University of Helsinki

Language Studies and Services for International Students

Language Tutors

During terms, language tutors (Language Centre teachers) in English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Swedish are available for consultation and advice at the Self-Access Centre once a week.

Tutoring services are available for all members of the academic community. You can ask the tutors about language courses, materials, studying techniques, pronunciation, grammar, answers to exercises etc. Tutor consultation is particularly helpful for learners studying a language on their own. If you wish, the tutor can help you make a personal study plan for your self-access learning.

Have you ever thought about yourself as a language learner? How do you feel about your skills? What do you need languages for? How does your personality affect the way you learn? Kaleidoscope is here to help you with this reflection.

Self-access learning

The Language Centre Self-Access Centre (in Learning Centre Aleksandria) offers facilities and materials for independent study in nearly 50 languages. Language tutors in eight languages are available for consultation once a week. The self-access staff will assist in finding materials or using the equipment. Most AV materials connected with Language Centre course assignments are available in the Self-Access Centre. Self-access services can also be used by the staff of the University of Helsinki.

Self-access language learning is a flexible and personalised way of learning. You choose your study materials yourself, as well as the time and pace of study, and, in the future, often also the place of study. Using this approach, you can start learning a new language or brush up on a language you already know. Self-access language learning is also a useful experience as such; independent language learning skills will be highly rated in future working life.

How to study a language independently? How to practise listening, reading, writing and vocabulary? See the ALMS learner support pages created by our ALMS teachers!

Learner support material

Learning Resources

Language Centre Self-Access Centre provides learning materials in nearly 50 languages: textbooks, dictionaries, grammars, videotapes, DVD's, audiotapes, CDs and computer-assisted language learning programs.

The largest selection is found in the languages that are studied most (English, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish). Textbooks and audio materials connected with Language Centre courses are also available in self-access. The materials cannot be taken home.

Satellite TV provides you with an access to authentic language usage. It is also a good medium for learning more about the life and culture of other countries. Dozens of channels in more than 20 languages are available live at the Self-Access Centre.

List of self-access materials (on the Intranet)
Language Links

Contact information

Opening hours during terms: Mon-Thu 10-20, Fri 10-16
Learning Centre Aleksandria, Fabianinkatu 28, P.O. Box 53
1st floor, entrance on the "balcony" in the north-eastern corner
Tel. (09) 191 23231
E-mail: kielikeskus-itseopiskelu@helsinki.fi
Intranet: https://alma.helsinki.fi/window/151

Learning Centre Aleksandria