Communication and language course offering 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.

English-taught and bilingual degree programme students

Most University of Jyväskylä degrees have compulsory communication and language studies. You can and are encouraged to 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.

English-taught and bilingual degree programmes, which are taught entirely in English or in Finnish and English at the University of Jyväskylä, may have compulsory language requirements for both Finnish and international students, see below.

Finnish-taught degree programmes at the University of Jyväskylä are mostly taught in Finnish, with the exception of major subject courses in the various language department programmes. These programmes also have mandatory language and communication courses (in other languages), see below.

If you plan to study in Finnish, 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 in the Finnish-taught programmes are set by the faculty councils and they vary according to faculty. Since international students in the Finnish-taught programmes may have very different linguistic backgrounds and requirements, it is advisable to consult the Academic Advisor and/or Education coordinator in your programme in order to draw up a plan for the required language studies.

Degree requirements for the English-taught and bilingual degree programmes; communication and language studies

Degree requirements for the Finnish-taught programmes; communication and language studies

Study Guide of the University

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. Studying and learning in English during your exchange may also require that you update your skills in academic English, for which several courses are offered.

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. Please read the course descriptions and contact the responsible teacher to find more about the course prerequisites and recommended skill level.

Beginner language courses in other foreign languages are usually taught in Finnish and are popular among the Finnish degree students and might not have room for exchange students. You can also choose advanced courses in other foreign languages if you already have skills in that particular language. Please read the course descriptions and 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).

The language course pages below provide a closer look at all of our our teaching, courses offered each semester vary. Course offer, teaching schedule and course registration for each semester is in SISU, the study data system of the University of Jyväskylä.

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