FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS
Zalina, from Russia
I studied at Lärkkulla in total for 6 months, during September-November, 2018 and March-May, 2019. I chose Lärkkulla for several reasons. The intensity of the program and the fact that teachers are all native speakers were the point. The big advantage for me was also provided accommodation and food. When you are new to the country it is more convenient when you don't have to think about where to find a place to live or how much time and money do you spend on preparing food.
I always recall that experience as pleasure. I enjoyed the lessons, food, buildings and the place in general where the school is located, surrounded by nature. I loved the evenings spent on homework in the common room. Organised trips to Sweden, and around the region were also entertaining.
At Lärkkulla I have made my first steps in Finnish. I came there with a zero level in Finnish and during 6 months I've gained B1.
But the most important part was that I became more confident that it is possible to learn this difficult language since teachers were wonderful and had strong teaching skills. They made the studying process very comfortable. In my opinion, it is utterly important when you study for hours every day. Not only the teachers but all staff in Lärkkulla was very supportive and it really helped. I am very thankful that I have met them.
I can surely recommend Lärkkulla for studying languages. And I really do when my friends ask me about my Finnish language studies.
Janis, from Latvia
I studied at Lärkkulla for one full month, it was in July 2019.
I chose to study at Lärkkulla because many important things were available in one place. In my opinion, Lärkkulla is an excellent language provider. Lärkkulla provides outstanding language courses with native teachers. In my case, it is very important that Lärkkulla provides accommodation, sports activities, and meals at a very friendly and affordable price.
I enjoyed all the things and activities from Lärkkulla. For me, the important thing is time planning, management, and Lärkkulla it provided throughout my studies. I was excited with theoretical and practical lectures, I had homework according to the theme of the day. I enjoyed the lessons in small and big groups, different approaches ensure rapid development. It is important for me to know that there is strong support from educators.
Education at Lärkkulla is an important step in my professional career. I got excellent basic knowledge of Finnish. With the acquired knowledge, I continued to study Finnish and after a year passed the YKI exam. Lärkkulla gave me the opportunity to be closer to my goal.
Lärkkulla in Finland is for me, you and each of us, to help and achieve our own goals. Lärkkulla is an excellent language provider with an individual approach to each. Lärkkulla provides all the necessary conditions to make learning easy and understandable. Acquired knowledge at Lärkkulla helped me on the path to a bright future - I got my place in the Finnish labor market as a doctor!
Olga, from Russia
I was studying Swedish in Lärkkulla for 9 months last year.
I have chosen this school because I got a lot of good recommendations from my friends who were studying in Lärkkulla before.
Lärkkulla is more than just a school, it is family and home. It was so pleasant and comfortable to study in this friendly atmosphere, without stress which is very important in my opinion.
We have had a lot of different interesting conversations at school and I was studying language and learn myself to be “open-minded” at the same time, that’s great!
And for sure it was the best way to prepare for the YKI test.
I proudly recommend Lärkkulla to everyone who wants to start to speak Swedish, Finnish, or English. You will not only speak a new language, but you will also find new good friends. And socialize process in the new country will be much easier.
Fatai Aderemi, from Nigeria
I got information about Lärkkulla through a friend who also was a student here, he told me about the teaching of the Finnish Language was so comprehensive enough for him to understand the language and was able to pass the YKI test and I decided to follow his advice of coming because I need to pass the YKI test as well.
The studies have been going on smoothly, the friendliness and the attitude of tutors teaching have been great so far. I have enjoyed the studies and getting by.
I would recommend Lärkkulla to any friend I know who would like to write the YKI test or want to learn the Finnish Language.
Kevin, from USA
I began my Swedish Studies at Lärkkulla in March 2017. Upon visiting a Native Finnish woman who I later married, I decided to relocate to and began my new life as a Foreigner Living in Finland. In doing so, I was advised by the TE Bureau to choose a language program. Lärkkulla was close to my residence in Ekenäs, Finland. It was fortuitous that I happened to live close to the such an institution. However, their 2017 winter program had begun in January and I was not enrolled until March 2017. Nonetheless, the teacher assigned a teacher's aid to help me catch up. Right away, I knew I was in a professional organization with a caring staff. That was to prove to be the case again and again.
The program was a well structured on. The instructors showed no favoritism toward fast learners. This class was the rare INTERGRATION class consisted of people from parts of the world. Some came from countries where their education was denied or lacking. Yet, everyone in the course were treated with respect and equality. This impressed me. As an American transplant, I had no recommendation for a language course nor how to distinguish a good from a bad one in Southwest Finland. Indeed my background in the study of a foreign language was as lacking as the dismal state of nations politics at the time. Nonetheless, despite the obvious intelligence of the faculty (and Finns in general) on world affairs, the atmosphere all around Lärkkulla was always on the learning aspects of Finnish culture and (in my case) the Swedish language. In fact, the campus felt like I imagines an international learning environment to be.
I highly recommend Lärkkulla for anyone from any country. After 9 months of intensive study, I graduated with a decent rating. One final note. I am a poor example as a graduate. Despite constant urging by the rector and staff not to, I often reverted to speaking my native tongue of English as soon as I stepped off campus. Therefore, my Swedish fell off.. I feel I should return to study and if and when I do, I will choose Lärkkulla. On my second go-round, I'll endeavor harder to learn and apply what they offer. They seem to know what they are doing.
Maricar, from the Philippines
I originally come from the Philippines. I moved to Finland from Jerusalem three years ago. I studied in Lärkkulla for nine months in 2020 - 2021.
Two of my friends recommended Lärkkulla folk academy. I was told that they have great teachers, a beautiful environment, friendly staff, and good food. When socializing with other ex-pat people I thought the English language would be enough for me to communicate with other people but unfortunately, it was not. I realized that after we moved to Finland. I always felt that I am not part of the conversation and it left me less social.
I liked studying in Lärkkulla because we had classmates from different countries and we learned a lot about different cultures as well. We really had so much fun. We all became friends and learned to help and respect each other. Our teacher really supported us and understood how busy I am with school and family. I was determined and eventually, everything went well and according to my plan. The good thing is that you can do your final YKI test in the same classroom where you have been studying for nine months. You are familiar with the environment and the teachers.
I certainly gained self-confidence and I am very happy about my achievement! I finally started to listen to and read Swedish news, interact with people with short conversations and I felt part of the society.
I can highly recommend Lärkkulla Folk academy for anybody who wants to study Swedish, Finnish, or English.