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12-week language courses

Experience ASI / Programs / Language Programs / 12-week language courses

Semester-long language learning

We are moving to a new program structure. Starting in fall term 2026, we will shift from three nine-week terms per academic year to two twelve-week terms with additional one-week breaks each term for seasonal holidays. Terms will start in September and February. Outside of our regular twelve-week terms, a selection of short-term expansion classes will be offered in January (such as Swedish Immersion Day, Swedish for Travelers, etc.) and in summer.  

Fall 2026 term runs the weeks of September 14 – December 7, 2026 (no class the week of November 23)

Spring 2026 term runs the weeks of February 1 – April 26, 2026 (no class the week of March 22) 

We hope this change will make the registration process less confusing for students, allow us to be more consistent in our Beginning Swedish offerings each term, and grant students and teachers more time with each other each term to allow classes to cover more material and for better community-building.   

Within each term, we will continue to offer a range of 90-minute weekly classes that are textbook-based, literature-based, or conversation-based. Courses are offered on the same schedule from one term to the next, allowing ASI language student to progress in their language learning across multiple terms while remaining with a cohort of students and the same classroom leader.

Purchasing textbooks:

Rivstart textbooks can be purchased from the ASI Museum Store in-person or can be shipped to distance students. Other materials including Swedish literature books can often be purchased from the ASI Museum Store or are otherwise noted in the class description. Call 612-870-3364 to place an order with the ASI Museum Store. Please be sure to have your instructor name and book title ready.  

For instructions on how to access Rivstart digital materials including sound files and extra practice exercises, please click here.

12-week language courses

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Course information

Language class registration opens the season before a term starts. Registration for fall classes opens in summer, winter classes in fall, spring classes in winter and summer classes in spring.

Students may register for classes online or by calling 612-871-4907.

Registration is confirmed upon receipt of payment. If ASI cancels a class, registrants will be notified at least three days in advance and fully refunded. For nine-week courses, students may change/switch class sessions without any penalty during the first week of class.

Member discount

There is a $10 member discount for all 9-week courses. Become an ASI member today!

Check the class description to determine what text you need.

Textbooks, novels, and Kort Kurs 1 & 2 course packets can be purchased through the ASI Museum Store.

  • Beginning I classes are for new beginners to Swedish. They will start in chapter 1 of the textbook.
  • Beginning II classes continue studies in Rivstart A1/A2.
  • Beginning III classes cover the second half of Rivstart A1/A2.
  • Intermediate I start using the next level of Rivstart B1/B2.
  • Intermediate II classes cover the second half of Rivstart B1/B2.
  • Advanced I classes start using the next level of Rivstart B2/C1.
  • Advanced II classes cover the second half of Rivstart B2/C1.
  • Swedish Literature classes can be at a variety of levels. Read the class description to find out more about the level of the class.
  • Beginning Finnish I classes use Soumen Mestari 1 and start on chapter 1.
  • Beginning Finnish II classes continue studies using later chapters of Soumen Mestari 1.
  • Intermediate Finnish classes cover all of Suomen Mestari 2.
  • Advanced Finnish classes start using the next level of Suomen Mestari 3.

 

Many ASI classes use the Rivstart series. Rivstart has additional practice materials that can be accessed online. To access these materials, students need to create a free Natur och Kultur (the textbook publisher) account. For detailed instructions on how to create your account, click here.

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Virtual classes meet on the Zoom platform. Students will receive the Zoom link immediately upon registration.

In-person classes meet in either Classroom A or B on the Lower Level of the Turnblad Mansion. Check in at the front desk on the first day of class to find out which classroom to go to.

Outside the language classrooms, ASI maintains Lilla bibliotek, a little free library of Swedish and Finnish books and resources. Please feel free to borrow any materials and return them when finished.

To donate materials to Lilla bibliotek, please email Language Programs Coordinator, Liz Stopka.

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