Learn to speak the Finnish language
Live online classes
Practice speaking in a small group setting
Beginner to advanced level classes

NEXT SEMESTER BEGINS SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

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).

Beginner I
Get introduced to the fundamentals of the Finnish language and culture.
CEFR: A1

Beginner II
Learn basic conversational skills, vocabulary, and grammar.
CEFR: A2

Intermediate I
Extend your vocabulary and grammar. Learn to interact in Finnish in various situations.
CEFR: B1

Intermediate II
Deepen your understanding of Finnish grammar and develop more advanced vocabulary.
CEFR: B2

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

Step 1
Register online
Submit your registration form and pay tuition online.

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.

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?
Majority of classes are held on Saturdays via Zoom, with some classes held on other days of the week.
For exact start and end dates, please refer to individual class pages.
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.

2026
FLSA Academic Calendar
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
Fall Semester 2026
September 12 - Class First Day
September 19 - Class
September 26 - Class
October 3 - Class
October 10 - Class
October 17 - Class
October 24 - Class
October 31 - Class
November 7 - Class
November 14 - Class
November 21 - Class & Kipinä Kerho
November 28 - No Class (Thanksgiving)
December 5 - Class
December 12 - Class
December 19 - Class Last Day