The FAST Area Studies Program (Foundations in Area Studies for Translators) concluded its 18-year tenure in Spring 2012, with the advent of the new university curriculum beginning in autumn 2012. For 18 years, the FAST Program was a minor degree option focusing on the national cultures of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Finland. The curriculum examined the language(s) and culture(s) of the U.S. and U.K. as the cornerstones of world English, the sociocultural institutions by which they are known, and the media technologies through which they convey information worldwide in English.

The FAST program, based on a foundation of courses from the English Section of the Department of Translation Studies, emphasized research and writing in addition to its core area studies. It was a pioneer in the field of American Studies in Finland and the deployment of information technology in teaching and program outreach.

FAST graduates are known for their capability in American, English, Finnish and Canadian Studies, their skills in ICT, and their proficiency in English communication.