Finnish-language Assistant Programme

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

The programme gives Finnish-language assistants the chance to become acquainted with other students and familiarise themselves with language teaching and learning. Through their contribution, assistants will have the opportunity to gain international experience in a multicultural and multilingual environment, sharing their personal language and cultural knowledge with others. 

You can read more about the Course Assistant Programme for international students. For the description of the Finnish-language Assistant Programme, see Sisu. 

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 

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). 

Participation in the programme does not require prior studies in languages, pedagogical studies or teaching experience. Finnish-language assistants must be interested in language teaching and learning, and be prepared to actively contribute to activities related to language learning and to meet other students. 

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 

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. The writing of the essay will be arranged separately with the coordinating teacher or the coordinator for language teaching.  

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. The number of available positions varies by course and term. 

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. 

The application period for the Finnish-language Assistant Programme for the academic year 2026-27 starts on the 10.8 and ends on 30.8.2026 at 23.59. 

Please apply by using this (Finnish) form.

If you have any questions, please contact programme coordinator, specialist Nina Sulonen. 

All students at the University of Helsinki are welcome to attend and participate in the Finnish Club, regardless of their level of Finnish. You're warmly welcome even with very beginners level skills. In the club, students can practice their Finnish skills and get to know Finnish culture through different fun activities and themes each week. Everyone is welcome to join the club even if the participant does not know any Finnish yet. There are separate tables for different skill levels.

The Finnish Club is led by the Finnish Language Assistants and the Language Centre international trainee. 

The club meets every Wednesday from 16.15–17.45 at the Language Centre (Fabianinkatu 26), in room 318 (ALMS room), on the 3rd floor. 

Finnish Club meeting schedule for autumn 2026 

• 7 October first meeting: Getting to know each other and talking about travel 
• 14 October second meeting: Music theme 
• Week 43 (study and exam week): No meeting 
• 28 October third meeting: Food theme 
• 4 November fourth meeting: Games theme 
• 11 November fifth meeting: Socialising theme 

NOTE! On Thursday, 19 November, there will be a Multilingual Workshop at the Language Centre from 16.15–17.45 in the Festive Hall (room 310, 3rd floor). We will meet at the Finnish-language table during the workshop! 

• 25 November final meeting: Potluck and celebrating Christmas together 

If you have any questions about the club, please contact specialist Michonne Rowley through the email address michonne.rowley@helsinki.fi. 

Welcome to the Finnish Club!