It's never too early to start planning! The Language Centre not only organises Communication Skills courses for specific faculties, but there are also courses open to students of all faculties (including international students). Students from Åbo Akademi and the School of Economics and Business Administration need to apply for a place (a formality usually, but depends on the number of participants): contact Katja Arola for further information.
For 2010-2011 courses, check the Language Centre website
A special English course usually is held in the spring semester only, "Preparing for Work/Study Abroad". This offers an opportunity to practise basic academic writing, and writing your CV, letters (recommendation, application) and statement of purpose. Practising language tests and talking about cultural differences, culture shock etc are also part of the course.
Also in the spring semester, "Intercultural Communication" is aimed at pre-, mid-, and post-international exchange students (Finnish and visiting). Identity/ies, cultural values, communication styles, verbal and non-verbal communication are examples of topics that are studied and discussed.
The Self-study Area (Rooms K109-110) is open every day for self-study (check the Language Centre website for opening hours). Recently, the opening hours have been Mon-Wed 12-18; Thurs 12-16; Fri 12-14. Lauri Kurki is the language adviser - he can help you with technical problems, finding materials etc. Materials (course books, cassettes etc) are to be found for the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Latvian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Saami, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish (24 in all).
Some guidance for independent study is given on the Language Centre website.
For English, Swedish, and other languages, there are Guided Self-study options (with teacher
and tutor support, for credit). See courses.
In the Self-study Area, there are materials to prepare for international tests of English.
There are course books and cassettes to prepare for the following Cambridge examinations: First Certificate, Advanced and Proficiency (also practice tests).
For the IELTS exam, there is a preparatory pack.
Up-to-date TOEFL preparatory materials and tests are also available.
Ask Lauri Kurki for assistance in finding/using these materials.