Tarleena Lehtiniemi

I am Tarleena Lehtiniemi, born in 1986 in Lappajärvi, a small municipality in Finland. I studied for a Master of Arts degree at the University of Vaasa, majoring in Finnish language with minors in literature and social work. I completed my pedagogical studies for teaching at the University of Helsinki, specialising in teaching Finnish as a foreign language.

I work part-time as an entrepreneur, while my main job is teaching Finnish at a community college. I teach Finnish to people who have permanent residency in Finland. This type of course lasts for one year, and the student studies Finnish with me for about 20 hours a week throughout the year. The goal is to reach language proficiency level B1 during this time and then continue to vocational studies after the intensive year.

I live in Lapua, South Ostrobothnia, which is near the city of Seinäjoki. After my workday, I am a mother and a wife. In my free time, I go horse riding, meet friends, spend time at my summer cottage, and look after my garden.