Frequently Asked Questions

When are the classes?

Nearly all classes are held on Saturdays. Beginning-level classes are typically offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings around 9:00 AM (Eastern Time). All classes are taught via Zoom.
Exact schedules are finalized closer to the start of each semester — please check your email announcements for the confirmed class times. 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.

When will registration open?

Registration opens about three weeks before classes begin. Everyone on the waitlist will receive an email notification when registration opens.
You can also check the Registration Page for updates — once registration is open, an online form will appear where you can choose your class and submit payment.

How will I know my class schedule?

Schedules are finalized a few weeks before classes begin. Once teachers confirm their availability, we’ll send out an updated schedule by email to all registered students.

How will I be placed in the right class?

After you register and your payment is confirmed, you’ll be assigned to a class that matches your Finnish proficiency level.
You’ll receive an email confirmation with your class assignment and teacher information before the semester starts.

How do I join the Zoom classes?

Each teacher uses their own Zoom account. Once classes are set, your teacher will send you a personal Zoom invitation and any introductory information directly by email.
On the first day of class, simply click the Zoom link in your teacher’s email to join.

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.