MISAS - Modell för integrering av utländska studerande via språkbadsstudier och arbetslivssamarbete

Background and goals

Foreign students have difficulty finding jobs due to a lack of knowledge of the Swedish and Finnish language. This means that they often don't stay in Finland but move away after graduation. Therefore, we want to pilot the integration of Swedish language studies into our English-language programs to facilitate the integration of students with a foreign background. In addition to basic language studies during their studies, we will try to offer students the opportunity to work with courses and tasks in Swedish towards the end of their studies, thus further strengthening their vocabulary and language usage.

During their studies, we will test internships with interested companies and organizations (work and study), and students will have a mentor who supports them in both their studies and workplace connections. We will also train language representatives for companies and test this new concept to provide businesses with better conditions to employ staff with a foreign background. Additional measures, such as individual language pathways, language cafés, etc., will offer support to students.

Objectives and benefits

Arcada is responsible for two parallel development areas: 1. Building a structure for continuity in language learning that provides the opportunity to take Swedish courses from beginner level 1 to advanced level 4 during an academic year. These courses will be offered after working hours, allowing MA students and others in the workforce to participate. 2. Creating a new concept with language activities, called language showers, such as practicing Swedish during lunch and other activities that create natural Swedish-speaking environments where students can safely practice using the Swedish language. These activities will support the language, but also integration in general.

Novia's project page: https://www.novia.fi/fi/tki/projektit/m…

Sustainable development goals