Learning Finnish for people that are here by marriage

[Suvetar]

Hewwo.

I once read somewhere that when you get a social security in Finland, the Finnish courses would be free of charge for the next 2 years or so. Wanted to know if it was true?

I'm in here because I married a Finn. I have all the registration papers, and I am looking for Finnish courses. Unfortunately, they are always too expensive (200 euros for 12 courses????!!!!!! ) and I can't really afford that much (especially nowadays...).

I'd like to know how you, foreign people married with Finns, learned the language?

Thanks.

[Karhunkoski]

I'm in here because I married a Finn.

I find it a little odd that your husband has not already researched this for you

Anyway, go to your local työvoimatoimisto (or whatever it's called now), register as unemployed, and ask what they can offer you.

[Suvetar]

Thanks.
If I register there, ain't they gonna propose me a work and not language courses? Or do they offer that too?
My husband, well, I guess he maybe thinks that I can do that on my own since I'm a grown up woman.

[Karhunkoski]

Thanks.
If I register there, ain't they gonna propose me a work and not language courses? Or do they offer that too?

It depends how employable you are. With no Finnish language skills you are less employable, so this might encourage them to find you an integration (read:language & culture) programme to join (or at least be able to join the waiting list).

My husband, well, I guess he maybe thinks that I can do that on my own since I'm a grown up woman.

Maybe But in his position I would be doing all I could to get your language skills developed, as it's helpful to get you to be able to function independently in Finnish society.

[Rip]

The local "työväenopisto" has in many places cheaper Finnish courses available - especially useful to those who are not customer of the unemployment office (taking care kids at home for example).

I do bit wonder about the price you mention by the way. At least in Helsinki even the University does not charge quite that much.

[kika]

Hi,

Ask your husband for help because it is not very easy to find your way through the finnish system. Anyway in my experience, if you are a registered unemployed at työvoimatoimisto (unemployement office) you should get a date for drawing the integration plan wich includes the finnish courses. You cannot do this unless you have your residence permit. If you have your residence permit already then just go to the office and ask for the course. If you get into the course you will get the unemployement money + 8euros a day for studying. The course is minimum 5h/day.You will get the money unless your husbands salary is concidered too high.
If you don't have your resicence permit there is this free option for total begginers: courses arranged by caisa.fi (cultural center) and adulta.fi (a center for adult education). the site is in finnish so ask your husband to take a look. Last day to apply is 9.10 so hurry. There are not other free courses in Helsinki. I did it and i think they are very good. http://www.adulta.fi/koulutus/koulutusesite.php?id=2390
There are also some Aikuislukio (high school for adults): eiran aikuisluikio wich i also went to and it's very good, helsingin aikuislukio, espoon aikuislukio, the sites are in finnish so again ask your husband to take a look and maybe call to see if they are still some places left. Or you just drop by and ask yourself.

But you have to be fast because courses are starting.

Good luck in Finland!! i
f you have more questions ask. I know how hard can it get if you have nobody to help. And ask as many questions as you can, In Finland you don't get the info if you don't ask for it!

[raamv]

Get your husband's butt off the couch and start making him understand that if he doesnt help, you both will have to move somewhere you can communicate properly....
Next, if you are in a certain town, the town also arranges basic course for beginners to some spoken Finnish..
Generally the course is called as "Suomea maahanmuuttajille" and has various levels.and costs way less ( like close to €50 for the entire course + books €35-50)

[ajdias]

I'm in here because I married a Finn. I have all the registration papers, and I am looking for Finnish courses. Unfortunately, they are always too expensive (200 euros for 12 courses????!!!!!! ) and I can't really afford that much (especially nowadays...).

Like others said look for courses from other places, see the kielikoulu/links sections of this board. See also infopankki, they used to have most courses being offered. The other day I picked the brochure for Helsinki aikuis opisto and noticed that they are offering 50 Eur. off to immigrants on all of their courses that cost more than that. Sadly not for the working folk