Abstract:

One of the objectives of the Kielibuusti (Language Boost) project is to respond more effectively to the language needs of international talent recruited in Finland. Language learning and familiarization with the Finnish culture can be started and should be encouraged even before arrival in Finland.

Even a basic knowledge of language and culture at an early stage will contribute to a smoother start in integrating into the Finnish society. This has been taken into account in the digital pathway study pilot for international students organized by two Finnish universities, Aalto University and Tampere University. The pathway study pilot offers home-based preparatory courses in science, technology and Finnish language and culture, with the aim of helping international students to enter a degree programme at a Finnish university and making higher education more accessible to international students from different backgrounds.

This paper will present the course design of the pathway study programme’s Finnish language and culture course and previous similar implementations aimed at promoting language learning at home. When designing the course in Finnish language and culture, it is important to bear in mind that the students participating in the pathway study pilot may not yet have access to the same language resources as the students who are in Finland and are exposed to Finnish on a daily basis. It is therefore important that the course makes extensive use of authentic digital materials, provides students with strategies and meta-skills for language learning, makes use of collaborative learning and thus promotes learner autonomy.

Keywords:

Integration, digital language learning, second language learning, collaborative learning, learner autonomy.