Further Training throughout your Career

FILI regularly organises further training for translators of Finnish literature. Our seminars are often aimed at translators from a particular language group or of a specific genre. The focus of these seminars, held in Helsinki, is to acquaint translators with contemporary Finnish literature and to introduce them to authors, publishers, researchers and other influential figures.

In previous years we have held seminars for translators of literature for children and young people, poetry and drama.

FILI also runs a programme for translators of Finland-Swedish literature.

The ABC for Beginners

Every other year FILI, in association with CIMO, the Centre for International Mobility, organises a training seminar for beginner translators. This seminar is aimed at people studying Finnish at foreign universities, who have just graduated or who are in the final stages of their studies. During the intensive two-week seminar students translate literature, non-fiction, discuss the translated texts and contemporary literature in general.

Since 2002, the seminar has been led by the German translator Stefan Moster, recipient of the State Prize for Translation.

Writers at the focus of the seminar have included Pirjo Hassinen, Tomi Kontio, Tiina Krohn, Pentti Holappa, Sinikka Nopola and Mikko Rimminen.

Internship for Beginner Translators

Foreign translators of Finnish literature at the beginning of their careers and students of Finnish can apply for a six-month internship at FILI. The internship, organised in association with CIMO, the Centre for International Mobility, is aimed at international students over the age of 18, who are studying Finnish at a foreign university or who have just graduated as translators (students may apply within one year of graduating).

Successful applicants will take part in FILI’s work four days a week and spend one day working on their own translation projects.