I just spent the last few hours looking through old posts, and didn't quite find what I was looking for. I am interested in classes during the day for myself, anything in english! Maybe cooking or studying Finnish or whatever, but I am having trouble finding much. My 8 yr old only goes to school about 4 hours a day, but I would like to improve myself a bit during that time.
Any suggestions?
I have looked at different categories, but assumed this would be the best area to post since I am not asking about university classes.
Thanks!
Also...question about classes...
-
jessicapowell
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:12 am
- Location: Espoo, Finland
- Contact:
You dont tell us where you are...
So it is difficult to give you locations..Espoo ..Vantaa...Helsinki..
But for instance in our local Library (West Vantaa) I saw a booklet about the type of classes that you mention..but I seem to remember they were evening classes..but I did not make a detailed study.
But anyway go into your local library and ask.
Edit:
I checked one of your other post..You mention that you visit Tapiola..
Pop into the culture centre (The big white building beside the currently empty artificial lake)..ask them...
So it is difficult to give you locations..Espoo ..Vantaa...Helsinki..
But for instance in our local Library (West Vantaa) I saw a booklet about the type of classes that you mention..but I seem to remember they were evening classes..but I did not make a detailed study.
But anyway go into your local library and ask.
Edit:
I checked one of your other post..You mention that you visit Tapiola..
Pop into the culture centre (The big white building beside the currently empty artificial lake)..ask them...
People do not become more irritable as they grow old - they simply stop making the effort to avoid annoying others.
-
jessicapowell
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Fri Nov 30, 2007 9:12 am
- Location: Espoo, Finland
- Contact:
Hi, thanks for your response, yes...anything in the Espoo area really. I went into the cultural center in Tapiola and was just given a number to call to find out about English classes..and when I did...they didn't speak english! Blah. So, since everyone on this board seems so helpful, I thought I would try those who had personal exp.
I seem to have a hard time communicating to Finnish personal what I would like. I don't need a degree, just would like to improve upon myself, and maybe learn some homemaking skills. Coming from America, most of my dinners came from a box or take away. Being Betty Crocker is a new thing for me, and some skills would be great. But I also really, really want to learn Finnish. Or anything else!
I seem to have a hard time communicating to Finnish personal what I would like. I don't need a degree, just would like to improve upon myself, and maybe learn some homemaking skills. Coming from America, most of my dinners came from a box or take away. Being Betty Crocker is a new thing for me, and some skills would be great. But I also really, really want to learn Finnish. Or anything else!
Espoo has just published the catalogue for next term's adult classes. It's called Opinto-ohjelma and has a green/yellow cover... you should've got a copy in your letter box if you live in Espoo.
Courses purely in English include (pp14-16)
Go Business! (a business course for foreigners starting a company in Finland)
Finnish for Foreigners - Suomi A1 (evenings)
Early Birds' English Club (current affairs discussion) Tues 9.30-11.00
Basic clothe (sic) making - whatever that is -Tuesdays 13.30 - 16.00
Most of the other courses are in the evenings.
There are plenty of courses in arts and crafts etc which are in Finnish but accessible in English, but again, nearly all are in the evening.
Try the municipal office next to the library in Iso Omena. They speak English in there and may be able to give you some ideas. They would know of any clubs currently on offer to immigrant groups and any special Finnish courses. (You walk in, take a ticket and wait for your number... if the person doesn't speak English ask for someone who does, I know most of them are happy to answer questions in English)
Caisa in Helsinki has some courses running in English, but I have never been and don't know the details. They usually advertise in Six Degrees (the freebie newspaper).
Or, join the AWC (American Women's Club) or BWA (British Womens' Association) they have various activities running including language groups and cultural stuff (visits to museums, tours, etc) and a good place to meet the experienced ex-pats who have all the answers to the desperate housewife syndrome
I belonged to the BWA for the first couple of years after I moved here and I did lots of interesting stuff. You don't have to be British to join.
Or, join a gym. eg SATS (also Iso Omena) has cheap rates for daytime subscriptions (ie access before 2pm during the week and all day at weekends).
Go to M&Ms who meet in Stockmann café on Thursdays???? (they used to advertise on here), take your toddler along with you. They organise meetings in different kiddy-friendly places and can give you lots of other family compatible ideas for things to do.
edit: just read the other post... so you don't have a toddler... are your girls in Postipuu, Komeetta, EIS or ISH??? It's true most Finnish mums are working during the day, so I think your best bet for starters is the AWC or the BWA. If you are staying here permanently (or semi-) then learning Finnish is a great idea. There are daytime courses available eg:
http://www.helsinginaikuisopisto.fi/fin ... gners.html
or the summer univerisity courses (can't remember the link).
Courses purely in English include (pp14-16)
Go Business! (a business course for foreigners starting a company in Finland)
Finnish for Foreigners - Suomi A1 (evenings)
Early Birds' English Club (current affairs discussion) Tues 9.30-11.00
Basic clothe (sic) making - whatever that is -Tuesdays 13.30 - 16.00
Most of the other courses are in the evenings.
There are plenty of courses in arts and crafts etc which are in Finnish but accessible in English, but again, nearly all are in the evening.
Try the municipal office next to the library in Iso Omena. They speak English in there and may be able to give you some ideas. They would know of any clubs currently on offer to immigrant groups and any special Finnish courses. (You walk in, take a ticket and wait for your number... if the person doesn't speak English ask for someone who does, I know most of them are happy to answer questions in English)
Caisa in Helsinki has some courses running in English, but I have never been and don't know the details. They usually advertise in Six Degrees (the freebie newspaper).
Or, join the AWC (American Women's Club) or BWA (British Womens' Association) they have various activities running including language groups and cultural stuff (visits to museums, tours, etc) and a good place to meet the experienced ex-pats who have all the answers to the desperate housewife syndrome
I belonged to the BWA for the first couple of years after I moved here and I did lots of interesting stuff. You don't have to be British to join.Or, join a gym. eg SATS (also Iso Omena) has cheap rates for daytime subscriptions (ie access before 2pm during the week and all day at weekends).
Go to M&Ms who meet in Stockmann café on Thursdays???? (they used to advertise on here), take your toddler along with you. They organise meetings in different kiddy-friendly places and can give you lots of other family compatible ideas for things to do.
edit: just read the other post... so you don't have a toddler... are your girls in Postipuu, Komeetta, EIS or ISH??? It's true most Finnish mums are working during the day, so I think your best bet for starters is the AWC or the BWA. If you are staying here permanently (or semi-) then learning Finnish is a great idea. There are daytime courses available eg:
http://www.helsinginaikuisopisto.fi/fin ... gners.html
or the summer univerisity courses (can't remember the link).