ENThis article is based on the long experience working as a guest lecturer of Baltic languages at the University of Helsinki. The article consists of three parts. It begins with is a short review on the history of the Baltic studies in Helsinki from the middle of the 19th cent, (works and publications of Otto Donner, 1835-1909; Jooseppi Julius Mikkola, 1866-1946; Eino Vilho Kalervo Nieminen, 1891-1962; Jalo Lahja Kalima, 1884-1952; Aukusti Robert Niemi, 1869-1931; Valentin Kiparsky, 1904-1983; Kari Liukkonen, 1943). The second part of the article introduces the reader into the present situation of Baltic studies, providing the main facts about the structure of studying Baltic languages and cultures at the Department of Modern Languages of the University of Helsinki as well as the motivation of students and main problems. The last part looks forward in time, dealing with the possible forms of the common master degree.