Flexible ways for language learning

The instruction belongs to the following themes

By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

The Language Centre provides flexibility in language studying by offering courses that can be completed fully or partly independently. In addition, valuable tips for autonomous and flexible language learning can be found on this page. You can find all the Language Centre's courses on the page Languages and courses at the Language Centre.

Teaching methods for Language Centre courses

Language Centre’s courses are available as contact teaching, distance teaching, blended teaching, online teaching and independent project. You can find information about the teaching method of the course in Sisu and on the Courses page under the group name. For a more detailed description of completion method of the course, see the course page or the course description.

ALMS (Autonomous Learning Modules)

Autonomous learning modules (ALMS) courses are one option of fulfilling the foreign and 2nd national language requirement in the degree. They are based on individual learning needs, learner reflection and self-evaluation. ALMS courses are available in English (ALMS) and Swedish (SVALMS).

Other autonomous learning courses

  • KK-RAN311 CLARA (Cours de Langue en Autonomie pour Réactiver son Apprentissage) - French Course in Autonomy (CEFR B1), 2 cr 
  • KK-SAK306 IDEAL - Individuelles Deutsch Autonomes Lernprogramm - Autonomous German learning course (CEFR B1), 3 cr

Online self-access language learning

You can study languages online irrespective of your schedule and location. Check out the online materials below. You can also get more information about independent language learning from the Language Centre's teacher tutors.

Online materials

Language testing systems
Online material (produced) by Language Centre

Course assistant programme for international students

There are course assistants in most of Language Centre courses. Course assistants are international exchange or degree students who act as native peers for the local students learning assistant's native language. They work together with Language Centre teachers. You can brush up your language skills with the help of course assistants. They help language learners e.g. with pronunciation, group work and discussion skills both in and out of the classroom. Feel free to ask them for help in other language learning matters as well.

If you are interested in becoming a course assistant yourself or would like to know more, you can read more about assistants in language courses on the Course Assistant Programme page.

ALICE (Academic Language and Intercultural Exchange)

The basic idea of ALICE courses (2 ECTS) is to provide two language learners who speak different native languages the opportunity to learn about each other’s language and culture in an interactive way. Besides learning each other’s language, the two learners get an insight into each other’s cultures and customs and receive information about the practicalities of everyday life.

Language Centre Events

LC events "Talking cultures" workshop (15.3.2018)

Language Centre events are open for all University of Helsinki students and staff as well as collaborating high school teachers and students. LC events are informal gatherings and they yield no academic credits. You can read more about the events from the Support for Teaching and Learning unit's blog, or contact Nina Sulonen.

Multilingual workshop

Multilingual LC workshops create a relaxed opportunity to discuss cultural issues from different perspectives and bring international and local students together. LC events offer the participants a chance to brush up language skills and learn more about intercultural communication and different cultures. During the workshops, the discussions take place in different language tables, which are hosted by international students assisting in Language Centre courses.