TOKAKO Network

The aim of the TOKAKO Network Project is to coordinate the national network of the Functionally Bilingual Higher Education Model (TOKAKO) and to support the expansion and establishment of the model within higher education institutions.

The Functionally Bilingual Higher Education Model is generic and suitable for different languages and fields of education. The project´s development work is based on the previously piloted Functionally Bilingual Nursing Education Model (TOKASA), with a focus on creating a permanent collaboration network between higher education institutions. The goal is to integrate the model into the structures of higher education institutions’ education and collaboration with working life, as well as to strengthen international students’ professional language proficiency and employment in Finland. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, where the TOKAKO model is integrated in several degree programmes, supports other institutions in adopting and adapting the model.

The TOKAKO Network Project builds and coordinates a network that enables co development, training, workshops, and peer learning. The project produces open materials for an open resource bank. The TOKAKO Network provides higher education institutions with expert services to support the planning and implementation of the model.

Project duration and funder

Project duration: 1.1.2026–31.12.2027.
Funder: Ministry of Education and Culture.

Contact

Anna Sievers, Project Manager
anna.sievers [at] metropolia.fi (anna[dot]sievers[at]metropolia[dot]fi)

Hanna Lenkola, Finnish Language Lecturer
hanna.lenkola [at] metropolia.fi (hanna[dot]lenkola[at]metropolia[dot]fi)

Iida Väätänen, Coordinator
iida.vaatanen [at] metropolia.fi (iida[dot]vaatanen[at]metropolia[dot]fi)