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Learning Finnish for your studies or work
While you study or work in Finland, learning Finnish is a good idea when living in Finland.
Learning Finnish will make your life a bit easier and perhaps more rewarding while living in Finland. Most importantly, if you wish to start working in Finland, knowing the Finnish language is always an advantage, and in some cases even a prerequisite for getting work.
Your studies at Laurea contain several work placements/traineeships that introduce you to your field and help develop your professional skills. Knowing some Finnish makes the placements easier and also more rewarding for you.
Learning the Finnish language is very much up to you. While the degree programs contain some Finnish courses, it is not enough for you to become fluent in Finnish. Your own motivation plays an important part in learning the language. The good news is that if you want to learn Finnish, there are tons of materials, exercises, apps and courses available!
Learning Finnish will make your life a bit easier and perhaps more rewarding while living in Finland. Most importantly, if you wish to start working in Finland, knowing the Finnish language is always an advantage, and in some cases even a prerequisite for getting work.
Language studies for students at Laurea
Learning the Finnish language is very much up to you. While the degree programs contain some Finnish courses, it is not enough for you to become fluent in Finnish. Your own motivation plays an important part in learning the language. The good news is that if you want to learn Finnish, there are tons of materials, exercises, apps and courses available!
Your studies at Laurea contain several work placements/traineeships that introduce you to your field and help develop your professional skills. Knowing some Finnish makes the placements easier and also more rewarding for you.
Different degrees contain a different amount of Finnish language studies. In addition to the basic mandatory courses, you can take additional courses. You can ask your tutor teacher or the Student Affairs Office for help in finding Finnish language studies that are suitable for you.
Language boost service (Kielibuusti)
Language boost service (Klelibuusti) is a project that is set out to help international experts learn Finnish and Swedish. You can find materials on anything related to learning Finnish and Swesidh on projects website.
Study Finnish online
You can start studying Finnish even before you arrive in Finland. Check out the language apps Duolingo, Worddive and Suomipassi
5 Good reasons to learn Finnish
1. Better opportunities in working life
Knowing Finnish opens doors to a wider range of roles. Many jobs – especially in the public sector and customer-facing positions – require at least basic Finnish skills. Language proficiency also builds trust in the workplace and enables more independent work.
2. Smoother everyday life and administration
In Finland, most everyday services, official communication, healthcare, and administrative matters operate in Finnish. When you know the language, daily life becomes easier: dealing with authorities is smoother, finding information is faster, and small tasks are simpler to handle.
3. Stronger integration into society
Language is key to social connections. Being able to understand and communicate in Finnish makes it easier to form friendships, join hobbies, and feel included. In study environments, group work and classroom interaction also feel more natural.
4. Deeper understanding of the culture
Language opens the door to culture – its customs, humor, public discussions, and media. Knowing Finnish increases understanding of how Finnish working life and study environments really function.
5. Competetive advantage for international professionals
Many foreigners working in Finland already speak English. Finnish language skills help you stand out positively from other international experts and may be the deciding factor in recruitment.