Slovak studies offered for the last time in the academic year 2026-2027

The University of Jyväskylä is the only university in the Nordic countries where you can study the Slovak language and culture. Proficiency in Slovak is therefore a valuable asset on your resume and offers an opportunity to stand out positively in the job market. Slovak language instruction will be offered at the University of Jyväskylä for the final time during the academic year 2026-2027.

Slovakia is located in the heart of Europe and serves as a crossroads of cultures. Although the country is small, it has a rich nature, history, and culture. It is full of hot springs, spas, castles, and rugged mountains. The automotive industry is the country’s largest economic sector. Well-known cultural figures also come from Slovakia, for example Andy Warhol and Angelina Jolie have Slovak roots.

The Slovak studies are open to all students – students from various fields can participate. Other than students of JYU can participate by applying for separate study right. Instruction is hybrid, allowing for remote participation.

In addition to basic Slovak courses, a unique course on Slavic languages and peoples is offered in the spring.  In the course, students are introduced to the diversity of Slavic languages cultures, and peoples. The course is part of the elective language and communication studies and is intended for all university students. The course is part of the national network for expert studies on Russia and Eastern Europe (VIExpert). 

JYU has several partner universities in Slovakia, such as Comenius University in Bratislava, home to the Studia Academica Slovaca center, which offers “Slovak as a foreign language” courses and various programs, such as the Summer School of Slovak Language and Culture, which JYU students have been attending since the 1980s.

Slovak courses:

• XSL0005 Slovak 1 (5 cr)
  14.9.2026–25.11.2026, blended teaching, registration until 7 September 2026
• XSL0006 Slovak 2 (5 cr)    
  11.1.2027–19.3.2027, blended teaching, registration until 4 January 2027
• XSL0019 Slovak 3 (4 cr)
  21.9.2026–10.5.2027, independent project, registration until 13 March 2027
• XSLX001 Slavic Languages and Nations (3–4 cr)
  12.1.2027–28.4.2027, blended teaching, registration until 5 January 2027

Register for the Slovak courses and discover a language that opens the door to other Slavic languages and cultures!