Online courses about Finnish working life

Join Start to Finnish – A Course on Finnish Working Life

We warmly welcome you to participate in an online course titled "Start to Finnish”. This self-learning experience is designed exclusively for forward-thinking students eager to understand the nuances of the culture, practices, and legislation of working in Finland.

Course Duration & Structure

The course is organized entirely online and there are no joint lectures during the course. The course materials are available in an online platform where you will move forward at your own pace. You will have access to the materials for the duration of your studies or as long as your study institution is in cooperation with Akava.

The course structure consists of the following learning modules:

• Features of Finnish Society – orientation module
• When looking for work -module
• When starting work –module
• When working -module
• When work ends -module

Each learning module includes 5 or 6 chapters. Additionally, you will be required to read through the Welcome page with instructions, as well as complete the Feedback-page at the end of the course. Completing the course requires approximately 20-25 hours of work.

Please note that this is not a Finnish language course. The course is only available in English.

Mandatory tasks

To receive a certificate of completion from the course, you will need to complete the following tasks:

• Read through all the content of the course
• Complete mandatory Your turn -tasks in each module
• Reflect on what you have learned at the end of each module
• Complete the course feedback

There are no lectures during the course. However, the course platform encourage discussion and sharing experiences. Your turn -tasks will provide the opportunity to connect with students from every corner of Finland. All discussions are also moderated, and your privacy has been considered.

The use of AI during the course

The use of AI is not prohibited during the course, and AI tools are used also on the course platform. However, we strongly discourage relying on just AI instead of your own lived experiences. Most of the tasks in the course don’t require the use of AI since we will mainly ask for you to share your own thoughts.

Why Participate?

• Prepare for the future by deepening your understanding of the Finnish work environment.
• Flexible learning that fits around your schedule, accessible anywhere with an internet connection.
• Certificate of completion, showcasing your initiative and willingness to learn beyond the traditional curriculum.
• Student testimonials: The course has been rated as 9/10 by our past participants! They additionally described the course as exceptionally valuable and comprehensive learning opportunity.

Requirements for Participation

You can be at any stage of your Bachelor’s or Master’s studies to participate in the course. Participants only need an internet connection, a mobile device or computer access, and interest in learning more about Finnish working life.

You can also be a PhD student to attend the course, but please do notice that many of the topics covered are not directly applicable to your work environments.

Enrollment Details

Enroll now and take the first step towards expanding your knowledge and potential in the Finnish working environment. You can enroll to the course with your HAKA-login by clicking the following link: https://start-to-finnish-students.in.howspace.com/ 

Please notice that you can only use the email login after you have registered to the course with your HAKA credentials.

Study credits

Please notice that universities and universities of applied sciences will individually decide if they issue study credits for students for completing the course. If you have questions about credits, contact the personnel in your own UNI or UAS.

Further Information:

The course is moderated and designed by Akava, the Confederation of Unions for Professional and Managerial Staff in Finland, in co-operation with universities and universities of applied sciences across the country. For additional questions, please contact the course admin Jutta Linna (jutta.linna [at] akava.fi (jutta[dot]linna[at]akava[dot]fi)).