Learn Finnish – opi suomea!

Learning Finnish is not a walk in the park. Even memorizing a few words and spoken phrases can be difficult for many, but achieving sufficient proficiency to pass the language test is an almost impossible feat that only a few are brave enough to undertake. Working with you, however, proved to me that learning Finnish can be fun, entertaining, and painless.

Your lessons and assignments were always well-structured and organized with a clear objective in mind, and yet you were highly adaptable when certain subjects required additional practice. Furthermore, you were always considerate of my language-learning background, and you helped me fill gaps in my knowledge and supported me whenever I was falling behind.

Your teaching was remarkably effective, and you enabled me to achieve the level of confidence that allowed me to not only successfully pass the language test on the first try but also reach the point where I am not afraid to have a decent conversation with a native speaker.

Kiitos!

Semyon / Northern Stars

I can highly recommend Tatja as your Finnish teacher if you are a goal-oriented and motivated person. I've been studying Finnish for almost 1.5 years from scratch and have achieved B1 level.

My goal was to pass the YKI-test (National Certificates of Language Proficiency), and I successfully achieved it with the Tatja's help. Despite the fact that I have just 1 scheduled Zoom lesson per week, I practiced Finnish every day. Tatja planned my homework in a way that I studied at least 1 hour every day.

The homework was very well-structured and thought out. One day can be devoted to practicing grammar; the second day to listening comprehension; and on the third day, it's necessary to record and send a voice message on a given topic.

I received feedback on my homework the same day I sent it, otherwise, the next day. Thus, I was in touch with the teacher almost every day. This intensity might scare you, but the nice thing is that you can always agree on an individual pace of training, it all depends on your goals.

Tatja used her own published book as a main source for grammar and other basics. The book is very clearly organized and user-friendly, so it's easy to digest and navigate through it.

Also, Tatja gave very handy recommendations on additional materials. She advised interesting, useful books to read and video materials to watch (all according to my current level).

Tatja is not only a skilled professional, but also a super friendly and nice person. Despite the fact that everything is clearly organized and Tatja is quite strict with homework deadlines, you won't have the feeling that you are back to school because the atmosphere at her classes is cheerful and engaging.

Olja / Redhill Games

I’ve been studying Finnish with Tatja for one year and a half. Started as a complete beginner I couldn’t say a word in Finnish let alone participate in a convo.

Despite that and my inability to practice the language (since my communication circle doesn’t include native Finnish speakers) I was able to reach B1 (keskitaso) level.

Tatja is a demanding but fair teacher. She always challenges her students to help them grow faster. Be prepared to speak a lot and do a lot of homework - a great sign of an effective learning program, because if you can’t motivate yourself to study, no one else can.

Tatja helps students to gradually build up that motivation and confidence in speaking, which I reckon is the vital part in learning a new language.

After her course I was able to pass the YKI-test and finally apply for citizenship - the result speaks for itself.

Tatja has a great learning program complemented by a great character as a teacher: friendly but demanding, always involved and supportive, ready to commit with you towards your goals.

All in all it was an amazing experience, and I would recommend everyone who wants to learn Finnish quickly and effectively to contact Tatja.

Kirill / Supercell