Recruitment process at Silk Road Workforce Management Ltd. has temporarily paused, but our community remains dedicated to their goal of working in Finland’s healthcare sector. We asked our community online to share how they are continuing their Finnish language learning and their responses were incredibly inspiring, offering a wide variety of methods that are helping other aspiring healthcare workers stay engaged and motivated. Here are some of their tips:

Many aspiring healthcare workers rely on apps like Duolingo, Opeton, and FinnishPod101 to learn Finnish at their own pace. These tools are accessible and help learners build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and improve grammar. While these apps are valuable, aspiring healthcare workers recognize that learning a new language—especially one as challenging as Finnish—takes time, effort, and consistency.

“I’m making good progress with my Finnish studies by watching Finnish Lessons online by subscribing to Finnish Pod 101 listening. And practicing on how to pronounce the words correctly.” – Elby

“I use Duolingo and you tube, but at times my family wonders , when will I be called from the waiting list, after passing the interview. But I keep learning.” – Jesutofunmi

These tools have been essential for keeping them connected to the language and building the skills they need to succeed in Finland. However, for many, the apps are just one part of their learning toolkit.

Another effective way of learning Finnish is by engaging with native speakers or joining online language exchange platforms like HelloTalk, Tandem, and Facebook groups. This approach helps candidates practice conversational Finnish in real-life scenarios, allowing them to improve their fluency.

” I joined some Finnish group on Facebook to learn more.” – John

“I have met some amazing Finns on HelloTalk and Tandem (language exchange app). Most of the time, we just practice speaking about daily encounters.” – Bryne

These platforms offer opportunities to not only practice speaking but also learn about Finnish culture. The social interaction aspect can be a great motivator, especially for those who enjoy learning through conversation and building new connections.

Structured materials like Anna mä hoidan and study tips from the Nordic Language Training Review Center (NLRC ) have been particularly helpful for those preparing for healthcare work in Finland. Some candidates have also found success by partnering with others to share resources and motivate one another.

“Studying has been fun, reading and studying with a new partner, using the study tips from NLRC and Anna mä hoidan… Now I can communicate in simple Finnish because I now have a comprehensive understanding of the materials which is a good study guide.” – Harriet

This approach provides a solid foundation in healthcare-related Finnish vocabulary and grammar, giving aspiring healthcare workers a head start on the specific language they will need in their future roles.

Immersing themselves in the Finnish language by listening to music, podcasts, or watching TV series has been another effective method. This helps learners get used to hearing the rhythm and sound of the language while enjoying content they can relate to or find entertaining.

“I listen to Finnish music, shadowing the words to improve my pronunciation.” – Bryne

 “I listen to Finnish songs and try as much to get the lyrics pronunciation correct even though may not understand every word. I also watch movies with Finnish subtitles and had a discussion group before the hold, two hours everyday.” – Mary

This form of passive learning can be especially useful for improving pronunciation and picking up new vocabulary. It’s also a great way to make learning more enjoyable, turning what might feel like a chore into a fun and culturally enriching activity.

Some have taken a more creative approach to their Finnish studies by using personalized techniques such as DIY vocabulary jars, grammar exercises, and creating structured daily routines. These creative methods help keep the learning process fresh and engaging. By incorporating small daily routines, learners can steadily build their skills over time, making gradual progress toward fluency.

“I made a DIY word jar and watch Finnish TV series for practice.” – Charm

“I conjugate Finnish verbs daily and apply consonant gradation rules.” – Ugochukwu

The variety of methods shared by our community of aspiring healthcare workers highlights the determination and creativity required to learn a new language, particularly one as complex as Finnish. From Duolingo to YouTube channels, from DIY vocabulary jars to grammar exercises, they are finding ways to stay committed to their goals, even as they wait for the recruitment process to resume.

Language learning is a gradual process that requires dedication and patience. While these strategies can certainly help, it’s important to recognize that mastering Finnish, like any other language, takes time, and consistent effort.

We hope these tips inspire others looking to enhance their own language learning journey. If you have additional tips or resources, we encourage you to share them, and together, let’s continue exploring effective ways to learn Finnish, even while the recruitment program is on hold.

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