Some advice needed please.

[lonely_soul]

Hi there. I'm new here and I hope somebody can help me.

I'm an Australian who has always had an interest in Finland (obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be here) and would like to come live here, even if its only for a little while (but hopefully longer).

My hope/plan is to come over to study by doing a masters degree in the Finnish Language and Culture and perhaps also a masters degree in either Translation or Art History. I already have a Bachelors Degree in Communications if that is a bonus. I plan on doing two community college courses in the language before I come over. so I'll have some knowledge of the language. I also plan to read some language books and listen to tapes to broaden my Finnish vocabulary.

At the moment, I'm am about to go to Asia to teach the English language (TESOL teaching) after finishing a course in the field. After completing my one year contract, I'd like to come back, do the local Finnish language courses and apply at the university. By this time I'll hope have between $20 000 - $30 000 AUD behind me, if not more. If I am accepted into this course, I would also like to work, perhaps as a TESOL teacher if possible, but its not neccessary.

The other option would be to get a job doing TESOL teaching and once I'm over there, start learning the language through a degree. I do realise this is hard as it is rare for people not in Finland to get a job teaching English. But I have seen jobs out there in Finland, I just don't have the teaching experience behind me.

I would just like to know what my chances are with my plans and if anyone has any advice for me it would be greatly appreciated. I've done my research but it can get so confusing, I'd rather talk to people in person. I do realise how hard it is to work, study and live in Finland as a foreigner, thats why any advice is helpful so I can work hard towards my goal. Don't be afraid to be honest with me, I'm a big girl. I can handle it.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks to anyone who helps.

[PeterF]

1:At the moment, I'm am about to go to Asia to teach the English language (TESOL teaching) after finishing a course in the field.

2: After completing my one year contract, I'd like to come back, do the local Finnish language courses and apply at the university.

3 I just don't have the teaching experience behind me.

4:I would just like to know what my chances are with my plans and if anyone has any advice for me it would be greatly appreciated. .

1, good idea..
2. good idea.
3. You will have after 1 and 2.
4. Depends on you, but if you complete 1 and 2 you have a good chance.

[lonely_soul]

Since over 120 people have looked at this, is there any more advice anyone can give? Any advice you have is appreciated. Kiitos to the people who have already replied to me, I'm very grateful. Hopefully I'll get some more replies soon because I'm off to South Korea for a year and I'm leaving in about two weeks. Once I'm there my Internet access is very limited!

[mookoo]

Well, I think no one replies because it seems like you have everything covered. A person like you who will take the time and do the proper research and has a good background will probably do well in your quest to come to Finland. So, I understand how confusing it is looking at all the websites, but you are certainly heading in the right direction and if you have any specific questions, you can always post them here.

If you are wanting to apply at a University here, start talking to the departments in charge of international students and they will certainly help a lot. I think the best thing for you to do would be to get a student visa to study here and then see how you like it and you can apply for a residence permit if you feel like staying. I believe you should get accepted to the university first, and then apply for the visa (which should not be hardly any hastle if you are already accepted and have the proper cash). I am pretty sure you can find much of the info on visas at http://www.uvi.fi but if you are still confused about that, you can talk to the universities or post here (you tend not to get much luck contacting uvi directly). Then, if you decide you want to work too, you can apply for a residence permit when you get here and once that is approved you can work freely (otherwise I think you would need a separate work visa). So, I am not an expert but I think thats how it works. If I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me shortly

[Hank W.]

The University sites generally have "in english" section where you usually will find a thorough student/city/orientation guide. Also they have an "international office" which in some cases has a motherlode of information.

I think as mookoo says, you haven't posted anything silly we need to scream "stop , think!"

[Ema]

I don't think there is TESOL in Finland, at least never heard of. You can check the website of those universities and get contact with the professor, they are normally very kind and they will provide you useful info. There is no education fee charged in Finland, you can also check out if it is possible for your to apply scholarship.

[lonely_soul]

Kiitos for your kind words and advice.

Ema you are right. I fully understand that TESOL teaching is near impossible in Finland or Scandinavia for that matter. Friends I know who have achieved this have done so by locating themselves in the country and finding a job that way. However, my main priority is study (with a little bit of work on the side). Teaching isn't a neccessity, just a hope.

About there being no fee for studying in Finland, I believe that could possibly be changing soon? It hinders my plans a bit if this comes into action as the amount I have saved might not be enough. This is my main worry at the moment. But its my problem, not yours. hehe

I've been meaning to contact various universities with my questions, but having gone through university once before, dealing with administration types can get frustrating. I will, however, give it my best shot. My dream would be to get into the University of Helsinki (high hopes, I know) but are there any recommendations for other universities?

Just one more question, would I be better off coming to Finland for a short time to do some language courses in order to pass the language exam I'll need to face, or will my two community courses in Finnish do? I'm thinking perhaps I should apply at the university, come over and do some Finnish language courses whilst I await the decision of my application. If I am asked to sit an exam, take it and then get accepted, I could go home and apply for a student or other relevant visa. Any suggestions in regard to this?

Thanks again for replying. Hope I haven't bored you all to tears.

[Mikie]

Since over 120 people have looked at this, is there any more advice anyone can give?

I am one of the guilty 120, actually probably closer to 5 since I have returned multiple times to read replies. Don't take a high view count with a low reply count as a negative thing. There are many like me that know the same or less about Finland as yourself, and read as many other posts as possible to learn what they can/need. So I find posts like this entertaining and educational, but could provide little help to your situation. Fortunately there are some extremely knowledgable people on here, though I think they are the minority.

Good luck in your quest to Finland.

[Ema]

You can take your major courses in English in the university and of course you can choose finnish language class at the same time, either from normal schedule or night shcool. I don't think you need to learn finnish first in order to get into the courses, I have one friend, she is a German and she studies in Helsinki University. She didn't speank any finnish and yet she managed to get a master degree.

I believe you need to attend a test before you can get into school, exchange student will be a difference case.

[mookoo]

would I be better off coming to Finland for a short time to do some language courses in order to pass the language exam I'll need to face, or will my two community courses in Finnish do?

I don't think you have to take any Finnish language tests to be accepted to a university and if you do, I am sure they would probably list that somewhere in their requirements. I think the only test you have to take for proficiency is if you are applying for citizenship. But, you may be relieved to know that there are many many classes taught in English at major Finnish universities ... even some upper level courses I think. So, you shouldn't have a problem there. But you could still take additional courses if you wish, they certainly wouldn't count against you.

[meksikosuomen]

Hello aussie friend!! first of all, you have arrived to the best place about Finland and its reallity, no that kind of web sites that just talk you about the benefits of living in Santa Claus´country and post lots of beautiful pics of landscapes and pretty blonde girls , just as Hank and Mookoo said, you have planed it all, now you just have to make it happens and cross your fingers. There are so many people in this forum that have been living in Finland for several years, and believe me, they wont touch their heart if they must have to be rude and frank with you, so be surprised if the ""old farts"" (((I´ve been reading about Eila Kännö )) have nothing negative to say about your plans, but READ CAREFULLY for any advice coming from them. This is everything i can suggest you now.

I have such a kind of plan like that of yours, but you are now light years of distance from me((( so many dollars away mainly)), minä opiskelen nyt vähän suomea so i wish you good luck, and dont give up ever!! I will be crossfingers for you.
Voi hyvin ja Hauska tutustua!!
(( is that right written guys??))

[Frypan]

At least here in Jyväskylä you need really good Finnish skills before you can apply for the degree in Finnish language (by that I mean linguistics, literature etc.)

I would consider applying to a university to do an international master's related-to-your-bachelor-degree-degree in English, and take Finnish Language & Culture as a minor study. Eg, Study intercultural communication. In Finnish universities, once admitted, you can study pretty much what ever you want, if they offer it. As your Finnish gets better, you can start to study your chosen main degree in Finnish. (eg. I study information technology in an international program, but take information technology subjects also in Finnish.)

If your timing is right, I would kick start your studies of Finnish with an intensive language course - for example summer courses at Helsinki University or the Helsinki Summer University (these are not free, but not expensive). That will give you three months of non-stop Finnish. You can later apply to have those studies credited from your future university. I did this last year. If you'll be back from Asia about this time next year, you'll have to wait until September for university studies to start. The summer courses run in June, July & August - i.e. while you are waiting for university to start. I would advise doing one of these courses rather than studying in Australia.

You could also apply for a three week intensive course in Finland through Cimo (Finnish government scholarship). TESOL here is definitely an option as well, and might even be a good way to start here and see if you want to commit to a longer time period of studying here. Australians can apply for a working holiday permit, with which you'll be able to work for a year. And maybe study Finnish at nights or during the summer.

--fry