Learn to speak the Finnish language

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Live online classes

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Practice speaking in a small group setting

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Beginner to advanced level classes

Woman studying Finnish language online at the Finnish Language School

NEXT SEMESTER BEGINS SEPTEMBER 6, 2025

Finnish language student practicing writing

What is the Finnish Language School Association

The school is a small not-for-profit educational association located in Virginia, USA. We offer live online Finnish language classes for adults and young adults—from absolute beginners to advanced learners.

Finnish language classes for all learning levels

Engaging, small-group classes for both new and returning students, with an emphasis on spoken Finnish (puhekieli).
Woman teaching Finnish language online in front of computer

Beginner I

Get introduced to the fundamentals of the Finnish language and culture.

CEFR: A1

Young man studying Finnish language online at his desk

Beginner II

Learn basic conversational skills, vocabulary, and grammar.

CEFR: A2

Zoom class of Finnish language where students practice speaking Finnish

Intermediate I

Extend your vocabulary and grammar. Learn to interact in Finnish in various situations.

CEFR: B1

Adult woman writing a sentence in Finnish in a notebook in class

Intermediate II

Deepen your understanding of Finnish grammar and develop more advanced vocabulary.

CEFR: B2

View of Helsinki - capital of Finland

Advanced

Learn to express yourself fluently and accurately in Finnish, both in informal and formal conversations.

CEFR: C1

After registration, students are placed in the appropriate class based on their Finnish proficiency level.

Why learn Finnish with us?

Live Online Classes

Join us from anywhere. All classes are taught via Zoom.

Expert Teachers

Learn from experienced instructors who are native Finnish speakers.

Speaking Practice in Every Class

You’ll speak Finnish in every session and receive real-time feedback from your teacher and classmates.

Supportive Environment

Our community is warm and encouraging—we’re here to help you succeed.

Getting Started with Finnish Language School

Businesswoman's Hand Filing Online Registration Form for an online Finnish course
Step 1

Register online

Submit your registration form and pay tuition online.

Young person writing in a note book and using computer in an online Finnish language class
Step 2

Get assigned a class

You’ll be assigned to the appropriate class based on your Finnish level.
All classes meet on Saturdays via Zoom.

Female interacting with a Finnish language teacher online, interactive and personalized online learning experience
Step 3

Start speaking Finnish

Learn grammar, vocabulary, and practice speaking in a small-group setting with personalized guidance.

Our classes are taught each Spring and Fall semester.

Frequently asked questions

When are the classes?
All classes are held on Saturdays via Zoom.
For exact start and end dates, please refer to the FLSA academic calendar.
Where do the classes take place?

All classes are taught online via Zoom.

What if I miss a class?
It’s okay to miss an occasional class—we understand that things come up! As long as you don’t miss too many, you can still keep up with the course. Please note that we don’t offer refunds for missed classes.
Are there any language requirements?
Yes. To enroll in our Finnish language courses, students must have a working proficiency in English. This ensures that all participants can effectively understand the course materials and follow instructions, which are provided in English.
Do I need to speak English to take your Finnish classes?
Yes. While you’ll be learning Finnish, our classes are taught primarily in English—especially at the beginner levels. This includes instructions, explanations, and course materials. Understanding English helps ensure that all students can follow along, participate fully, and get the most out of the course.
Can you help me get a visa to study in Finland or the USA?
Our school provides online Finnish language courses and is not involved in any visa or immigration processes. We’re not able to assist with visa applications or entry into Finland or the USA, and enrolling in our courses does not make you eligible for a student visa or immigration status.
Why learn Finnish?
People learn Finnish for many reasons. Perhaps you are of Finnish descent and want to explore your heritage and culture. Maybe you’d like to communicate with Finnish relatives. You may have a spouse or significant other who is Finnish and want to become a bilingual family. Perhaps you plan to travel and would like to learn some survival Finnish. Or maybe you’ve visited Finland, fallen in love with the country, and want to return with the ability to speak more fluent Finnish.

Whatever your reason for wanting to learn Finnish, we at the Finnish School are committed to teaching you practical Finnish in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

Learning Finnish isn’t impossible. It’s fun!
Although Finnish has a reputation for being challenging, don’t let that discourage you. Learning it can be both rewarding and enjoyable. Like any language, it takes effort and consistency—but unlike a traditional school setting, our classes are friendly, engaging, and relaxed.

Our teachers and fellow students genuinely want to help you succeed and will offer plenty of encouragement along the way.

Finnish can be learned!
Take the plunge! Be brave! We are here to help. Over five million Finns have mastered it, as have a number of persistent foreigners with a genuine interest in the language. The Finnish language has many consistencies which facilitate learning: Each letter corresponds to a single sound, and it’s always pronounced the same way. The accent is always on the first syllable of the word. The verb structure is uncomplicated and closely resembles that of English. Conjugations and declensions have remarkably consistent rules, with few exceptions.
Map of Finland

2025 - 2026

FLSA Academic Calendar

Fall Semester 2025

September 6 - Class First Day

September 13 - Class

September 20 - Class

September 27 - Class

October 4 - Class

October 11 - Class

October 18 - Class

October 25 - Class

November 1 - Class

November 8 - Class

November 15 - Class

November 22 - Class & Kipinä Kerho

November 29 - No Class (Thanksgiving)

December 6 - Class

December 13 - Class Last Day

Spring Semester 2026

January 10 - Class First Day

January 17 - Class

January 24 - Class

January 31 - Class

February 7 - Class

February 14 - Class

February 21 - Class

February 28 - Class

March 7 - Class

March 14 - Class

March 21 - Class

March 28 - Class

April 4 - No Class (Easter)

April 11 - Class

April 18 - Class Last Day

Start speaking Finnish with confidence

Take the plunge! Be brave! We are here to help.

FLSA