Learning Icelandic in the workplace enhances professionalism and creates stronger connections between people.
When language is used to build bridges between people, security, professionalism and solidarity increase. The collaboration between Landspítali and Mímir clearly demonstrates how targeted Icelandic language teaching can strengthen workplace culture and have a direct impact on quality of life.
Collaboration that changes daily life
At the National University Hospital, a large number of staff from all over the world meet daily; people who speak different languages and come from different cultures. In a workplace where communication and trust can be a matter of life and death, language skills are not just a matter of understanding, but of safety, cohesion and professionalism.
The collaboration between Mímir and Landspítali began in 2018, with the aim of enhancing the Icelandic language skills of the hospital's staff and making Icelandic language learning an integral part of daily operations. Since then, hundreds of staff members have taken part in courses that have increased both their self-confidence and communication skills, while at the same time creating a better working environment for all hospital staff.
A growing project that has changed workplace culture
The collaboration has grown steadily from the outset. The courses are organised into five proficiency levels (Icelandic 1–5), which correspond to levels A1.1–B1.1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. They are taught three times a year, so that beginner courses are regularly available, while advanced students progress to the next level upon completing the previous one.
On average, around 110 people attend the courses each time, and in total, just over 1,500 employees have taken part since 2018. That is a large number from a single workplace, and the group the courses affect is even larger when the positive impact they have had on the workplace culture is taken into account.
Until 2024, the courses were held at Mímis' premises. However, this created challenges for staff who had to travel from work or juggle their working hours with their studies. The teaching was therefore moved to the National University Hospital, and with that, the project underwent a transformation. With the change, it became easier for people to attend classes and connect language learning directly to their daily work. Teaching thus became a tangible part of the workplace culture, not a side project but a natural part of professional development.
In the autumn term of 2025, six courses were held at levels 1–4, with a total of 105 students. These figures are a good reflection of the staff's interest and willingness to improve their Icelandic skills, and the support that Landspítalinn provides for language learning. The hospital has also set a target for its staff to reach the B2 level within two years of being hired. To make this possible, courses are organised during working hours and shift patterns are adapted so that as many people as possible can take part. This is truly an investment in people and, at the same time, in the quality of healthcare services.
A diverse group – a common goal
Participants in the courses come from different countries and cultures. They also work in a variety of roles within the hospital: nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors, pharmacists, project managers and in many other jobs. This diversity makes the courses a unique learning environment where different experiences meet and everyone learns from one another.
The curricula are tailored to the real needs of healthcare professionals. The emphasis is not on traditional teaching material, but on vocabulary and expressions that are directly useful in the workplace, for example in conversations with patients, their relatives and colleagues. Role-plays, conversation exercises and field trips make the teaching lively and connected to the daily work environment.
In this way, students learn not only how to conjugate verbs but also how to use Icelandic to enhance their professionalism, reduce the risk of misunderstanding and strengthen communication. This results in better patient care, greater job satisfaction and stronger connections between people.
Quality based on harmonisation and robust assessment
The quality of teaching has been a focus from day one. In 2024, teaching plans were standardised across all levels, ensuring that students receive a consistent education, regardless of the group or teacher. In the spring term of 2025, a standardised final exam was also introduced at all levels, giving students a clear picture of their progress and allowing them to use this to inform their own goal-setting.
To ensure students start at the correct level, a placement test is available for new students each term. It is conducted online and consists of a written assessment via the Eurotest system and a short oral interview via the Teams app. On average, around 30 people take part in the placement test each time.
The 2025 innovation was a awareness campaign for Icelandic staff and managers, to encourage them to support their international colleagues in their language learning. In connection with this, a simple poster was designed with five ways to promote Icelandic at the workplace. This approach shifts language learning from being an individual's personal task to a collective effort for the entire organisation.
The Future: Icelandic as Part of Professionalism
Although the results are good, the project naturally faces challenges. For example, it is necessary to ensure a sufficient supply of qualified teachers, maintain the quality of teaching, and develop curriculum materials that meet the diverse needs of the staff. The demand is high, and it is clear that the project requires continued support and investment.
The project is, however, much more than just an investment in language skills; it is also an investment in patient safety and the quality of the service. With improved Icelandic language skills, professionalism increases, communication becomes smoother and collaboration is strengthened, which of course all have a direct impact on the general public's quality of life.
The vision is clear: to make Icelandic language proficiency a standard part of working in the healthcare sector. Through the ongoing collaboration between Mímir and Landspítali, an important step is being taken in this direction, which also sets a precedent for other workplaces in Iceland.
Language as a shared strength
The Icelandic language learning project at Landspítali shows how targeted education can create real value for individuals, workplaces and society. The courses truly build bridges between people in different professions and from diverse backgrounds.
This is not just about a language project, but a cultural approach that is about trust, participation and shared responsibility. When everyone contributes, students, teachers, management and staff, the workplace becomes a space where the language unites people instead of dividing them.
By offering Icelandic language tuition in the workplace, Landspítalinn has shown that the workplace is an ideal setting for targeted language learning on the staff's terms, a form of learning that both unites staff and leads to improved services within the healthcare system.
