2025

Mureithi, Kamau

Currently, many universities of applied sciences in Finland offer international nursing degree programs taught in English language. However, a significant challenge remains in effectively supporting students’ Finnish language competence development. Although Finland presents itself as a multicultural society, multilingualism without proficiency in the Finnish language continues to place international students at a disadvantage. Aim of this study is to describe nurse educators’ experiences of how Finnish language competence and its development support international nurse graduates’ transition and integration into working life. This study employed a qualitative secondary data analysis. Data were collected in spring of 2021 from 20 nurse educators who teach international students. Participants were recruited from three universities of applied sciences. Universities of applied sciences must find effective ways to support language competence development. Stakeholder cooperation is vital to strengthen language learning.