Help centre
Answers to the most common questions. If you need something else, email hello@rinacademy.com and a person will reply.
How does a cohort work?
A cohort is a fixed group of 4 to 6 engineers who meet once a week for 12 weeks with the same instructor, always at the same weekly time. Each session is a realistic workplace scenario, a design review, a daily standup, defending a budget, that you work through together in English.
The times don't suit me. Can I pick my own?
A cohort meets at one fixed weekly slot, because it's the same people every week, that's what makes it a cohort. But we run several cohorts at different days and times, so if one doesn't fit, another usually will. Each cohort shows its weekly slot before you join. If nothing fits, a private 1:1 session is booked around your schedule.
How much does it cost?
You pay per session with credits. A group cohort seat is €12 per session, a full 12-week cohort is €120. A private 1:1 session is €25. Buy credits in small packs (larger packs are a little cheaper per session). All prices include Finnish VAT, and credits never expire.
Group cohort or private 1:1, which should I choose?
Most people get the most out of a cohort: you practise with peers, hear how others handle the same situations, and it costs less per session. A private 1:1 is best when you need to prepare a specific presentation, practise for a job interview, work on a particular speaking style, or get ready fast for a meeting that just landed in your calendar. You can do both.
How are levels handled? I don't want to be the odd one out.
Each cohort has a level band (for example B2–C1). Take the short placement and we'll show which cohorts fit you. If you try to join one that's above or below your level we'll tell you honestly before you commit, you can still join if you want the challenge, and the instructor keeps groups balanced. We won't drop a C1 speaker into an A2 group.
How do I join a cohort?
Create an account, take the two-minute placement, buy a credit, then pick an open cohort at a time and level that suit you and confirm your seat. A full cohort can't be joined. You're in one cohort at a time.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Yes. If you leave a cohort 24 hours or more before it starts, your credit is refunded in full, no questions. Once the cohort has started we can't refund it, but you keep access to the materials and recordings from the sessions you've paid for. You can leave any time from the My Cohort page.
What if I can't make one session?
Cancel your attendance from the session page, 24 hours' notice is appreciated so your instructor and group know. Under 24 hours it counts as a no-show. Either way the session is recorded, so you can catch up, and your feedback still gets added. You don't lose money for missing a single session; your seat covers the whole cohort.
Can I leave one cohort and join another?
Yes. If you leave before your current cohort starts, you get your credit back and can join any other open cohort that fits your level and has room. If you leave after it's started, the started cohort isn't refunded, so you'd buy a new credit for the next one. When in doubt, message us first, we'll help you land in the right group.
Do you train whole teams?
Yes. If you want to put a group of colleagues through together, get in touch, we'll sort out cohorts, invoicing, and purchase-order support for you.
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