Studying Finnish in Finland for a prolonged period of time

[yaelle]

Hi,
I'm a BA student from Israel, soon starting my 3rd and final year of Linguistics. After graduation I would have liked to continue my MA studies in Finland. However, most universities require Finnish proficiency prior to registration, so I am currently looking for a program that would allow Finnish studies for a long period of time (say 9 months - a year), so to enable profound studying, combined with everyday use and practice. Only problem is I don't know if such a program exists! Does anybody here know of a program of this kind? Preferably one that would allow a working visa, so I don't throw all my savings away before I even start the MA..
Thanks!
Yaelle.

[Rip]

I recall from previous threads that the conclusion was, that you (like you kind of state in your question too) can not get student residence permit to study in Finnish language in Finland, except for some program(s?) that requires you know the language pretty well to begin with.

Only options I can see is that you'd mange to achieve the necessary proficiency level studying somewhere elsewhere, or that you'd manage to get a job and a working permit here (for doing something else) and then fill your spare time with evening courses.

[raamv]

depends on your knowledge of Finnish..
Contact your local county on the courses that they are offereing..

If very basic..then start with Suomea Maahanmuuttajille I, II and III.
Also, some of the Universities offer these courses!! so check with your university too..