The students selected for the task do not need to have pedagogical education or teaching experience, but they must have strong social skills and the courage to dive into multilingual interactive situations. They must also be able to commit to the activities for at least a term. The more suitable students you can find to lead a language café, the better. In this case, they can take turns leading the language café, thus preventing the task from becoming too much of a burden. Each language café must have at least two leaders.

Meet with the language café leaders before the term begins. Go over the practical details (schedule, joint online learning environment for communication, leaders for each language café session, etc.), the Safer Space policies and the use of plain language and support languages. You can also come up with guidelines for the content and activities of the language cafés together.

Language café leaders may need plenty of guidance and support, especially at the beginning of the activities. You should attend at least the first language café. At some higher education institutions, the instructor attends the beginning of each language café meeting. 

Be available to leaders during the academic year so that they can ask for any necessary advice on, for example language questions as well as request games and other materials suitable for use at the language café. You should also be available to help with any problems and disruptions that might arise. Also make sure that the leaders receive a certificate of employment and study attainment if agreed at the higher education institution.  

It may be difficult to reach the target group of the language café (i.e. Finnish learners) and encourage them to participate in the activities. Information on the language café should be regularly sent out through channels that reach the target groups, such as at international student events, on social media, mailing lists and noticeboards, and by Finnish language teachers during language courses.

At least during the first few meetings, participating in a language café may be somewhat stressful for both participants and advisers. Work together to create a relaxed and positive atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome. A language café adheres to Safer Space policies. You can familiarise yourself with the policies on the website of your higher education institution, such as on the website of Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. 

First and foremost, Finnish learners want an opportunity to speak Finnish in a language café. In other words, use Finnish as much as possible in conversations. The use of English or another common support language is, of course, also permitted. Also ask the participants about their wishes for using a support language.

Participation in a language café is entirely voluntary, so Finnish learners participating in one may change from meeting to meeting. At the beginning of each meeting, welcome all visitors and briefly describe the activities of the language café. Leaders and participants presenting themselves at the start, such as by doing a small introductory exercise, enhances a feeling of a community. Use name tags so that everyone remembers each other’s name. If needed, you can ask the instructor for tips on ice-breakers as well as materials, such as post-it notes for nametags. 

Come up with a preliminary plan for what would be nice to discuss at each language café and what activities there will be. Before things get started, think about how conversations at the language café will be mediated if there are many participants and they are clearly at different stages of their Finnish studies. With a preliminary plan, you can ensure that there will be plenty to talk about and do at the language café. However, it’s a good idea to deviate from the plan if the conversation begins to wander or if you and the participants end up with a completely different topic and activities. 

Popular topics of conversation for a language café include 

• talking about yourself
• weather and seasons
• studies
• hobbies and leisure time 
• anything related to culture, such as music, films and series
• current holidays 
• food culture and customs

If the participants only know a little Finnish, the topics of conversation can be approached, for example, from the perspective of learning vocabulary and phrases. Many topical news images, stories or headlines can also be used as a basis for conversation. However, use discretion when considering the news, as many political topics (such as wars, conflicts) can create a sense of insecurity among participants.  

You can also play or listen to music in a language café. You can ask the instructor for games to play. At the end of a language café, you can also take a walk around the campus together. Also ask the language café participants what things they would like to talk about and do. 

The leaders and participants of a language café have the right to feel safe. If you notice inappropriate behaviour at a language café, you must intervene immediately, if possible. In serious problem situations, the lobby services or a janitor can provide the fastest help. If you are still concerned or finding out about a situation, discuss the matter with the instructor. 

Finnish learners often have questions related to the use and structures of Finnish. It is important to remember that you do not need to have ready-made answers. At a language café, you can look for an answer together and, for example, use online materials in Finnish. You can also wait until the next time and, in the meantime, ask the instructor for advice.  

• Maintain eye contact with the people you are talking with, as non-verbal communication (expressions, gestures) helps to understand speech. 
• You can use spoken language, but speak calmly and clearly. 
• Try to use common words and structures that are as clear as possible when speaking. (You can learn more about easy Finnish.) 
• Give the other people in the conversation time to understand and react. Explain and/or repeat as necessary. 
• If needed, use a support language (in English or any another common language). 
• Make sure that no one is left out of the conversation. 
  • You can ask the participants direct questions - it is easier to deal with these even when participants have less language proficiency. 
  • If necessary, translate jokes, so that all participants understand what others are laughing at.  

Also, read the tips for supporting Finnish learners.