Finnish, the language of the North

A big part of going to study abroad is the language that you would be encountering during your stay in the country. Even if you study in English, the life still remains in the local language.

Sometimes it’s easy; perhaps you already know the language. Sometimes, however, that is much more challenging, and it’s truth that Finnish is not the easiest language, but in the same time is often required if you’d like to find a job right here, as you study and after graduating.

There are so many options on how to learn the language, but Laurea is not leaving you on your own.

Laurea offers its students elective Finnish language studies (Although the very first level of Basic Finnish is compulsory), helping you to feel more at home while staying here.

But who is in charge of these studies?

Well, to let you know more, I contacted one of the Finnish language teachers.

Hello and thank you for giving me some of your time.

To start with, what is your name?

Leena Saarikko.

If you don’t mind sharing, what is your age?

52 years.

Where do you originally come from? We know that a lot of teachers are from Finland but the international background of Laurea means that there are teachers from somewhere else in the world as well.

I come from Finland (Helsinki).

What is your educational background?

I have a B.A. from the University of Helsinki and Pedagogical degree from Haaga-Helia.

How long have you been teaching at Laurea?

14,5 Years.

Laurea has seven units,  Tikkurila, Leppävaara, Kerava, Hyvinkää, Porvoo, Otaniemi and Lohja. In which unit(s) do you teach?

In Leppävaara only.

What subjects are you teaching? And which degree programs include those subjects?

I teach Finnish in all English degree programs (BM, SM, BIT, FM and RE)

How would you describe the life and students of Laurea?

I can’t say much about studying, but it seems that the required tempo of studying is mainly suitable for the students, although, the fastest and most hard-working students find it a bit slow and the ‘’slowest’’ probably a bit too demanding.

I like the fact that especially the Leppävaara campus is genuinely international. I love my students and teaching here! The general atmosphere is good and as a work place Laurea (Leppävaara) is demanding (When it comes to work load), but rewarding.

Thank you!

I hope that you have gained a little more from this interview!

Näkemisiin!/See you for now!

- Liliana

Look out for more interviews in the future, if you’d like to get to know the teachers of Laurea UAS better!