Englannin kieli | Länsi-Suomen opisto

1. What is the course structure?

- The course is nine-months in length and starts in late August/early September and ends in May. It begins with four months of fairly intensive study at Länsi-Suomen opisto before a further four month period of academic studies and a final 2 week stay in Britain. The time spent in Huittinen consists of five hours of classroom study per day plus fifteen hours of personal study per week on top of that. All areas of language study are covered from listening, speaking, writing and reading to grammar and vocabulary, with a particular emphasis on pronunciation and phonetics and communicative use of language within discussion, presentations and selected projects. A special focus is also given to the study of current events and culture in Britain and Finland, as well as cultural history and Literature. In the Spring the course continues the study of the language with more emphasis placed on exploring the academic side of the language, and will include Textual analysis, writing skills, home reading, translation skills and the study of semiotics and linguistics. There will also be 3 intensive study weeks focusing on The language of Customer Service, business administration, financial administration and other selected topics to be decided by the students' interests and needs. The intensive weeks are further open to other students who may wish to join the lessons independent of the rest of the course. The focus remains during this part of the course on the practical use of the language and improving communicative skills, academic skills as well as preparation for University entrance examinations and / or IELTS/ TOEFL examinations. Excursions, trips, cultural events and guest lectures are additionally organized throughout the course.

2. What level is the course at?

- The course is suitable for students from basic level and upward. We normally have students coming from High schools, those preparing for university, open university or IELTS examinations as well as students who simply wish to improve their language level for communicative or work related reasons. Naturally, almost no two students are at the exact same level, so the course is designed to allow for the variations without it ever being too easy or too difficult for anyone. Our mantra is "cooperation and coordination". Not only do people have different levels of English, but they also need their English skills for very different reasons. We take this all into consideration when administering the course contents. The beginning of the course incorporates an 'Introduction to Language Studies' which assesses students level, their aims and goals, language needs and students individual learning styles and develops a study programme (H.O.P.S) where by students can keep a journal and assessment of their studies and progress throughout the course. The student, on completing the course will receive an official Certificate detailing study credit, subjects completed and appropriate grades for each area.

3. Am I too young/old to come and study there?

- No. Regularly we have students ranging from late-teen school leavers to pensioners and anywhere in between. Or students come from all over Europe and an international environment is encouraged. A good mixture of ages in the class gives the course a nice balance of interests and often allows for a lively discussion, given the different backgrounds and ages of the students. We welcome the diversity and feel it is only beneficial to the course.

4. What is the accommodation in the UK like?

- Each student stays with a local resident close by the place where the classes will be held. The types of accommodation range from small and cosy to large and spacious and the hosts vary in age and profession. We try to find the most suitable host for each student, based on their apparent compatibility as well as things like allergies or dietary concerns. The students find out who they will be staying with in advance of going and are given a chance to correspond with their future hosts, so they are not complete strangers when they meet. Whoever the hosts are, we can guarantee an authentic British experience and a real look at another culture.

5. Can this course prepare me for English language proficiency tests and/or other university entrance exams?

- Yes, A Personal Study Plan that provides a clear goal-oriented and personalized study program framework for the student is prepared in consultation with the teacher. This is regularly checked to ensure student can see their progress and form additional goals. So if you need to take the IELTs, TOEFL or any other English language related exam this course can help you study for them by providing the relevant materials. Open Univeristy studies are also catered to and students may additionally choose to complete study credits within this framework.

6. What have students in the past thought about the course?

- The overwhelming response to our English course has been a positive one. It has been running now for over ten years and each year is tweaked and adjusted to make it better and more suited to the changing need of our students. The students generally find that the course is challenging, but rewarding. When they complete the course, they can normally see in themselves a marked change in their English ability. Sometimes, the improvement can be great, or, if the student has had a good level of English beforehand, the improvement consists mainly of a greater confidence in speaking English. Many students achieve their goals of completing an English examination or University entrance. Each student has had a unique experience and always they say they will never forget the time they spend on the course in Finland and the UK, as well as the friends they made during that time.

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Barry Tyrrell

barry.tyrrell (at) lansisuomenopisto.fi

Länsi-Suomen opisto's English course is designed to prepare students of all ages, backgrounds and levels of education in using English in their daily lives including in their work, studies, hobbies and/or travels, pedagogically and academically. The course is different from many other folk high school language courses in that the students are given the chance to spend selective intense study weeks incorporating different topics as well as a 2 week period at the end of the course in the UK practicing their English in a real setting and getting to know the people and culture of Britain first hand. In both settings the teacher is a qualified, highly experienced and native speaker. Additionally, our students are international and come from many countries in Europe.

The course is tailor-made for the students and each year differs depending on the group's levels. All aspects of English study are covered, including speaking, writing, grammar, vocabulary, listening and pronunciation, home reading, English Communication skills and will also incorporate a H.O.P.S. personal study plan coordinated between individual student and teacher. You may be considering coming to study here, in which case you will be full of questions about the nature of the course in Huittinen and in Britain. Allow me to preemptively answer some of those questions for you.