Language courses in Åland

Åland is monolingual (Swedish), unlike Finland, where both Finnish and Swedish are spoken. The Citizens’ Institute (Medis) is the institution in Åland that offers courses in Swedish for immigrants and language studies in other Nordic and non-Nordic languages. The content of the language courses varies and the level is in accordance with the Council of Europe's reference framework (A1-C1). You can find all of Medis' course offerings on their website.

Swedish for immigrants (SFI) courses are full-time intensive courses funded by the Government of Åland. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Åland and be registered as an unemployed jobseeker with the Åland Labour Market and Student Service Authority (AMS). Medis also organises general Swedish language courses for immigrants who do not want to or cannot attend an SFI course. Read more on the AMS or Medis website on Swedish for immigrants.

Each term, Medis organises a course that specifically prepares students for general language exams. The General Language Proficiency Test (YKI) is a national language proficiency test for adults organised by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The exam assesses knowledge of standard language in practical situations. The YKI certificate can be used, for example, to:

• apply for a job or study place
• apply for Finnish citizenship
• demonstrate your language skills to employers

Read more about course dates, fees and registration for general language exams on Medis' website.

The Info Norden website provides information on language courses in the other Nordic countries and contact details for the authorities that can answer any questions.