Education Programs for Adults

Learning a new language is a fun and exciting challenge. Whether you are brand new to Swedish or Finnish, have some experience, and want to learn more, or are looking for conversation partners, there is a class option tailored to your level. Classes are held online via Zoom and offered during the 10-week fall and spring semesters. Additional classes may be offered, check the listing below for upcoming opportunities. 

Classes will meet online via Zoom. You will need a free Zoom account and an invitation will be sent to all registered students before the start of the semester. If you have not used Zoom before, it is easy to use. Some questions are answered here and we can also help you get started. You will need a PC, MAC, tablet, or smartphone, paired with a strong and stable internet connection.

Registration:

Fall 2024 Semester: $200 for ASHM Members/$250 for Non-members
Combination Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 Semesters: $380 for ASHM Members/$480 for Non-members

This year we are offering a special discount if you would like to sign up for both the fall and spring semesters of a program. Spring classes will be held virtually January through March 2025.

*Please note: There is a minimum and a maximum number of students for each session. If the minimum is not reached, a class may be canceled and registration refunded. If a student chooses to withdraw from a class, refunds are not issued after the first week of classes. There is no difference between the Swedish Beginners Part 1A and 1B other than the class times offered.

*Registration is now closed.

Mondays, September 9th – November 11th
Swedish Beginners Part 1A 5:00-6:30 pm with Ann-Charlotte Lantz

Swedish Intermediate Part 1: 6:45-8:15 pm with Ann-Charlotte Lantz

Tuesdays, September 10th – November 12th
Swedish Intermediate Part 3: (Now includes Swedish Conversation level students) 5:00-6:30 pm with Ann-Charlotte Lantz 

Swedish Beginners Part 1B: 6:45-8:15 pm with Ann-Charlotte Lantz

*Please note that the Swedish Conversation level class has now been combined with Swedish Intermediate Part 3. If you have any questions please contact Lauren Burnham at lburnham@americanswedish.org. 
 

-Books are not included in the registration fee but are available on shop.americanswedish.org:

Swedish Beginner and Intermediate courses use Complete Swedish Beginner to Intermediate Course, by Anneli Beronius Haake. Teach Yourself, 2nd Edition, 2018, ISBN-13: 978-1444195101. It is available in the American Swedish Historical Museum Gift Shop and book shops.

Conversation Swedish uses Rivstart B1B2, ISBN 9789127434233 and Rivstart B1B2 Exercise Book, ISBN 9789127434240

Not sure which class is the best fit for you? Please read the section below to ascertain your skill level. If you still aren’t sure which class to register for, feel free to contact the Museum at lburnham@americanswedish.org.

-Beginner 1 (Fall) and 2 (Spring)
For students who want to start from the beginning, or who have used a mobile app like DuoLingo and know many words but have not yet practiced speaking Swedish/Finnish or figured out how to put together sentences.

-Intermediate 1 (Fall) and 2 (Spring)
For students who have some prior experience communicating in Swedish. If the statements below are true, this is the level for you:

I can ...

• ask/answer basic questions.
• talk a little about myself, my interests, family, and work/studies, etc.
• handle some courtesy expressions, introductions.
• read and understand short, basic texts in Swedish (OK to look up words and/or use Google Translate).

I have ... 

• completed at least two semesters of Swedish language courses or have equivalent experience.
• an active vocabulary of at least a few hundred words.

-Intermediate 3 (Fall) and 4 (Spring) (Taught in Swedish)
This is a new level for students who have taken the Intermediate courses or the equivalent. We will continue to work on pronunciation, comprehension, and fluency, using the Complete Swedish sourcebook and other (free) materials. If the statements below are true, this is the level for you: 

I can ... 

• talk about my personal experiences and plans in the present, past, and future.
• read and understand short, basic texts in Swedish, such as 8sidor.se news articles.
• ask for clarification if I don't understand, or ask a question if I want to know more.
• understand spoken Swedish, if I am familiar with the topic and/or the pace is not too fast.

I have ...

• studied Swedish for at least four semesters or have equivalent experience.
• a fairly extensive vocabulary, including prepositions, pronouns, etc.
• a basic feel for sentence composition and language structure.

-Conversation (Taught in Swedish)
For students who want to practice conversation, incorporating some practical grammar and language structure when relevant. Our course materials are articles, stories, etc., from handouts and the internet. If the statements below are true, this is the level for you: 

I can ... 

• tell a story or talk about familiar topics in the present, past, and future.
• read and understand most texts in Swedish, such as shorter news articles, short stories, etc.
• engage in a simple, improvised conversation.

I have ...

• studied Swedish for at least three years or have equivalent experience.
• an extensive vocabulary, including many of the "little" words, verb phrases, idioms, etc., and a basic feel for word forms, verb tenses, etc.
• a basic understanding of grammar and language structure.

Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more with advanced booking at the following rates:

New Sweden in Focus guided tour: $18 per person
General Museum guided tour: $18 per person
A $50 non-refundable deposit will be due at the time of booking.
At least 24 hours' notice is required for cancellation.

Contact Lauren Burnham at 215-389-1776 x106 or lburnham@americanswedish.org for reservations and more information on tours.