Englishman studying Finnish, in Finland? Possible?

[Jotunheim]

Okay so I love Finland, everything about it, the atmosphere, the weather, the people, everything. I currently live in a pretty isolated part of Northern England, meaning no colleges or courses for studying Finnish / Finland's culture.. My question is, are there any places / colleges in Finland, where I'm able to live in, and study Finnish and the Finnish culture?

I've been to Finland twice, one last Summer, and once early this year, so I know what to expect, and I know it's what I would love to happen.

Any help at all? Much appreciated, and sorry if it's in the wrong section.

[Rip]

There is no degree program for Finnish language (for foreigners), if that is what you want (to be a full time student). If you had a job here or could otherwise support yourself, there are plenty of courses available.

[sammy]

Eh up

Well, there are some alternatives, but perhaps not that many "live-in" ones... you can check out some language course options here http://opintoluotsi.fi/en-GB/Studying_Finnish/ (see the links on the right-hand margin) - for example, summer universities could be an option http://www.kesayliopistot.fi/finncult_2009.htm BUT you could now be a little late with the application (check out the options from the pages, if you're lucky some places might still be available)

Call it synchronicity but just this morning I grabbed a paper that advertised this:

http://www.larkkulla.net/languages

There could be other, equivalent ones. See also this list of links.

Also check the EU residence requirements from http://www.migri.fi - this kind of studies (summer university, adult education centres etc) do not lead to any academic or professional degree but I'm not sure if this is a problem for EU citizens actually - see
this - it just says "educational institution; does anyone have experience of this (i.e. can an EU citizen register his/her residence as a student for longer-term courses at folk high scholls, summer universities etc?)

Anyway if the course is less than 3 months then you don't need to register your residence... you just come as a "tourist"

So yes I'd say it's possible... at least to an extent! But you need to check out what the different alternatives include, and what their requirements and apllication procedures are... some courses may primarily be targeted for those 'furriners' already residing in F.

Cheers,

S.

[Jotunheim]

Thank you for the replies! Yeah, I'd absolutely love a job in Finland, but to get it, I'd need to learn Finnish, and in my current situation, it's very hard, but I am getting there.

Thanks for the links Sammy, I will look further into everything you've said!

[sammy]

There is no degree program for Finnish language (for foreigners), if that is what you want (to be a full time student).

That's true - although... there is the University of Helsinki "Finnish Language and Culture" programme but it's not for beginners.

To study Finnish Language and Culture as your major, you need to take an entrance examination in Finnish. This means that you should be able to read and write Finnish, and speak it fairly fluently.

Just thought I'd mention that, because some people have occasionally mistaken it for a "degree programme in Finnish for beginners"

[inkku]

You might be aware of these but still
http://www.finn-guild.org/

http://www.suomi-seura.fi/site_v3/index ... &Itemid=37

[Rip]

Some Helsinki area options for non-degree studies of Finnish language.

Helsinki University: http://www.helsinki.fi/kksc/language.se ... suomi.html
Helsinki Summer University: http://www.kesayliopistohki.fi/sivut/english
Institute of Adult education: http://www.helsinginaikuisopisto.fi/engind.html
Työväenopisto: http://www.hel.fi/wps/portal/Tyovaenopi ... /Julkaisut