finnish courses are an excellent opportunity to network more broadly within the University of Turku beyond your own unit! These dedicated courses for doctoral researchers are also available to doctoral researchers at Åbo Akademi through JOO Flexible Study Right. After the groups designed for doctoral researchers, you can continue your Finnish studies in other courses offered by the Centre for Language and Communication Studies up to level B1.
After the level B1, you can continue your Finnish studies at Minor subject of Finnish Language and Culture (for non-native speakers). The Finnish Language and Culture can be studied as a minor subject, or you are also free to participate in individual courses.
You can test your Finnish language level with a proficiency test on the Kielibuusti website. You can also read more about the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR on the Kielibuusti website.
When you are a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku, you can also book an appointment with a Finnish language teacher using Asio, or with a SIMHE contact person using Asio and plan your Finnish study path with a Finnish teacher or counselor. Highly educated spouses and those eligible for higher education can also book an appointment for SIMHE guidance.
The Finnish language teachers also provide guidance every Wednesday in the Finnish Drop-In. The Finnish Drop-In is available on Wednesdays (weeks 34-50 in autumn 2024, but not on week 42) from 1 to 2 PM in the lobby of the Centre of Language and Communication Studies on the second floor of Agora. You can come without an appointment or send your questions in advance to finnishkievi@utu.fi.
Also, check out below also the free time Finnish language opportunities offered by the University of Turku and the City of Turku! Maybe you want to practice Finnish in a language circle or with a tandem partner?
Finnish language study opportunities at the University of Turku for Doctoral Researchers
Free time opportunities for studying Finnish language at University of Turku and in the City of Turku
In tandem studies, you will be paired with a native Finnish speaker. Read more about the Language and Culture Tandem in the study guide.
Language Circles provides an opportunity to get to know international students and staff at the University of Turku, as well as new languages and cultures. The introductory meetings for new language groups are always held at the beginning of the semesters in September and January. You can find more information on the Moodle page of Language Circles (login required).
Submit an informal application on the Language Partners Moodle page and find yourself a language partner for studying Finnish (or another language)!
The City of Turku has an International Friendship Programme through which you can meet a new local friend. New applications are accepted at the beginning of the semesters in December-January and August-September.
Supplementary studies after graduating at the University of Turku
After graduating, you can continue your Finnish (and other studies) at the University of Turku for two more years. Read more about supplementary studies after graduation here and apply after graduation!