The ”Finnish in Finnish” method has been proven to accelerate and to enhance learning; the progression of the courses has been designed so that no other languages are needed. Nevertheless, students can always ask for help in other languages when the teachers are circulating in class supervising pair or group work, during breaks or after class.
Please note that on all our courses you will need to invest a substantial amount of time for independent study. It may be a good idea to book the times for self study in you calendar at the same time as you note down the lessons.
Course material
Suomen mestari 1 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann), chapters 1–7. Books are not included in the course fee.
Objective
To learn to cope with simple everyday discussions and formal situations, write brief texts on familiar topics and learn key vocabulary.
Target level
Skill level 1 (CEF A1.1 / YKI 1)
Topics
Working method
The working method is Finnish in Finnish. We practise speaking Finnish from the start, in pairs and small groups. Listening comprehension is practised, and basic structures become familiar through using the language.
Structures
Finnish for False Beginners is designed for students who are familiar with AT LEAST the following basics:
The course will cover grammatical information taught on the Suomi 1 level:
Many discussion and vocabulary exercises will be done during the course.
Material is included in the course fee and you will receive it from the teacher.
After completing the course, you may continue your studies on the Suomi 2 level.
NB. English is used as an auxiliary language in the False Beginners course.
Course material
Suomen mestari 1 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann), chapters 8–9, and Suomen mestari 2 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann), chapters 1–5. Books are not included in the course fee.
Objective
To learn to make simple conversation and communication in official situations. To learn to talk about past actions and leisure time. To learn to write different types of texts on familiar topics.
Target level
Level 1+ (CEF A1.2 / YKI 1+)
Topics
Working method
The working method is Finnish in Finnish. We practise speaking Finnish throughout the course, in pairs and small groups. Listening comprehension is practised, and basic structures become familiar through using the language.
Structures
Course material
Suomen mestari 2 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann), chapters 6–8, and Suomen mestari 3 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann, Sari Päivärinne, Taija Udd), chapters 1–2. Books are not included in the course fee.
Objective
To learn to discuss and write about various topics. To learn to make requests, commands and suggestions, use polite Finnish and begin to discern differences between language registers. Reading simple factual texts.
Target level
Level 2 (CEF A2.1 / YKI 2)
Topics
Working method
The working method is Finnish in Finnish. Speaking and listening are important, and contexts become gradually more formal. Reading and writing various text types. Main structures become familiar through using the language.
Structures
The course is intended to support students taking the Suomi 3 or Suomi 4 course who do not speak much Finnish outside the classroom. The course includes practical oral exercises related to courses Suomi 1–3.
The objective is to:
Material is included in the course fee and you will receive it from the teacher.
Course material
Suomen mestari 3 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann, Sari Päivärinne, Taija Udd), chapters 3–8. Books are not included in the course fee.
Objective
To learn to express oneself in an increasingly versatile manner. To become familiar with differences between spoken and written language. To read short newspaper articles and other non-fiction, and to write simple formal texts.
Target level
Level 2+ (CEF A2.2 / YKI 2+)
Topics
Working method
The working method is Finnish in Finnish. Speaking and listening are important, yet contexts are more official. Reading and writing various text types. Main structures become familiar through using the language.
Structures
Course material
Suomen mestari 4 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann, Sari Päivärinne, Taija Udd), chapters 1–4. Books are not included in the course fee.
Objective
To learn to read more difficult factual texts. To become more familiar with vocabulary and situations related to work, everyday life and the world that surrounds us. To practise more spoken language and to learn to write texts of various types.
Target level
Level 3 (CEF B1.1 / YKI 3)
Topics
Working method
The working method is Finnish in Finnish. Speaking and listening practice still play a key role, but we will also begin to pay more attention to written communication through reading and writing various types of texts. The most important structures become familiar through using the language.
Structures
This course provides opportunities to practise spoken language.
Requirement
You need to have taken course Suomi 5 or have level 3/B1 before taking this course.
Objective:
Material is included in the course fee and you will receive it from the teacher.
Course material
Suomen mestari 4 – suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille (Sonja Gehring, Sanni Heinzmann, Sari Päivärinne, Taija Udd), chapters 5–8. Books are not included in the course fee.
Objective
To improve reading and writing skills in Finnish by reading and writing texts on current issues. To improve oral communication skills and expand vocabulary. To learn to distinguish different spoken and written language registers.
Target level
Level 3+ (CEF B1.2 / YKI 3+)
Topics
Working method
Speaking and listening practice still play a key role, but the course will also focus on the structures of written language through reading and writing various types of texts. Previously learned structures are also reviewed and practised.
Structures
Course material
Material is included in the course fee and you will receive it from the teacher.
Course contents
Practising oral situations and writing at an upper-intermediate level.
Objective
Target level
Working method
The contents of this course will largely be based on the participants needs and wishes. We will read and write about current topics in Finland and elsewhere. We will also practise giving presentations. The course may include visits to the theatre, the movies or a museum, and writing various types of texts.
Topics