Communication and language course offerings at Movi

As we increasingly work in multicultural teams, diverse workplaces and international networks, multilingual and intercultural competence become ever more important. Movi prepares you for today’s working life, in which versatile communication and language skills are essential. These are also skills you will need during your studies.

Exchange students

Exchange students are welcome to take courses at the Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication. Some language courses start from the beginning, some require previous knowledge of the particular language and some courses are general communication and culture courses. To choose the right courses, use the information and help provided here on our web pages and in the course descriptions.

Exchange students are generally not required to take any language courses by the University of Jyväskylä, but their home university or the rules of the exchange programme may require such studies. Also, it is easier and more interesting to live in Finland if you know a little bit of Finnish; so at least the Survival Finnish course is strongly recommended for all those with no previous skills in Finnish. Students with previous Finnish skills can choose more advanced courses matching their skills.

Studying and learning in English may also require that you update your skills in academic English, for which several courses are offered. You can also choose advanced courses in other languages if you already have skills in that particular language. Beginner language courses are usually taught in Finnish and are popular among the degree students and might not have room for exchange students. Please read the course descriptions or contact the responsible teacher to find more about the course prerequisites and recommended skill level.

The Centre for Multilingual Academic Communication also organises several courses on multilingualism and intercultural communication as well as coordinates the language tandem (Each One Teach One). Please make use of our diverse and interesting course selection for exchange students. NB. Course selection not definite, subject to changes. Not all courses are offered every semester.

Course offer, teaching schedule and course registration for each semester is in SISU, the study data registry of the University of Jyväskylä.

The language course pages below provide a closer look on our teaching, courses offered each semester vary.

International Masters students

In addition to the compulsory communication and language studies included in your degree, you can choose additional language and communication courses according to your individual learning needs and interests. Our teaching is based on the most recent research as well as on the needs of working life.

There are two kinds of language requirements for international degree students: admission requirements and degree requirements. Admission requirements must be met before acceptance to the University, while degree requirements must be met before a degree is granted. Admission requirements are intended to ensure that students have the minimum language skills necessary for successful study. Degree requirements include language skills needed in the student's specific field of study.

A basic instruction to the degree programmes at the University of Jyväskylä is mostly given in Finnish, with the exception of courses in the various language departments and in the International Master's Degree Programmes, which are taught entirely in English. If you plan to study as an undergraduate - for the Bachelor degree - in most fields you will eventually need good knowledge of Finnish, although you may use English in examinations and textbooks, and many subjects are often offered in English. If you foresee that your degree will require good knowledge of Finnish, it is very important to start your Finnish language courses at the very beginning of your studies in Jyväskylä.

The language requirements for international degree students are confirmed annually by the faculty councils and they vary according to faculty. Generally, they include Finnish language studies and courses in one foreign language (English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, Italian, or Latin). Since international students may have very different linguistic backgrounds, it is advisable to consult the Academic Advisor in your faculty in order to draw up a plan for language studies.

International Master's Degree Programmes, which are taught entirely in English at the University of Jyväskylä, may also have compulsory language requirements for both Finnish and international students; for example, in scientific writing. The requirements vary according to the programme and the faculty in which the Master's degree is being completed. Please consult the study guide and /or the Academic Coordinator of the relevant programme about the degree language requirements of your programme.

Study guide of the University

All language courses for international students

Become a competent academic expert with your language skills. Language skills help deepen your competence in your chosen field of study. Multilingual and intercultural know-how is a definite asset when looking for a career. In most fields today, work takes place in multilingual teams and working communities, and with international partners and stakeholders.

You can develop your language skills in many ways. At Movi you can start a completely new language or enhance your existing skills. Knowing different languages is beneficial when learning new ones.

English courses

Finnish as a second language courses

Arabic

Chinese

Dutch

French

German

Slovak

Spanish

Swedish

Each One Teach One

Courses to aid your Studies