The Aalto Language Environment Survey

The Kielibuusti project is conducting a language environment survey at Aalto in spring 2026. The survey aims to chart the use of Finnish, Swedish, and English at the university, and the target group is all Aalto community members – international and Finnish-speaking students and staff alike. The survey is open from 27 April until 18 May 2026.

Answer the survey here!

The survey aims to illuminate current language practices at Aalto University. The focus of the research includes:

• The learning and use of Finnish (and Swedish) among international Aalto community members and the importance of language skills for integration and well-being
• The use of Finnish, Swedish and English among Finnish-speaking community members
• Multilingualism at Aalto (Finnish, Swedish, and English as languages of work, study, and everyday life).

The research is a continuation of an ongoing review at Aalto focused on the implementation of language policy, multilingual teaching and the promotion of well-being and inclusivity. The research will provide information that supports the development of sustainable internationalisation and multilingualism at the university. The research findings can be used to support decision-making and help target measures to achieve Aalto’s strategic aims in, for example, the following areas:

• The implementation of language policy
• Multilingual teaching
• The strengthening of Finland’s domestic languages alongside English
• The improvement of the employability of international students
• Staff well-being and multilingual practices

Based on the research findings, various actors at Aalto will be able to target their development work at areas likely to produce the greatest effect. The results will also guide development work in projects promoting multilingualism, such as Learning Services’ Tools and support for teachers on implementing language guidelines 2026–2027 and the Language Centre’s Kielibuusti 2025–2028 and Technology Sector Finnish projects. The survey is conducted by Aalto University’s Kielibuusti project. The survey results may be reported in publications and conferences, and the findings used for academic research purposes.

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