Learning Finnish: The Ultimate Adventure for International Students

The Adventure Education degree programme at Humak offers international students a unique opportunity to learn Finnish through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on learning. With courses designed to enhance both language skills and cultural understanding, students engage in immersive learning experiences that make daily life in Finland easier and more enjoyable.

By reading this, you will gain an understanding of how the programme helps students overcome language barriers, immerse themselves in Finnish culture, and apply their language skills in real-life situations, all while emphasizing the central role of adventure education and nature as key themes.

A Unique Learning Experience

The Adventure Education degree programme at Humak offers a unique learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on activities in nature. This program is particularly appealing to international students seeking an immersive and practical approach to education.

At Humak, two 5 ECTS Finnish language courses are offered to international Adventure Education students. Finnish 1 and Finnish 2 are classroom-based courses focused on face-to-face interaction and practical language use.

Enhancing Everyday Communication

Learning Finnish enables students to communicate effectively in everyday situations, making daily life in Finland smoother and more enjoyable. In addition, language studies provide insights into Finnish culture and traditions.

In the contact teaching sessions, the emphasis is on developing oral skills. Previously, an excellent addition to the course was the participation of Finnish-speaking tutors in the lessons. Their presence allowed students to practice conversational skills in a supportive and interactive environment.

The Power of Personal Stories

In the writing exercises, the focus is on personal stories and authenticity. Personal stories in language learning offer several benefits. They make the learning process more engaging and meaningful, as students can connect with the language on a personal level. Sharing authentic experiences helps build confidence in speaking and writing and encourages the use of vocabulary and structures in context. Personal stories also promote creativity, enhance cultural understanding, and foster a deeper emotional connection with the language, making it easier for students to remember and use new words and expressions.

Nature-Based Learning Activities

One of the tasks in the Finnish 2 course is to prepare a visual presentation about a preferred nature spot. In addition to this, students are expected to collect a vocabulary list (Finnish-English) and prepare a discussion activity or game related to their chosen location. They teach at least 20 nature words to the class in a creative way, using methods such as games.

Students spend a lot of time outdoors as part of their studies, participating in various activities, and many carry out their work placement in Lapland. The presentations have been truly impressive, with many students going the extra mile by creating video presentations on their chosen nature spots.

One of the enduring favorites has been the sauna, a key part of Finnish culture. For one presentation, the entire group gathered at the campus sauna, where they learned sauna-related vocabulary in an authentic setting. This made the learning experience both fun and memorable.

In recent years, we have also spent a full day exploring Vartiosaari, my favorite island in Helsinki, which has quickly become a student favorite as well. The island features a stunning nature and wellness trail, with information boards also sharing the island’s rich history. Vartiosaari holds a special place in my heart, as I’ve spent many summers there in a communal cottage. The island has a dreamlike atmosphere, a sense of a bygone era—as if time had stopped. It’s hard to believe that just a short metro ride can transport you to what feels like another reality. This contrast is something that students often highlight with amazement: how close nature is in Helsinki. The concept of jokamiehenoikeudet, the Finnish “everyman’s rights,” also leaves a lasting impression on them.

Innovative Teaching Approaches

One of the students, Pedro Laguardia, is working on his thesis, which involved creating a language game designed to enhance learning through an activity-based learning (ABL) approach. The goal of the game, Crossing the River, is to accumulate the maximum number of points by collecting leaves from the river and forming words with them on a crossword field.

The use of role-playing, games, and activity-based learning methods plays a key role in enhancing the learning process, making it more engaging, dynamic, and effective for students. An important element of the teaching approach is supporting students’ creativity, incorporating authentic stories, and, of course, bringing an adventurous perspective to Finnish language learning. These elements together create a rich and stimulating environment where students can thrive both linguistically and personally.

Building a Foundation for the Future

Finnish language skills create a solid foundation for students who plan to stay in Finland, whether for work or further studies. Even at the beginner level, learning terminology related to their field—adventure education—is crucial. Understanding key terms and concepts not only supports academic success but also enhances professional competence. Furthermore, being able to use Finnish in daily interactions, such as handling errands or participating in conversations, brings a sense of accomplishment and connection. For many students, mastering even basic Finnish opens doors to deeper cultural integration and long-term opportunities in Finland.

Author: Kirsi Koivisto, Senior Lecturer, Humak University of Applied Sciences

Photos: Kirsi Koivisto’s archive.

Publication date: 11.12.2025

Publication series: Harticles

Publisher: Humak University of Applied Sciences