After Integration Training : Variation in profiles and investment in Finnish as a second language

Abstract

This study examines adult migrants’ situation in Finland one year after completing Integration Training, a year-long full-time labour market training. Narrative inquiry, influenced by the core story approach, is applied in analysing semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Participants (n = 30) are clustered into nine profiles based on their work or study status and occupational orientation. In addition, the concept of investment is used in analysing the participants’ small stories within these profiles. The most participants recognise a need to improve their Finnish proficiency, but their opportunities to invest in Finnish language learning and use are often limited. Many participants compensate for the lack of Finnish learning opportunities by investing in selfstudy. Imagined futures as students, employees, or Finnish citizens seem to drive the investment in second language learning for most participants. The results shed light on the diversity of migrants’ life situations after Integration Training and make their challenges in second language investment visible.