The Language Centre provides flexibility in language studying by offering courses that can be completed fully or partly independently. In addition, valuable tips for autonomous and flexible language learning can be found on this page.
Self-access language courses are completed independently under the guidance of teacher tutors. They are equivalent to normal Language Centre courses, and you can also start many of them in the middle of a term.
For more information:
To register for most self-access courses, please contact the language tutor for that language. Also check the course description for each course practice.
For more information:
Blended learning courses are completed under the guidance of the course teacher, in small groups and through independent study. The schedule is flexible, as there are fewer meetings in the classroom than in a normal course.
For more information:
Autonomous learning modules (ALMS) courses are one option of fulfilling the foreign and 2nd national language requirement in the degree. They are based on individual learning needs, learner reflection and self-evaluation. ALMS courses are available in English and Swedish.
You can study languages online irrespective of your schedule and location. Check out the language links and Language Centre online materials below.
Language links is a portal of a selection of useful links for language study. They include exercises and tests, dictionaries and links to various audio materials. In addition to materials on your own field of study, check out other links close to your field of study. Many links can be interdisciplinary.
There are Course assistants in most of Language Centre courses. Course assistants are international exchange or degree students who act as native peers for the local students learning assistant's native language. They work together with Language Centre teachers. You can brush up your language skills with the help of course assistants. They help language learners e.g. with pronunciation, group work and discussion skills both in and out of the classroom. Feel free to ask them for help in other language learning matters as well.
The basic idea of ALICE courses (2 ECTS) is to provide two language learners who speak different native languages the opportunity to learn about each other’s language and culture in an interactive way.Besides learning each other’s language, the two learners get an insight into each other’s cultures and customs and receive information about the practicalities of everyday life.
Multilingual LC workshops create a relaxed opportunity to discuss cultural issues from different perspectives and bring international and local students together. LC events offer the participants a chance to brush up language skills and learn more about intercultural communication and different cultures.
The autumn term 2020 workshop will be organized on Zoom. More information will be published during August.
Asian language clubs (Japanese, Chinese and Korean) meet during the autumn term 2020 on Teams (primary channel) or on Zoom every second week on Fridays from 14:15 to 15:45 (GMT+3).
The online meeting space for the Chinese hosts and participants and participants
The online meeting space for the Japanese hosts/hostesses and participants
The online meeting space for the Korean hosts/hostesses and participants
Meeting days: 2 Oct, 16 Oct, 30 Oct, 13 Nov, 27 Nov, 11 Dec 2020
In the language clubs you can meet new people and talk to students and native speakers of the language in question. Clubs also help you activate, develop and keep up your language skills in a relaxed setting. Clubs are partly planned by the participants and the club hosts are usually native speakers of the group language. Come and join club meetings and bring a friend – beginner's skills are enough to get by! You can also join in the middle of a term. If needed, Finnish and English can be used as intermediary languages.
LC events and Asian language clubs are provided by the Language Centre and open for all University of Helsinki students and staff as well as collaborating high school teachers and students. The club meetings and LC events are informal gatherings and they yield no academic credits.
You can read more about the clubs and LC events from the Support for Teaching and Learning unit's blog, or contact specialist Lasse Ehrnrooth.