Flexible ways for language learning

The instruction belongs to the following themes

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, online and blended learning language courses
ALMS (Autonomous Learning Modules)
Online self-access language learning
Course assistant programme
ALICE (Academic Language and Intercultural Exchange)
Language Centre Events and Asian Language Clubs

Self-access, online and blended learning language courses

Self-access language courses

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.

Online courses

For more information:

Blended learning courses

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:

ALMS (Autonomous Learning Modules)

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.

Other autonomous learning courses

Online self-access language learning

You can study languages online irrespective of your schedule and location. Check out the language links and Language Centre online materials below.

Language links

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.

Online materials

Language testing systems
Online material (produced) by Language Centre

Course assistant programme

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.

ALICE (Academic Language and Intercultural Exchange)

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.

Language Centre Events and Asian Language Clubs

LC events "Talking cultures" workshop (15.3.2018)

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 Merijn van Bruggen.

Multilingual workshop

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 second workshop during the spring term 2021 workshop will be organized via Zoom and ThingLink on 22 April from 17-19 with the theme "Public holidays & summer traditions". You can register for the event via the registration form and you will receive the link to the Zoom session one day before the workshop.

The workshop is hosted by international students assisting in Language Centre courses. The workshop starts with a general introduction, after which the theme and freely selected topics of the target language are discussed in breakout rooms. A general discussion of the main points from the breakout room discussions is the last part of the workshop.

Asian language clubs

Asian language clubs (Japanese, Chinese and Korean) currently do not take place due to the Coronavirus situation. Instead, the Multilingual Workshop will be organised twice during the 2021 spring semester. These workshops include language tables for Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

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.