From music to engineering: Jordan Brodie’s journey to Estonia

Jordan Brodie’s journey to Estonia has been anything but typical. Before reaching Tallinn, life took him to different parts of the United States and later travelling across Europe – guided by music, travel, and a growing interest in his family roots.

Today, Jordan studies integrated engineering at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech). His path – from studying music composition in Los Angeles to pursuing engineering studies in Estonia – shows how family history, curiosity, and the courage to embrace change can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Growing up between different worlds

Jordan grew up in several different places in the United States. His childhood was spent mainly in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Great Falls, Montana, while his mother also lived in Washington, D.C.

“I moved between those places quite a lot while growing up,” he says. “So early on, I experienced very different environments and ways of life.”

Before moving to Estonia, Jordan lived in Los Angeles, where he tried to build a music career while working in the service industry.

“I worked really hard to move forward with my music,” he recalls. “I worked in restaurants and hotels while trying to make it in music. It was an exciting time, but also very difficult—especially because Los Angeles is such an expensive city.”

Later, Jordan decided to join the Workaway programme, which allows travellers to live with families in different countries and exchange work for accommodation.

For about a year and a half, he travelled across Europe, living with a new host family almost every month.

“It was an incredible experience,” he says. “It gave me a lot of new perspectives before I eventually decided to move to Estonia.”

Discovering his Estonian roots

While travelling in Europe, Jordan began to explore his family history more deeply. This led to an important discovery: his grandmother had been forced to leave Estonia during World War II.

Through her, Jordan learned that he was eligible to apply for Estonian citizenship under the diaspora’s right of return.

“It felt like an opportunity I simply couldn’t ignore,” he says.

Interestingly, studying was not part of his original plan.

“When I first moved to Estonia, I had no plan to study at all,” he explains. “My original idea was simply to find a job and start building a life here.”

After arriving, however, he learned that as an Estonian citizen he could study tuition-free. Since he had previously begun engineering studies, the idea of returning to that path came back.

“I had always wanted to finish an engineering degree,” he says. “So I applied to TalTech—and I was accepted after I had already moved to Estonia.”

In this way, a personal journey that began with searching for family roots also became an academic opportunity.

From music to engineering

Jordan’s educational path reflects his wide range of interests.

At first, he studied aerospace engineering at the University of Hawaiʻi, but soon realised that, at the time, music mattered more to him. He left the programme and moved to Los Angeles to focus on music.

Later, he earned an associate degree in Music Composition at Los Angeles City College.

“Before coming to TalTech, my academic background was really a mix of engineering and music,” he says. “That reflects different sides of who I am.”

At TalTech, Jordan now studies integrated engineering—a programme that combines several technical fields.

“In some ways, it’s similar to mechatronics,” he explains. “It combines computer systems, mechanics, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. I like how practical and hands-on the programme is.”

Inspiration along the way

Jordan’s decision to move to Estonia was influenced by a number of people and experiences.

While travelling in Europe, he met a friend in Paris who had received European citizenship through family history—his grandfather had been forced to leave Austria during World War II.

“His story made me look into my own family history,” Jordan says.

He has also been inspired by immigrants he knew in the United States.

“I’ve always admired how hardworking immigrants are,” he explains. “They often face very difficult situations—sometimes without knowing the language—yet they still manage to build a life for themselves. I wanted to develop that same resilience in myself.”

Seeing people close to him move abroad also shaped his thinking.

“My cousin moved to Germany, and a close family friend did the same. It made me think—if they can do it, why couldn’t I?”

For Jordan, the decision was also about personal growth.

“I liked the idea of challenging myself—becoming the immigrant, learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and building a life from the ground up.”

Unexpected connections with Estonia

When he arrived in Estonia, Jordan tried to avoid forming strong expectations.

“I’ve learned that expectations can sometimes lead to disappointment,” he says. “So I try to approach new experiences with an open mind.”

At the same time, he knew that adapting to a new country and culture would not be easy.

“I knew it would be very different from Los Angeles – especially colder,” he laughs. “And getting used to a new language and culture is never easy.”

In many ways, however, Estonia has exceeded what he imagined.

“It has definitely been difficult at times,” he admits. “But I’ve grown tremendously—personally, professionally, and emotionally.”

One of the biggest surprises has been how deeply he feels connected to Estonian culture.

“For much of my life in the United States, especially in Los Angeles, I felt a little like an outsider,” he says. “Here, I don’t feel like an alien.”

Although he considers himself culturally American, many aspects of Estonian life resonate strongly with him.

“I love the sauna culture. I value personal space and privacy. I feel connected to nature, the snow, and the technological innovation here.”

Feeling welcomed

At first, Jordan worried he might be judged for being different, especially because he is open, expressive, and openly gay.

The reality turned out to be the opposite.

One memorable moment took place during a dance competition at a TalTech party.

“My friends encouraged me to join the dance battle,” he recalls. “My style is very expressive and completely my own, but the crowd was incredibly supportive.”

He ended up finishing second.

“Moments like that showed me that I’m not just tolerated here – I’m welcomed,” he says. “And that means a lot to me.”

Living by the heart

When asked whether he would recommend taking a similar step, Jordan’s answer is simple.

“People should follow their heart and intuition,” he says. “If you feel stuck or unhappy somewhere, don’t just settle.”

Advice from a friend has stayed with him for years.

“He once told me: you don’t just choose a job and settle somewhere because that’s where your job is. You travel the world, you find a place you love, and then you build your life around that place.”

Jordan felt that was exactly what he had done.

“I travelled, explored, and eventually found a place that resonated with me,” he says. “Estonia felt right.”

Looking ahead

Jordan’s plans for the future are open and flexible. Right now, he is focused on learning Estonian, completing his studies at TalTech, and exploring new opportunities.

Music remains an important part of his life.

“I dream that one day my song could be in Eesti Laul – and maybe even Eurovision,” he says.

At the same time, he sees many possible paths in engineering and innovation – from robotics and research and development to starting his own company.

“I have a lot of ideas for new technologies,” he says.

Still, he prefers not to set his plans too rigidly.

“If someone had told me ten years ago that I’d be living in Estonia, I wouldn’t have believed it,” he says. “Life often takes us to completely unexpected places.”

A journey of growth and discovery

Jordan’s story shows how family history, international experience, and academic ambition can intersect in unexpected ways.

TalTech and other Estonian universities increasingly bring together students with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Some arrive straight from secondary school, while others – like Jordan – come after years of travelling, working, or pursuing entirely different dreams.

These experiences enrich the academic community and create space for new ideas, perspectives, and skills.

For many people, studying abroad is not only an educational step. It is also a journey of personal growth – a chance to adapt, expand one’s worldview, and discover strengths they may not have known they had.

For Jordan Brodie, Estonia has become exactly that kind of place.

More information about TalTech study programmes, admissions, and deadlines:
https://taltech.ee/en/admissions