Home Courses Languages English Courses English Courses CoursesBeauty and Fashion Courses Culture, Society and Environment Courses Dance Courses Handicrafts Courses Languages Arabic Courses Chinese Courses Danish courses Dutch Courses English Courses Estonian Courses Finnish Courses French Courses German Courses Greek Courses Italian Courses Japanese Courses Korean Courses Latin Courses Persian Courses Polish Courses Portuguese Courses Russian Courses Spanish Courses Swedish Courses Thai courses Ukrainian courses Benefits for Members of the Pro Trade Union Media, Computer skills and Photography Music Courses Sports Courses Theatre and Improvisation Visual arts Well-being Courses Written Expression and Communication Open University Studies Benefits for Union Members Tiivistelmä On our English courses at Helsingin aikuisopisto you can refresh rusty English, build your speaking skills or polish your English to an advanced level (A1.2–C1). In spring 2027 we offer more than 20 courses: weekly courses from everyday English to conversation courses, English for working life, a pronunciation course, IELTS preparation and short theme courses on travel, wine, Canada and plays written in English, for example. From intermediate level onwards the courses are taught mainly in English. Classes are held at our building in Töölö (Runeberginkatu 22–24), and many courses can also be joined online on Zoom. The courses start from January 2027 and cost €23–134. Our English courses at intermediate and advanced level are taught mainly or entirely in English. On beginner and elementary courses Finnish is also used when needed. The language of instruction is always shown in the course details in the registration system. See all our courses taught in English. Courses Frequently asked questions Registration Which course is right for you? If you want to…Explorerevise the basics and gain confidence to speakEveryday English 1, Easy Talk in Englishrefresh rusty school EnglishEnglannin tehokertaus, Update Your English 4practise English for travelAround the World in Englishtalk more fluently about everyday and current topicsSpeak, Talk and Discuss in English!, Friday Club, Talking about the World in Englishuse English at workEnglish for Working Life Online, English for Working Lifeimprove your pronunciationPronounce English Better!prepare for the IELTS examThe IELTS Advanced C1 Prep Courselearn English through wine, theatre or cultureWine Tasting in English, English through Great Plays, Canadian Englishjoin online from homeOnline participation Courses in spring 2027 This list is based on the published spring 2027 programme. You can always find up-to-date information, course descriptions and available places in the registration system. Classes are held at Runeberginkatu 22–24, except English for Working Life Online, which is taught entirely online. Beginner and elementary level (A1.2–B1) At beginner and elementary level you revise basic structures, build your vocabulary and practise everyday conversation and listening, for example in town, at a restaurant, when travelling and at work. Teaching is in English, with Finnish when needed. Everyday English 1 (A1.2): Mon 18.40–20.10, 11 Jan – 12 Apr 2027, Eric Higman, €134. For learners with about 1–1.5 years of English. Taught in Finnish and English. Easy Talk in English (A1.3–A2.1): Tue 17.00–19.00, 27 Apr – 25 May 2027, Shane MacKenzie, €75. Speaking practice in small groups for small talk, restaurants, shopping and visits to the doctor, for example. For learners with about 2–3 years of English or rusty school English. Everyday English 3 (A2.1): Mon 18.45–20.15, 11 Jan – 12 Apr 2027, Anna Rossi, €134. For learners with about 3.5 years of English. Around the World in English (A2.2–B1): Mon 17.00–18.30, 11 Jan – 12 Apr 2027, Eric Higman, €134. An imaginary journey to different countries and cultures: travel vocabulary, phrases and pronunciation. For learners with 3–4 years of English. English refresher, A2.2–B1 (Englannin tehokertaus): Mon 17.00–19.00, 10 May – 7 Jun 2027, Janita Thusberg, €75. An encouraging refresher of vocabulary, structures and conversation before the summer. Materials are included in the price. Update Your English 4 (A2.2–B1): Wed 9.00–10.30, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, Niina Kerppola, €134. A daytime course where you maintain and develop your English with a current book written in English. Intermediate level (B1) At intermediate level you practise conversation in particular and expand your vocabulary for free time, travel and work. Teaching is mainly in English. Speak, Talk and Discuss in English! (B1): Mon 17.00–18.30, 11 Jan – 12 Apr 2027, Nigel Browne, €134. Discussions on the news, media, advertising and travel, for example. Next Steps into English (B1): Tue 17.00–18.30, 12 Jan – 6 Apr 2027, Anna Rossi, €134. Vocabulary and expressions for travel, plans and working life through news articles and podcasts. Everyday English 5 (B1): Tue 18.40–20.10, 12 Jan – 6 Apr 2027 (also on Zoom), Shane MacKenzie, €134. For learners with about 4.5 years of English. English for Working Life Online (B1): Wed 17.00–18.30, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, online on Zoom, Anna Rossi, €134 (unemployed €114, Trade Union Pro members €67). Small talk, meetings, job interviews and emails. Pronounce English Better! (B1): Wed 17.00–19.00, 28 Apr – 26 May 2027, Eric Higman, €75. Sounds that Finnish speakers often find difficult, word stress and sentence stress. Friday Club (B1.2): Fri 10.45–12.15, 8 Jan – 9 Apr 2027, Niina Kerppola, €134. A daytime course to activate your conversation, pronunciation and listening skills. Wine Tasting in English (B1): Fri 17.00–20.15, 9–23 Apr 2027, Kari Vehmas, €67. Learn to talk about wine in English and taste 18 wines from up-and-coming regions. The wines are paid for separately (€30–50). Upper intermediate and advanced level (B2–C1) At upper intermediate and advanced level you polish your English through in-depth discussions and expand your vocabulary. Teaching is in English. English for Cross-Cultural Communication (B2): Mon 17.00–19.00, 26 Apr – 24 May 2027 (also on Zoom), Nigel Browne, €75. Communication styles in different English-speaking countries. Materials are included in the price. Let’s Practise English (B2): Wed 11.00–12.30, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, Niina Kerppola, €134. A daytime course for speaking, listening, reading and vocabulary. Talking about the World in English (B2–C1): Tue 17.00–18.30, 26 Jan – 9 Mar 2027 (also on Zoom), Eric Higman, €67. Discussions on current global topics. English for Working Life (B2–C1): Wed 17.00–18.30, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, Shane MacKenzie, €134 (unemployed €114). Business communication, leadership styles and dealing with misunderstandings. English through Great Plays (B2–C1): Sat 10.00–13.15, 6–20 Mar 2027, Ally Manson, €67. Plays written in English from Shakespeare to the present day. Materials are included in the price. Canadian English, Culture, Sights and Sounds (B2–C1): Sat 6 Feb 2027, 10.00–13.15, Shane MacKenzie, €23. Canadian English, culture and destinations. Advanced English Conversation and Vocabulary (C1): Mon 18.40–20.10, 11 Jan – 12 Apr 2027 (also on Zoom), Nigel Browne, €134 (Trade Union Pro members €67). In-depth conversation and vocabulary building. The IELTS Advanced C1 Prep Course (C1): Wed 17.00–19.30, 27 Jan – 24 Mar 2027 (also on Zoom), Eric Higman, €134. Preparation for the IELTS Academic exam, also suitable for all advanced learners. The exam fee is not included. Online participation on Zoom English for Working Life Online is taught entirely online, and you can join several other courses on Zoom too: Everyday English 5, English for Cross-Cultural Communication, Talking about the World in English, Advanced English Conversation and Vocabulary and The IELTS Advanced C1 Prep Course. You receive the invitation link before the course starts, so please register at least three days before the start. You need an internet connection, speakers or headphones and a microphone. Zoom guide for students See also Language courses: all the languages we teach. Swedish courses: Swedish taught in English from beginner level. Courses taught in English: all our courses taught in English. Good to know Location: Runeberginkatu 22–24, Helsinki. How to find us Language of instruction: On beginner and elementary courses teaching is in English with Finnish when needed. From intermediate level onwards teaching is mainly or entirely in English. Levels: The course levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (A1–C1). Read more about language levels Textbooks: Textbooks are not included in the course fee unless the course details say otherwise. We recommend that you buy the textbook right after the first class. You can buy textbooks from bookshops, online bookshops and publishers’ websites. We do not supply textbooks. Discounts: The English for Working Life courses have a reduced price for the unemployed, and some courses have a reduced price for Trade Union Pro members. Choose the correct price when you register. Payment: Language courses cannot be paid for with Edenred or Epassi culture and sport benefits. If your employer offers a tax-free culture benefit (up to €400 a year) that you would like to use for language studies, we can make a separate agreement with your employer. You choose the course, and we invoice the full fee or the part your employer covers directly to your employer. Please contact our study guidance or office for more information. Certificate: You can request a certificate from our office once the course has ended. Frequently asked questions Are the English courses taught in English? From intermediate level onwards, yes: teaching is mainly or entirely in English. On beginner and elementary courses Finnish is also used when needed. How do I find the right level? Each course lists its level and recommended background, such as school English or years of study at an adult education centre. You can also read about language levels or ask our study guidance for advice. Can I join online? Yes. English for Working Life Online is an online course, and you can join several other courses on Zoom too. Can I join a course that has already started? Yes, on most courses. Register for the course but do not pay, and email toimisto@helao.fi to tell us when you will start. We will send you a payment link with an adjusted price. Can I pay with Edenred or Epassi? No. Language courses cannot be paid for with culture and sport benefits. You can, however, use a tax-free culture benefit from your employer through a separate agreement. Please contact our office for more information. Registration Browse all our English courses and register online. Our study guidance can help you choose a course and answer questions about your studies. For more information about our English courses, please contact Niina Kerppola, Head of Foreign Languages, at niina.kerppola@helao.fi.
