EfterNian - Helsinki

At Akan in Helsinki and Borgå, you can join our creative and inspiring EfterNian programme.

During the year, you will have the opportunity to explore different forms of creative expression and work with themes such as art, creative writing, culture, drama, music, nature, the environment and geography.

You will develop your skills through practical and creative activities while also exploring your future study and career opportunities.

EfterNian is for you if you want to:

• try out different creative subjects and forms of expression
• develop your life skills and study skills
• strengthen your motivation and self-confidence
• get support in thinking about future studies and career options
• get to know yourself and discover your strengths
• study in a safe and supportive community

At EfterNian, you will study both general subjects that strengthen your basic skills and study skills, as well as subjects based on your own interests and choices.

The programme is free of charge for students covered by compulsory education.

Curriculum for EfterNian – The Folk High School Year for Students in Compulsory Education

Common studies

• Everyday Skills and Life Skills, 5 credits
• Study and Working Life Skills and Self-Knowledge, 5 credits
• Interaction and Communication Skills, 5 credits
• Basic Mathematical Skills and Problem-Solving, 5 credits
• Active Citizenship, 5 credits
• Study Skills and Career Planning Skills, 5 credits

Specialised studies – 25 credits

During your year with us, you will have the opportunity to try subjects such as visual arts, creative writing, cultural experiences, drama, music, and nature, the environment and geography. Due to strong interest, we will also offer more cooking and baking.

The aim of EfterNian is to give students the opportunity to explore different subject areas before choosing their future path in education and working life. The programme strengthens students’ life skills and study skills and gives them time to grow, mature and gain clarity about their future plans.

Other important goals are to support students in finding their motivation to study and to strengthen their self-confidence and belief in their own abilities. At Akan, everyone is respected for who they are.

Whether you study in Borgå or Helsinki, you will take part in the shared EfterNian programme and experience the folk high school approach to learning through community, practical activities and personal development.

You can choose the location that suits you best.

In Helsinki, we also offer EfterNian-Swedish – a special study option for those who want to strengthen their Swedish language skills and prepare for further studies in Swedish.

This study option is specifically designed for young people with an immigrant background whose first language is not Swedish, Finnish or Sámi.

Here, Swedish is both a subject you study and a tool for learning other things. You will develop your Swedish through everyday activities, studies and working life, while practising reading, writing, speaking and understanding Swedish.

The Folk High School Year with a focus on Swedish is suitable for students who:

• want to improve their Swedish language skills and develop study skills that enable them to continue their studies in Swedish at upper secondary level
• have an immigrant background and a first language other than Swedish, Finnish or Sámi
• want to strengthen their basic skills and study skills in order to succeed in upper secondary studies
• need support in finding motivation for their studies
• want to gain clarity about their future plans
• need support in strengthening their life skills and everyday skills
• appreciate and benefit from the folk high school’s community-oriented approach and personal guidance
• have discontinued vocational or upper secondary studies and need time to gain clarity about their future plans

The programme is free of charge for students covered by compulsory education.

Curriculum for EfterNian – The Folk High School Year for Students in Compulsory Education

Common studies

• Everyday Skills and Life Skills, 5 credits
• Study and Working Life Skills and Self-Knowledge, 5 credits
• Interaction and Communication Skills, 5 credits
• Basic Mathematical Skills and Problem-Solving, 5 credits
• Active Citizenship, 5 credits
• Study Skills and Career Planning Skills, 5 credits

Specialised studies – 25 credits

• Swedish in everyday life
• Oral communication
• Reading and reading comprehension
• Written Swedish
• Vocabulary and grammar
• Swedish for studies
• Swedish in working life
• Swedish in society and Swedish-speaking Finnish culture
• Swedish for further studies