Finnish for foreigners
From the alphabet and the famous fifteen cases to job interviews and the YKI test. Taught in Finnish, with English support at A1 and A2.
Levels A1–C1
Finnish coursesLanguage school in Turku · Åbo
Language courses in Turku that get you talking
Puhekupla is a small, friendly language school for Finnish, English and Swedish. Groups of up to ten, teachers who enjoy a good mistake, and courses that take you from your very first “moi” to a confident C1.
Three languages under one roof
Most of our students live and work in Turku: new arrivals learning Finnish, Finns sharpening their English for work, and anyone who wants Swedish for the bilingual city they live in.
English
Conversation groups, business English for teams, and C1 writing and presentation skills for people who already use English at work.
Levels A2–C1
English coursesSwedish
Turku is officially bilingual, and Swedish opens doors from the archipelago to public-sector jobs. Start from zero or dust off your school Swedish.
Levels A1–B1
Swedish coursesFind your step on the CEFR ladder
Every course follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the same A1–C2 scale that employers, universities and the Finnish YKI test use. We teach from A1 to C1.
- A1StarterI can introduce myself, order a coffee and follow slow, simple speech.
- A2ExplorerI can handle shops, appointments and small talk with the neighbours.
- B1EverydayI can follow most conversations, write a clear email and get by at work.
- B2ConfidentI can join meetings, argue a point and watch the news without subtitles.
- C1PolishedI can present, negotiate and write reports with nuance and style.
Not sure where you are? Your free trial class ends with a short, relaxed level chat. Book a trial class
Pick the rhythm that fits your week
The same teachers, materials and small groups in every format. Only the pace changes.
Evening courses
Twice a week after work, 90 minutes at a time, for 12 weeks. The steady classic.
Evening coursesIntensive courses
Three hours every weekday for two to four weeks. Ideal for new arrivals and anyone with a deadline.
Intensive coursesOnline classes
Live small-group lessons on video, with the same teachers and the same homework as in the classroom.
Online classesCompany courses
Finnish or English for your team, at your office or online, built around the words your work really needs.
Company courses
How the free trial class works
- 1
Book a time
Pick a course and the days that suit you. The form takes about a minute.
- 2
Join a real lesson
Sit in on a normal class with a real group, so you know exactly what you are signing up for.
- 3
Chat about your level
Afterwards your teacher spends ten minutes with you and suggests the group that fits.
Meet a few of our teachers
Every one of our teachers has learned at least one language as an adult, so they know how it feels from your side of the desk.
“I learned Finnish at 25, so I remember exactly which bits feel impossible at first.”
Omar HaddadFinnish A1–A2, intensive
“I grew up speaking Swedish in the archipelago and Finnish at school in Turku.”
Sanna LindqvistSwedish A1–B1
“Business English is mostly confidence. We practise until meetings feel easy.”
Daniel OkaforEnglish B1–C1, company courses
Questions we hear a lot
Do you prepare students for the YKI test?
Yes. Our Finnish B1 courses and the online YKI preparation group practise all four parts of the intermediate-level test: speaking, writing, listening and reading. Puhekupla is not a test centre, so you register for the test itself through the official YKI registration.
I am a complete beginner. Is the course taught in Finnish?
Mostly, yes, because hearing Finnish is how you learn it. At A1 and A2 your teacher explains grammar in English when it helps, and the materials have English notes.
Can my employer pay for my course?
Yes. We send the invoice straight to your employer, and companies can also book a course for their own team, at their office or online.
What if I miss a lesson?
Every lesson’s slides and homework are shared online, and evening students can join the same lesson in a parallel group when there is space.
Your first class is on us
Come and try a real lesson before you decide. No payment, no commitment, just coffee and a handful of new words to take home.