Finnish for Adult Learners

The Scandinavian School offers Finnish courses at several different skill levels.  One course consist of 8 weekly lessons. Each year, we offer four courses: two in the spring and two in the fall. Students may only sign up for one course (8 lessons) at a time. 

Each class level (Beginner to Advanced) lasts 1 year. Students always start at course level 1a, and follow the four course parts (1a+b / 2a+b). For example, all beginners start from level Beginner 1a, and can complete beginner 1a & 1b during the first term and next term move to beginner 2a & b.

Course cost for 8 x 60-minute lessons: $345
Course cost for 8 x 90-minute lessons: $430

Levels

Beginner: This course is suitable for people with no, or little, prior knowledge of Finnish. A beginner class can also be a good start for people who have lived with the language but not spoken it actively. The focus is on basic pronunciation, grammar, and simple communication in typical everyday situations. Students will also be introduced to the cultural aspects of the society. Textbook: Suomen Mestari 1

Intermediate: This course is for people who have done the Beginner courses at SSCC, or who have achieved the same knowledge elsewhere. The class will continue building up vocabulary and speaking Finnish with a focus on day -to -day conversations. Textbook: Suomen Mestari 2

Upper Intermediate: This course is suitable for students who have studied two years at the SSCC or achieved a confirmed level in Finnish elsewhere. Emphasis is on conversation and to review a range of grammatical topics during these conversations. Beside the textbook other course material is introduced in class, such as articles and podcasts. Textbook: Suomen Mestari 2

Advanced: This course is suitable for students who have already studied three years at the SSCC or achieved a strong level of spoken and written Finnish elsewhere. Emphasis is on conversation and to improve fluency and listening skills. Students focus on expressing themselves with more complex sentences and expanding their vocabulary. Complementary course material is used in class, such as articles and podcasts. Textbook: Suomen Mestari 2

Conversational: This class is for people who want to practice and develop their language skills through conversation. The students must have close to fluent verbal- and strong grammatical skills. This is a conversational class where different themes are discussed, with starting point in the course material: News articles, TV-shows, podcasts etc.

Our teachers

Ed Kamrin completed his graduate work in Finnish Language and Culture at the University of Helsinki. He is a communications and corporate responsibility consultant who has worked in both Finland and the U.S. In his free time, he loves hiking, cooking, and all things Nordic.

Reetta Kemppi is a native Finn and holds a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Helsinki and a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Arts. She is a published author and works as a freelance journalist. In her free time she enjoys hiking and cultural activities.

Classes January 2025

Beginner 1 (virtual), Reetta, Tuesday 5pm-6pm, start: January 14

Beginner 2 (virtual), Reetta, Wednesday 6pm-7pm, start: January 15

Intermediate (virtual), Reetta, Tuesday 6.15pm-7.15pm, start: January 14

Advanced (virtual), Ed, Wednesday 7.30pm-8.30pm, start: January 15

All sales are final. Students can be transferred between different levels, but refunds are not offered.