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Language and communication skills needed in companies and communities are the basis of language studies at Saimaa UAS. The objective of the language studies is to help students to become international professionals who can communicate fluently and naturally at least in three languages. Students focus not only on field-specific language skills but also on intercultural communication. In addition, students understand the meaning of livelong language learning and are motivated by it.
Language studies contain the following parts:
- Core language studies (9 ECTS credits, compulsory for all Finnish students)
- Degree programme language studies (0-12 ECTS credits, depending on the programme)
- Elective language studies (0-96 ECTS credits)
The core language studies consist of the following courses:
- Finnish Communication at Work (3 credits)
- Swedish Communication at Work (3 credits)
- English Communication at Work (3 credits)
Degree programme language studies offer professional field-specific language courses in Finnish, Swedish, Russian and English.
All core and degree programme courses can be seen in SoleOps under degree programmes. Degree programme language courses are optional studies to students studying on a different programme.
Optional language studies include courses in Russian, German, French, Spanish, Japan, Finnish as a Foreign Language, English and Swedish. Some optional courses are taught in English. The courses can be found in SoleOps at Elective Studies – Language Centre.
Foreign language instruction utilizes the framework developed by the European Commission for assessment of language acquisition. Six levels, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 are used, with the level of B2.1 as the basic perquisite in English for UAS students, B1.1 in Swedish, and for those requiring Russian, A2. The goal of language learning for courses at the UAS is a minimum of B2.
Further information:
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The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is used at Saimaa University of Applied Sciences. CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project "Language Learning for European Citizenship". Its main aim is to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe. The six reference levels (see below) are widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual's language proficiency.
CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level. The language courses at Saimaa UAS are taught at a certain proficiency level. English courses start at level B2.1, Swedish courses at B1.2.
| Level |
Description |
| A1 |
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
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| A2 |
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
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| B1 |
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
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| B2 |
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
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| C1 |
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
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| C2 |
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
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