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 40 hours of voluntary cultural program activities to support language learning in a natural everyday environment. At least 20 hours of the cultural program activities are included in the course fee.

The teachers of the course are professionally qualified, and they provide you with high quality teaching. Aside from the teachers our course staff includes study coordinators at the Summer University of Jyväskylä. The coordinators are also in charge of instructing the free time activities.

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 (5,33 x 45 min.). The teaching is organized in a suitable language level group. Therefore, we require that you apply for the course. After the application period has ended, we will accept you for the course if we get enough applications for your level group.

Our cultural program is built to support traditional classroom studies. It is scheduled so that everybody can join in should they wish to. More information about the cultural program will be sent to you before the course starts.

I have more confidence to speak Finnish in front of people than before.

– Winter 2026 participant

Study groups

The teaching is organized in language level groups ranging from beginners to advanced. Every level group is not organized every year. Please check the current level groups offered at the registration page. Group size is 18 students max (usually groups are smaller, though).

The preliminary group assignments are made based on the information from registration (a short text and self-evaluation). Please note that you should register based on your current Finnish skill level, not your goal level!

A0: You have not studied Finnish before and have no previous skills in the language.

A1: You already know the basics of the language and some words and phrases, and can ask and answer simple questions. You can use simple phrases and sentences to describe e.g. where you live, where you are from, your family. You can talk a little about you day, the weather, ask for directions in a simple way and you know basic food and drink vocabulary. You know the basic Finnish grammar: personal pronouns, verb conjugation in present tense, k-p-t -change, verb types 1–5, question words, partitive case, genitive case, numbers (you don't have to be able to use all of these fluently, though!) This group is suitable for you if you have completed e. g. Suomen mestari 1 or Oma Suomi 1, or another Finnish text book with similar themes.

A2: You can read and write simple, short texts. You can tell basic things about yourself, your family, your background etc. and you know some vocabulary within the themes of free-time, work, education and health. You know some more Finnish grammar: past tenses (imperfekti, perfekti, pluskvamperfekti), plural forms, word types.

B1: You understand clear standard speech on familiar topics. You can manage e.g. usual travel situations in Finnish, talk about cultural differences, write a letter or an email and can give arguments for your points in conversations. You already know e. g. the following grammar topics: konditionaalin preesens ja perfekti, passiivi, adjektiivien komparatiivi ja superlatiivi, adverbien vertailu.

B2: You understand extended speech and you can read for example articles and literary prose in Finnish. You can have fluent conversations on different topics including e. g. work life/applying for a job, science, culture, current issues and news topics. You already know and use some puhekieli, many different cases (sijamuodot), incl. partisiippi and verbi+rektio -constructions.

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

Still not sure about your starting level? You can contact the Summer University office, and we will help you figure out your starting level!

I was happy that I got to be around so many wonderful people and experience Finland! 

– Summer 2025 participant

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, and take every student into account. There may be small tests during the course and students may be asked to give a small presentation in Finnish. There is no final exam 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 18, who is interested in Finnish language and culture. On the previous courses the ages of our students have ranged from 18 to 70 years old.

The teaching language on the course is Finnish. English is also 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, included in the course fee. Often other materials are used as well, such as games, music etc.

For our advanced level groups a "practice book" combined with text material (e. g. a book including short stories or essays) might be used instead of a traditional text book. This is due to the fact that there are not many well suited options for advanced Finnish learners available.

Course venue

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