Usefulness of Language Support Programs for Immigrants to Integrate in Finland.
Samarasinghe, Pipuni (2025)
2025
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120934152
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025120934152
Tiivistelmä
This thesis focuses on the usefulness of language support programs in ensuring immi-grant integration in Finnish society and labour market. As Finland is looking for interna-tional talent to mitigate demographic problems and labour shortage, proficiency in lan-guages has become key for immigrants to integrate into society, culturally and profes-sionally.
The research has been conducted using qualitative methods in the form of structured online questionnaires using the Google-Form platform. Purposive sampling has been used and result in choosing three groups of participants- immigrants attending language programs, immigrants working in Finnish companies and language instructors. The theo-retical framework has been the Cultural Dimension Theory by Hofstede and the Second Language Acquisition Theory by Krashen.
Findings show that although programs offer structured learning environments, they are poor in ascertaining practical communication needs, cultural adaptation and professional requirements. Participants reported not being very confident using Finnish outside class-room and not being able to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. Key chal-lenges include complexity of Finnish grammar, lack of practical sessions, duration of pro-gramming and lack of understanding between individualistic Finnish society and the col-lectivistic immigrant background.
The thesis recommends the extension of the program duration, integration of practical sessions with native speakers, cultural training integration, the development of digital learning platforms, and prioritization of motivated immigrants wanting long-term settle-ment. These improvements could make the programs as effective as possible and con-tribute to Finland's integration goals while filling labour market needs.
The research has been conducted using qualitative methods in the form of structured online questionnaires using the Google-Form platform. Purposive sampling has been used and result in choosing three groups of participants- immigrants attending language programs, immigrants working in Finnish companies and language instructors. The theo-retical framework has been the Cultural Dimension Theory by Hofstede and the Second Language Acquisition Theory by Krashen.
Findings show that although programs offer structured learning environments, they are poor in ascertaining practical communication needs, cultural adaptation and professional requirements. Participants reported not being very confident using Finnish outside class-room and not being able to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations. Key chal-lenges include complexity of Finnish grammar, lack of practical sessions, duration of pro-gramming and lack of understanding between individualistic Finnish society and the col-lectivistic immigrant background.
The thesis recommends the extension of the program duration, integration of practical sessions with native speakers, cultural training integration, the development of digital learning platforms, and prioritization of motivated immigrants wanting long-term settle-ment. These improvements could make the programs as effective as possible and con-tribute to Finland's integration goals while filling labour market needs.