Finnish language studies
Integration training
In Seinäjoki, TyöLakeus provides integration training as labour market training for unemployed jobseekers. In integration training, you study the Finnish language and culture. Your Finnish language studies are agreed upon in your integration plan.
Your personal coach will book you an appointment for a language test. During the test, a teacher will assess your language skills and recommend a suitable group for you to study Finnish. There is often a waiting list for training, and you may need to wait before your studies begin.
When the school selects you for the training, you will receive a notification by text message. Start your training when you receive the invitation. Your personal coach does not decide when the training begins; the training provider selects the students and determines the start date.
Integration training takes place five days a week, approximately six hours per day. You are required to attend the training every day. The training usually lasts about one year.
During the training, you will complete a work placement. During the placement, you can practice speaking Finnish in a workplace.
Independent study
An unemployed jobseeker who is a client of TyöLakeus may undertake studies independently. Independent studies mean that you study Finnish or another subject outside TyöLakeus labour market training.
Independent studies may include:
- completing basic education
- preparatory or bridging education for general upper secondary school
- preparatory or bridging vocational education
- qualification studies (for example, for doctors)
- studying Finnish or Swedish
You may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits while studying. Your personal coach will decide whether you can receive benefits during your studies. The period of support depends on the duration of the studies, but unemployment benefits can be granted for a maximum of 24 months for one programme of study. However, when completing basic education, the support period may be up to 48 months.
Please inform your personal coach as soon as possible if you are planning to start studies.
Reading and writing training (Literacy Training)
Guidance to reading and writing training for unemployed jobseekers is provided through TyöLakeus. A personal coach at TyöLakeus will refer you to the training. If an immigrant cannot read or write, they can learn literacy skills through basic education for adults or literacy training provided within liberal adult education.
In Seinäjoki, the Adult Education Centre (Kansalaisopisto) provides literacy training in the region. An unemployed jobseeker may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits during the training under certain conditions.
The duration of the training is determined individually.
Basic Education for Adults
An unemployed jobseeker who is a client of TyöLakeus may be referred to basic education for adults. Referral to basic education is made by a personal coach.
Adults who do not have studies equivalent to the Finnish basic education curriculum are generally directed to basic education for adults, which includes a specific literacy phase. This pathway is the primary option, especially for young people aged 17 and over, for whom completing basic education and gaining eligibility for further studies is important for their educational and career prospects.
General language examinations
Seinäjoki Adult Education Centre has authorisation from the Finnish National Agency for Education to organise general language examinations at basic and intermediate levels. Those who complete the examination receive an official certificate of their language proficiency, which is recognised throughout the European Union.
The examination can be taken in the following languages: English, German, Swedish, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, and Finnish as a foreign language.
Language courses
Seinäjoki Adult Education Centre offers Finnish language courses. The courses are held in the evenings. They are available at different levels and with varying duration.
Finnish can also be studied online.
Simhe Vaasa is one of the providers of language courses .
FinnishCourses.fi offers a wide range of Finnish language courses.
You can borrow materials for studying Finnish from the library.
Finnish language club
The Finnish language club is open to everyone and free of charge. In the club, Finnish volunteers help participants learn the Finnish language. You can learn to read, write and speak Finnish. You can join the club even if you do not know how to read or write.
Learning in the club is individual, and participants progress at their own pace.
You can attend the club with your child; a childcare instructor is present. No advance registration is required – you can join on the days that suit you!
The Finnish Language Club meets once a week. It is organised in cooperation with the Luetaan Yhdessä network, the Seinäjoki Parish and the City of Seinäjoki Immigration Services.
Jenna ry
Jenna ry is an association operating in Seinäjoki, aiming to promote well‑being, integration and participation. Jenna ry organises, among other activities, Finnish language clubs.