5 LAUREA LANGUAGE LEARNING PROGRAMME

The aim of the Laurea Polytechnic Language Learning Programme is to provide the students with language learning opportunities that enable them to use several languages as natural tools in their future profession in international and multicultural settings. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to build on a solid learning package of basic knowledge and skills in the chosen languages.

The minimum targets for all language studies at Laurea are:
• students can cope in a customer service situation within their professions
• students are able to handle the terminology used in their professions
Laurea's language studies give students the necessary skills for:
• maintaining and developing their language skills
• handling work in their fields of study in a foreign language
• following the development of their fields of study in a foreign language
• taking into account cultural differences within their own work

The minimum scope of language studies in any Degree Programme is 3 ECTS credits English, 3 ECTS credits Swedish and 3 ECTS credits content studies in a foreign language. This is only the minimum level and for example in business studies the requirement is much higher.

For students who study for a full Polytechnic Degree at Laurea, it is compulsory to study English and Swedish. Exceptions can be made with native speakers of other languages than Finnish/Swedish.

Except for the compulsory English and Swedish, the Polytechnic provides a selection of languages such as Chinese, Estonian, French, German, Latvian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. They are on offer for all Laurea students, including exchange students, often throughout the year. Students are advised to contact the Office of their Institute for up-to-date information.

Language Courses for Non-Finnish Students

Laurea also provides tuition in Finnish for foreigners. During 2005-2006 there will be courses on offer in following Institutes, for up-to-date information see www.laurea.fi :

Laurea Leppävaara
Basics in Finnish Language and Culture, 4.5 ECTS (autumn and/or spring)
Medium (Intermediate) Level Course in Finnish Language and Culture, 4.5 ECTS (spring)
Advanced Level Course in Finnish Language and Culture, 4.5 ECTS (autumn)

Laurea Otaniemi
HB 1003 Communication / Finnish for beginners, 1.5 ECTS (term 1)
SW 7103 Finnish Discussion 1, 1.5 ECTS (term 2)
SW 7104 Finnish Discussion 2, 1.5 ECTS (term 2)

Laurea provides also web-based self-access language courses “From start to Finnish” and “Finnish on three levels” in each unit, for more information consult the language teachers.