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Language mentor assists international students in language learning

Language mentor supports and encourages international students in Finnish language studies and everyday situations. At the same time, the mentor gets the chance to learn about new communities and cultures. Language mentors are ready to share their everyday lives and give their time to Finnish learners.

Kuvituskuva — A language mentor familiarise the student with the Finnish culture. Photo: Rainer Paananen. All rights reserved.

What is language mentor?

Language Mentor…

supports Finnish-learning students in their studies and everyday life
encourages the student to use Finnish in everyday and working life
teaches the student about different communities and Finnish culture
learns about new communities and cultures
can practise guidance and dialogue-based encounters
can develop their language-aware communication skills.

What is required of the language mentor?

The language mentor…

is ready to get to know the new student
wants to share their daily lives and give their time to the student learning Finnish
is able to speak and write Finnish fluently
wants to learn more about guidance and the daily life of immigrants
is willing to consider the student's challenges and find solutions to them
is ready to dive into new situations and encounters.

Tips for language mentoring

Many people may be nervous about speaking Finnish. As a language mentor, your task is to encourage the student to use even the most modest language skills. If you run out of words, you can start the sentence in Finnish and end it in English.
You can use natural spoken language but remember to communicate in Easy Finnish. If necessary, slow down your speech and explain any unfamiliar words or phrases to the student. Learn about Easy Finnish.
Depending on the student's proficiency level, you can also use English, but try to speak Finnish as much as possible. International students don’t often get to speak Finnish as Finnish speakers like to talk to them in English.
However, if the student asks you to speak English, say the same in both languages.
You can also use various translation programmes, but please note the limitations of the programmes.

Find Youtubers specialising in language! What kind of tips do they have for learning languages? Collect the best tips.
Go to the library together. Is there a language café? Can you find Finnish textbooks and literature on Easy Finnish in the library?
Listen to your favourite songs together using aids such as the Lyricstraining application to learn vocabulary, listening skills and pronunciation. Music is a good way to learn pronunciation and difficult sounds.
Watch interesting TV shows together through Yle's language school.
Get together to cook with other language mentors and language learners. Practical activities help to learn the language, as the environment supports understanding: explain what you are doing, name the tools you are using, translate your student's favourite recipe into Finnish, etc. Bon appetit!

Agree on a possible visit to the Finnish course that your student is taking. Ask the course teacher about the possibility to visit. Read the description of the course content and language proficiency in advance.
Find information on multiculturalism and integration, for example at the Centre of Expertise in Immigrant Integration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.
Use Johanna Kartio's guide to learn about using Easy Finnish: 12 steps to teaching in Easy Finnish.
During the first meeting, find out about the wishes of your student and agree on future meetings.