About us

The aim of the 80 year old Finnish-British Society  has always been to strengthen friendship and cultural relations between Finland and Britain by making British culture known in Finland. In the early years of our history the Society arranged formal and informal meetings, lectures, social gatherings and language courses. English has been the language the Society uses at its meetings and social events, and in its correspondence.

The Society had its inaugural meeting on 15th April, 1926, due to the initiative of Mr. Jaakko Kahma, a businessman occupying an important position in Finnish Trade with Britain. In the early days of the Society, meetings were held regularly, sometimes twice a month, at which talks were given by visiting English lecturers.

After a hiatus caused by the Second World War, the Society resumed its activities in 1945. That is when a decision was made to organize a regular English teaching activity. Native British teachers were recruited through the British Council as full -time teachers, supported by a part-time staff of Finnish and native British teachers. In 1953, the Society acquired its own accommodation at Puistokatu 1 b A. In December 2006 the Society moved to new premises on Fredrikinkatu 20 A 9.

During the last thirty years, the Society has held a prominent position in the field of English language teaching in Helsinki. Nowadays life overall, professional life particularly in Finland, calls increasingly for proficiency in English. Language excellence is as much a core competence as I.T. software, when looking for a competitive advantage in foreign markets and international communication. As the only Cambridge ESOL Examination Centre in Finland, we provide internationally recognized examinations (FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC, ILEC) and training towards them according to the European Council standards.  With our wide range language training portfolio and customer centered approach, we believe that we can provide the right language training to Finnish language learners, targeting their needs for today's global market-place.

In the Autumn 2006 Finnish-British Society adopted the name FINNBRIT with the emphasis on language courses and cultural activities.  

In addition to our language training FINNBRIT offers today Finnish–British cultural events and social activities in co-operation with the Finn-Brit Players, Helsinki Morrisers and International Folk Club. By networking with other similar organisations, FINNBRIT will develop many well-established activities throughout the year for the Finnish-British community in the Helsinki area. In co-operation with the Federation of the Finnish-British Societies, FINNBRIT organizes the Debating Competition and the Debating training workshop in January, the annual Autumn Seminar in September and the Essay Writing Competition in November.