Moving to Finland often brings up one major concern: learning the Finnish language. One of the most frequently asked questions during interviews is: "Can I manage with English?" The answer is yes, you absolutely can. However, integrating into society often becomes easier and more rewarding when you can hold conversations in Finnish — especially when Finnish grandmothers strike up a chat with their warm laughter, leaving you nodding and smiling awkwardly.
Free Language Courses:
Luckily, there are plenty of options to learn Finnish, whether you're working, on maternity leave, or simply looking to improve your language skills.
If you’ve moved to Finland as a partner, you can attend free Finnish courses through the employment office.
If you are a mother on maternity leave, you can attend free courses with your children in Helsinki (KOTIVA-kurssi), where a nanny will look after them during the lessons.
Finnish Courses Provided by Employers:
If you've relocated to Finland for work, many employers offer and cover the cost of Finnish language courses as part of their relocation package. Be sure to ask your employer about this option!
Top Finnish Language Courses and Resources:
Language Apps:
If you prefer learning on the go, we recommend the Treenivihko app for practicing vocabulary and grammar. More traditional choice for starters would be Duolingo.
Extra Tip: Learn Through Entertainment
Watching movies and TV series with Finnish subtitles is an excellent way to improve your listening skills once you've reached a basic level. Pick something light, like Finnish children's shows, or challenge yourself with Finnish dramas.
Learning Finnish takes time, but every little effort counts. Whether you're attending classes, using apps, or simply chatting with locals, each word learned brings you closer to feeling more at home in Finland.
Luckily, there are plenty of options to learn Finnish, whether you're working, on maternity leave, or simply looking to improve your language skills.
If you’ve moved to Finland as a partner, you can attend free Finnish courses through the employment office.
If you are a mother on maternity leave, you can attend free courses with your children in Helsinki (KOTIVA-kurssi), where a nanny will look after them during the lessons.
Finnish Courses Provided by Employers:
If you've relocated to Finland for work, many employers offer and cover the cost of Finnish language courses as part of their relocation package. Be sure to ask your employer about this option!
Top Finnish Language Courses and Resources:
- Finnish Courses – A comprehensive search tool for Finnish language courses across Finland.
- Ilmonet – Helsinki's adult education courses.
- Helsinki Adult Education Centre – Finnish courses at various levels.
- Language Cafés at Libraries – Practice conversational Finnish in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Enjoy Finnish – Online Finnish lessons.
- iTalki – Find language exchange partners and professional Finnish tutors.
- Larkkulla Languages – Intensive language courses.
- University of Helsinki Open University – Finnish language courses open to everyone.
Language Apps:
If you prefer learning on the go, we recommend the Treenivihko app for practicing vocabulary and grammar. More traditional choice for starters would be Duolingo.
Extra Tip: Learn Through Entertainment
Watching movies and TV series with Finnish subtitles is an excellent way to improve your listening skills once you've reached a basic level. Pick something light, like Finnish children's shows, or challenge yourself with Finnish dramas.
Learning Finnish takes time, but every little effort counts. Whether you're attending classes, using apps, or simply chatting with locals, each word learned brings you closer to feeling more at home in Finland.
