Program Overview

Introduction to the Finnish-language Assistant Programme

The Finnish-language Assistant Programme is organised by the Language Centre as well as the providers of teaching in Finnish as a second language and the Bachelors Programme in the Languages and Literatures of Finland at the Faculty of Arts. The programme is targeted at all University of Helsinki students fluent in Finnish (oral and written skills at least at level B2/C1).

What is a Finnish-language Assistant?

Finnish-language assistants support international students in learning Finnish, both in the Finnish language courses of the University of Helsinkis Faculty of Arts and in informal situations for language learning, such as language clubs and workshops.

Why Apply to Become a Finnish-language Assistant?

As a Finnish-language assistant, students learn to:

• Describe their language and culture
• Provide feedback
• Engage in multilingual interaction
• Apply presentation and collaboration skills
• Plan and guide their work and reflect on their learning

Who Can Apply?

The Finnish-language Assistant Programme is intended for students of all faculties of the University of Helsinki who are interested in language teaching and learning, and who have fluent oral and written skills in the Finnish language (Finnish as a first language or skills at least at level B2/C1).

What Do Finnish-language Assistants Do?

Finnish-language assistants support students in learning Finnish, including those completing Finnish language courses. The role and duties of assistants vary, and they can support language learning in the classroom, in online teaching as well as in extracurricular activities. Finnish-language assistants can:

• Serve as hosts in discussion groups, language café sessions, etc.
• Help with practising pronunciation and oral language skills
• Support students in groupwork situations
• Take part in the organisation of multilingual workshops at the Language Centre
• Give presentations on, for example, their studies and interests

How Much Effort Does the Programme Require?

The coordinator of the Finnish-language Assistant Programme and course teachers together with the assistants agree on their role, workload and duties. Students who wish to receive 5 credits for their activities as a Finnish-language assistant must complete a written assignment in the form of an essay that reports on their work and reflects on their learning.

What Do Assistants Get for Their Efforts?

Finnish-language assistants can earn 1 to 5 credits (1 credit equals roughly 27 hours of work) as well as a certificate of their contribution. The number of credits depends on the amount of time students spend on the activities.

How to Apply

Applications for the Finnish-language Assistant Programme are submitted by using an application form. The application period commences at the beginning of each term. Not all applicants will necessarily be included in the activities.

Finnish Club

The Finnish club is for University of Helsinki students of all language levels. The clubs offer fun activities and discussion that focus on different elements of Finnish, from conversation, pronunciation, culture and more. Club sessions are hosted by Finnish-language assistants. Participating in these club sessions is completely voluntary and will yield no ECTS credits for the participants.

Meeting Schedule for Autumn Term 2025:

• Tue 7.10
• Tue 14.10
• Tue 21.10 (gap week - no club meeting)
• Tue 28.10
• Tue 4.11
• Tue 11.11
• Tue 18.11 (no club meeting, Language Centre's traditional Multilingual workshop)
• Tue 25.11 (last club meeting with the pre-christmas-party theme and potluck)