Studying on the Summer Intensive Course

The Intensive Course includes 80 teaching hours (á 45 min) of Finnish language studies. Additionally the course includes approximately 60 hours of voluntary free time programme activities planned to support language learning in a natural everyday environment. Most of the activities are included in the course fee.

The teacher of the course is professionally qualified, and they provide you with high quality teaching. Aside from the teachers our course staff includes free time instructors and study group tutors, as well as organizational staff at the Summer University of Jyväskylä.

At the end of the course all participants receive an official certificate from the course.

Course structure

Teaching takes place during weekdays (Mon-Fri) at 9.00–14.00 (5 x 45 min.). The teaching is organized in a suitable language level group. Therefore we require that you to apply for the course and after the application period we will accept you for the course, if we get enough applications for the language level group suitable for you.

Our free time programme is built to support traditional classroom studies. It is scheduled so that everybody can join in should they wish to. Additional course program includes free time program and study group meetings. More information about the additional program can be found on these web pages as soon as we get it ready.

Study groups

The teaching is organized in language level groups ranging from beginners to advanced (0-C1). In the 2023 course there will be three or four level groups depending on the student amount. Groups size is max 15 students.

The preliminary group assignments are made based on the information from registration (a short text and self-evaluation). Changes in the groups are possible during the first week of studies.

Group 1 Beginner: No skills or the very basics (A0-A1)
Group 2 Lower intermediate: Previous Finnish studies on Beginner level (A2)
Group 3 Upper intermediate: Previous Finnish studies on several courses, participant able to use Finnish in day-to-day situations (B1)
Group 4 Advanced: Fluent Finnish skills (B2-C1)

Note! Every year the themes, structure, and teaching methods might differ depending on the group and its teacher. Teachers plan their teaching to a certain level, but they also listen to students' wishes.

You can evaluate your Finnish language skills here: https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52

What will we do on the course?

During the course every level group will practice speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. They will also practice different ways of learning the language and create effective study routines so that the learning would continue effectively also beyond the course.

The teaching methods are versatile taking every student into account. There may be small exams during the course and students may be asked to give a small presentation in Finnish. There is no bigger test at the end of the course, but you will get an evaluation from your teacher of how your language skills have developed.

The language of instruction is Finnish, but English may be used as an auxiliary language if required, especially on beginner and intermediate levels.

Target group

The Finnish Intensive Summer Course is aimed at everyone over the age of 17 from all around the world, who are interested in Finnish language and culture. On the previous courses the ages of our students have ranged from 17 to 70 years old.

The teaching language on the course is Finnish. Please notice that English is used as a supporting language for teaching. Therefore a sufficient level of understanding basic English is required for joining the course.

Study material

You will be provided a textbook chosen by the teacher in the beginning of the course. It is included in the course price.
In addition to the textbook, the teaching materials include: authentic texts, music and videos. The contents are genuinely useful also in the later stages of your studies.

Course venue

The course venue is located at the Mattilanniemi campus of the University of Jyväskylä. Free time program will be organized at different venues in (and also outside of) Jyväskylä.