Education as a Bridge to One’s Roots
During ESTO and the Song and Dance Festival, young Estonians living abroad had the opportunity to visit Estonian universities.
Merike Barborak (Institute of the Estonian Language - coordinator of the Estonian school network abroad) gives an overview.
Right after the emotionally charged Song and Dance Celebration, many young Estonians living abroad had a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities of studying in Estonia. The two-day program, organized by the Education and Youth Board and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute of the Estonian Language, brought youth to visit universities in Tallinn and Tartu. For many, it was the first time they realized that studying in Estonia is not just a distant idea, but a realistic and potentially life-changing option.
When the idea was first proposed in the spring, the universities embraced it with great enthusiasm. Participants were able to choose which institutions they wanted to visit, based on their interests, language skills, and future plans. They explored both Estonian- and English-language programs and learned about study-abroad opportunities — one of the most surprising discoveries: in some universities, up to 90% of students take part in international exchange programs.
The program brought together young people from all over the world — most were from the United States, as well as various European countries — and, to everyone's delight, two local Estonian students joined the group and said the experience helped them make new friends from across the globe.
Participants were at various stages of life: some were just beginning high school, some would soon need to decide whether to continue their education in their home country or come to Estonia, and some were already enrolled in university. This diversity made the program especially meaningful, offering both information and inspiration.
In Tallinn, students had the chance to visit the Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences (Mainor), Tallinn University, Estonian Business School, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, Tallinn Health Care College, and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). In Tartu, the visits included the Estonian University of Life Sciences, the University of Tartu, and the Tartu Health Care College.
At TalTech, two Estonian students from abroad — one studying in Estonian, the other in English — shared their stories. They spoke about academics, exchange programs, and vibrant student life, emphasizing that choosing to study in Estonia was the best decision they had ever made.
Several universities offer summer programs that give young people the chance to try out different fields before committing to a specific major. Those who have not yet reached the B2 level in Estonian can take summer language courses in Tallinn or Tartu, helping to build the foundation needed for Estonian-language higher education.
What truly surprised and impressed many of the students was the personal and student-centered approach of Estonian universities. While small by global standards, these universities are flexible and attentive to students' individual needs, interests, and backgrounds. “Each school had its own character and spirit,” said one participant.
Heili Jalakas (16), from the United States, shared her thoughts:
“I liked how each university had a clear focus — if I wanted to be a veterinarian, I’d go to the University of Life Sciences; if I wanted to become a teacher, then Tallinn University; and if I wanted to be an engineer, I’d go to TalTech. In America, it’s not like that. I’m interested in astronomy or astrophysics, so the University of Tartu was definitely a great fit for me. I’d love to apply to Tartu or take part in an exchange program. During the tours, I made two new friends who live in Estonia. It was so nice to talk to them and learn how life and education in Estonia compares to the U.S. We ate together at a café, exchanged numbers, and discovered new words like ‘muljetavaldav’ (because ‘impresiivne’ isn’t a real Estonian word!). The only thing I was disappointed about was that the universities don’t have swimming pools, because I really like swimming.”
Hopefully, this first-of-its-kind initiative won’t be the last. It was much more than a series of university visits — it was a bridge between heart and education, a path back to one’s roots. Several participants shared that after these few days, they see Estonia in a completely new light: not as a distant or small country, but as a place that offers high-quality education, a strong sense of community, and a chance to find one’s path — both professionally and personally.
Education in Estonia is not just about earning a degree; it’s also about rediscovering one’s culture and identity. Perhaps the future lies in this — bringing young people whose hearts beat with Estonian pride back to Estonia, giving them wings here, and, through them, making Estonia even greater.
