Learning a New Language Is a Journey

Embarking on the journey to learn a new language is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Clear communication is the cornerstone of effective patient care, making language proficiency an invaluable asset as a healthcare professional. NLRC’s hand-crafted Finnish language training program offers a specialized approach that caters specifically to healthcare professionals, ensuring you not only grasp the fundamentals but also acquire the specific vocabulary and expressions crucial for your field. Complementing NLRC’s comprehensive program, a diverse range of extra resources exist to enrich your Finnish language journey, enabling you to communicate with patients and colleagues upon arrival in Finland.

Our language partner, NLRC’s language training program is an unparalleled option for healthcare professionals seeking to master Finnish. Uniquely designed with your needs as a nurse or caregiver in mind, NLRC’s program seamlessly integrates language vital to your role, equipping you with the skills necessary to communicate confidently and effectively. NLRC also offers you more content on their YouTube channel, which hosts a trove of educational videos about the Finnish language as well as the Finnish culture perfectly aligned with your language learning journey.

For those eager to dive deeper into the Finnish language, we here at Silk Road have curated a collection of external language resources and helpful tips just for you!

Tip 1. Language Learning Apps

There are a plethora of language learning apps to choose from. The most widely known probably being Duolingo. Duolingo offers you an engaging and interactive platform to master Finnish. Why we have chosen to feature Duolingo here is because of Its bite-sized lessons which are particularly suitable for busy nurses and caregivers, allowing you to squeeze in practice during your daily routines and breaks. Keeping your mind active with short bursts of learning can really help with consistency over the long term.

Tip 2. YouTube

Like we already mentioned earlier you can find a plethora of videos made by NLRC on their YouTube channel. Besides NLRC’s channel we can also recommend Finnish with Anna. Anna’s videos delve into grammar intricacies, pronunciation nuances, and cultural insights, providing a holistic language learning experience. With over 55 lessons there is plenty of language knowledge to be gained from Anna’s videos.

Tip 3. Watching Your Favorite Shows

When learning a new language a positive attitude can help the learning process immensely. What better way to foster this positive attitude than basing a learning experience on something you already love! If you have access to a VPN set your location to Finland, open Netflix and start watching your favorite show like you usually do. The only difference being that you turn on Finnish subtitles. This method sharpens your listening skills and immerses you in authentic conversations.

Tip 4. Finding a Language Learning Partner

Do you have a friend or colleague who is also enrolled in the Silk Road recruitment program? If not maybe you can team up with another person from your language learning group! Having a language learning partner to practice with not only enhances learning but also makes learning more social. Studying a new language on your own for several months can become lonely. Having a language learning partner to share those moments with can help a lot!

Tip 5. Quizlet

Amplify your vocabulary and reinforce grammar rules through Quizlet’s interactive flashcards and quizzes. Customizable and user-friendly, Quizlet enables targeted learning tailored to your evolving needs. Simply enter the words or phrases that you are trying to learn and create your own quizzes! Fast and effective.

Tip 6. Yle Kielikoulu

Embrace a structured approach to language acquisition with Yle Kielikoulu, an online language learning system offered by the state owned Finnish broadcasting company (Yle). Watch Finnish shows with interactive subtitles. We recommend starting this once you have reached a very basic level of Finnish language at A1.
1. Visit kielikoulu.yle.fi
2. Choose the program you are interested in
3. Select your current language level and language
4. Press continue
Kielikoulu is available in 15 languages including English, Arabic, Chinese, Estonian, Kurdish, Persian, Polish, Russian, Somali, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Tip 7. Yle Uutiset Selkosuomeksi

Once again the Finnish state owned broadcasting service Yle has provided you with great language learning content. Yle Uutiset Selkosuomeksi is the Finnish news presented in easy to understand Finnish. This is a great way of keeping up to date with Finnish news while also learning the language. With time you will understand more and more without the need for a translator.

Tip 8. Consistency Is the Key That Turns Dreams Into Reality!

No matter what you do consistency is the key! Diligently following NLRC’s language training plan while weaving in some extra language learning tips presented here will guarantee your success! Learning a new language is a journey. It is part of your very own Silk Road journey! We believe in you and cannot wait to welcome you here in Finland!

Do you have any other language learning tips? Make sure to share them with everyone else in the comments below!