The Language Centre is responsible for language and communication studies included in degrees on Joensuu and Kuopio campuses of the University of Eastern Finland. In addition to degree courses, we arrange optional courses for undergraduate, postgraduate and international exchange students, as well as charter courses. Studies at the Language Centre provide tools for life-long learning in language and communication skills. We seek to guide our students towards independence, taking initiative and becoming creative communicators.
The activities of the Language Centre support the internationalisation of the entire University and Eastern Finland.
Finnish as a second language
The Language Centre offers Finnish as a second language studies for our students, researchers, and staff. Further information on courses can be found in WebOodi and in Peppi from Dec 15th 2021 onwards.
- 8014301 Finnish 1, 4 Cp (Autumn)
- 8014302 Finnish 2, 4 Cp (Spring)
- 8014303 Finnish 3, 4 Cp (Autumn)
- 8014304 Finnish 4, 4 Cp (Spring)
- 8014300 Survival Finnish, 2 Cp (for international exchange students)
In addition to WebOodi/Peppi, you can find more information on courses in Language Centre Study Community (requires UEF login). If you can't find information you're looking for, please contact our Finnish as a second language teachers.
Courses for students of Karelia and Savonia UAS
Registered students of Karelia and Savonia University of Applied Sciences can take part in some language courses offered by the UEF Language Centre. These studies are free of charge.
Please see links below for further information and registration.
Autumn 2021 (registration open 2.8. - 31.8.2021)
Spring 2022 (registration open in Autumn 2021)
- Chinese 2
- Chinese Culture and Social Customs (for Karelia students only)
- Finnish 4
Registration (form open 2.8. - 31.8.2021)
Contact information
The Language Centre administration and teaching staff are listed here. The location of the Language Centre offices on the Kuopio and Joensuu Campuses is shown on Google maps.
Satu Karhapää-Puhakka
Head of Academic and Student Affairs
+358504387631
Lisa Kovanen
Joensuu Campus, Aurora AU2147
E-mail: lisa.kovanen@uef.fi
Elina Vasarainen
Joensuu Campus, AU2147
E-mail: elinavas@uef.fi
Pia Ahtonen
Kuopio Campus, Canthia 2212
E-mail: pia.ahtonen@uef.fi
Inga Meier
Kuopio Campus, Canthia 2212
E-mail: inga.meier@uef.fi
Janne Häyrinen
Joensuun Campus, Aurora AU2147
E-mail: janne.hayrinen@uef.fi
Language Centre on the Joensuu Campus
Visiting address: Yliopistokatu 2, Aurora building, 2nd floor
Office opening hours: Mon and Thu 12–15
Postal address: Itä-Suomen yliopisto, Kielikeskus, P.O.Box 111, 80101 Joensuu
Tel. +35850 572 1822
Financial Secretary: Jaana Hyppönen, e-mail: jaana.hypponen@uef.fi
Study guidance: Anu Emilia Huovinen, e-mail: anu-emilia.huovinen@uef.fi (from August 1st 2021 onwards)
Language Centre on the Kuopio Campus
Visiting address: Yliopistonranta 1 C, Canthia building, 2nd floor (B door)
Office opening hours: Mon and Thu 12–15
Postal address: Itä-Suomen yliopisto, Kielikeskus, P.O.Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio
Tel. +35840 355 2873
Study guidance: Maija Sulkakoski, e-mail: maija.sulkakoski@uef.fi; Satu Karhapää-Puhakka, e-mail: satu.karhapaa-puhakka@uef.fi