Tetyana Kasima
from Donetsk, Ukraine

Name: Tetyana Kasima
Home city and country: Donetsk, Ukraine
BA degree – International Relations, started International University Audentes 2009 - graduated from Tallinn University of Technology 2011

Coming to Estonia...
I actually prefer thinking that I did not end up in Estonia but started something new here. This is my second foreign country study experience, I went to high school in Belgium, so inspired by the idea of studying in another language, living abroad,meeting new people, I look around and saw Tallinn.

Before coming here...
I did not listen to anyone, read news at home about Estonia (if we had any) between the lines and just went.

Student life in Estonia...
I guess here I experience student life not only from the side of lectures and exams but also from a more interactive, student oriented side, where students can organize events themselves and are more in charge of what they want to study and do during their study year.

Studying in Estonia...
I would say meeting my peers will be both an academic and personal outcome. As studying in an international environment contributes to both your academic life and every day life, influence your views. Just to illustrate what I mean, I tend to take events that happen around the world more personally and not only because I am a student of International Relations but also because I actually know people who live in the country where an event is taking place. When revolution in Egypt was under way, it was not an event that was happening somewhere it was an even to which my friend from Egypt was connected directly and we were all experiencing it.

I would tell others...
Positively surprising!

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Student Mobility is first of all a life style. It is freedom of choice that is closely tied to being responsible for your future and future of those who are around you and even of those who you have never met. I guess, I am back to the point about the world being smaller and more interdependent which also means that I should care more and that what Estonia taught me to do.

The last thing I want to say...
Використуйте  цю можливість!

Adrienne Warren
from Tucson, Arizona, USA

Name: Adrienne Warren
Home city and country: Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
Bachelor´s degree: International relations, 2008-2010, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I chose Estonia because it provided a highly unique combination of opportunities to me — to pursue international relations as a field of study, to learn Russian as a foreign language and have opportunities to speak with native speakers, to explore a city I had heard nothing but wonderful things about, to serve in the Bahai Faith community, of which I am a part.

Before coming here...
I didn’t know much, to be honest. I was simply eager to visit a part of the world that I had never seen before, and learn as much as I possibly could. I had heard only that Tallinn was a beautiful city, and tourism and outside interest had really only begun to take a hold there. This captured my imagination.

Student life in Estonia...
The world-embracing outlook that comes with going to school in Europe, amongst so many international students, is something which I don’t think can be found just anywhere. There is a real global citizenship that comes with choosing to educate yourself abroad.

Studying in Estonia...
... means having further global opportunities open to me.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
The benefits of studying in Estonia for me are difficult to summarize. I changed as a student, but more so, as a human being. It’s impossible to recount the many levels, personally and professionally, on which I was transformed, humbled, and sharpened. Suffice it to say — my sense of life purpose was irrevocably refined.

I would tell others...
Truthfully, it’s an acquired taste. But if it suits you, you’ll never find another place like it.

My degree programme is...
Diverse, flexible, globally oriented, developmental, integrated, exciting, current, evolving, expanding, international

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Sunny weather and personalities.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Because learning to adapt outside of your comfort zone, and face challenges with humility and perserverance is a skill which applies across the board to any facet of life. Student mobility is the promotion of education in every corner of the earth, open to all.

My future plans...
I’m wary of making strict plans — because things have a way of working themselves out if you stay open. As cliche as it sounds, I want to serve mankind, make people happy, and through that, be happy myself.

Dmitry Stepanenko
from Pskov, Russia

Name: Dmitry Stepanenko
Home city and country: Pskov, Russia
Bachelor´s degree: Business Administration, 2011-2014, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I do think that one of the first reasons to go to Estonia was because that the education here’s in English and I’m a real fan of that language! Then, there are teachers, professors and students all over the world. Also, the price of the education is not that big and Tallinn is not far away from my mother town, actually. So these are the main reasons as to why I’ve exactly chosen to study in Estonia.

Before coming here...
Well, I can’t say exactly what idea I had about Estonia...but I thought something like „yeah, that would be great living in Estonia”.

Student life in Estonia...
I reckon, that the main difference from my country is that we don’t have the students from abroad...And the dormitories are not that good as in Estonia.

Studying in Estonia...
One of the most important academic and personal outcomes is that after graduating from TUT I can go to work or continue education in any other European country! That’s splendid!

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
Well, if I start writing down all the good things which have happened since I’m here, this will take ages to make such list, but I will say briefly that every day is a celebration for me and I’ll never regret in my life that some time ago I decided to study in Estonia. Never!

I would tell others...
I’d tell them, that my university life, here in Tallinn, is one of the best things that had happened to me during 18 years of my life!

My degree programme is...
Helpful, needful, unforgettable, awesome, and these words are multiplied by 3, so you even get 12 keywords! So each of these words has such an impact that I even repeat each of them 3 times! Yes!

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Well... only parents and my little Yorkshire terrier (she’s so cute!!!)

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
International experience is to meet new people and get to know their culture and so on!

My future plans...
Well, I’m really looking forward to going to Germany to study as an Erasmus student. This is the only plan I’ve now.

The last thing I want to say...
Я могу сказать, что будучи здесь, в Эстонии, я провожу самое лучшее время в моей жизни! Я советую учиться здесь тем, кто не хочет зря прожигать время, a хочет постоянно познавать что-то новое и хочет получить одно из лучших образований в Европе! Я никогда не пожалею, что однажды решился отправиться сюда учиться! Никогда!

Elina Krievina
from Cēsis, Latvia

Name: Elīna Krieviņa
Home city and country: Cēsis, Latvia
Bachelor´s degree: International relations, 2008-...., Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
It offered the subject I wanted to study – International relations – in English. There were positive reviews about the school and the staff.
Close to home, yet far enough.

Before coming here...
I knew that the Latvians like to think of Estonians as slow people (jokes about neighbors). I knew Estonia was similar to Latvia. That is all.

Student life in Estonia...
I cannot compare, because I have not studied in Latvia. From my friends I can conclude that it is similar, but with more international feeling.

Studying in Estonia...
Tallinn University of Technology provides me with many opportunities to grow as a person and as a career person.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I was able to meet new people from Estonia and other countries. There is not one thing that has been the best, it all has been a wonderful experience.

I would tell others...
Lots of ERASMUS opportunities. Staff is great and the location is good. There is an easy going attitude from the staff and other students, but excellence is expected and enforced. Coming to Estonia, TUT will give you a chance to find out what you can do. Good Library and cafeteria will help you.

My degree programme is...

- Diversity - students, staff and professors
- Quality
- Fun
- Full of opportunities
- Fun interior
- „Honey, I’m Home“ feeling
- Interesting curriculum
- Encouraging curriculum

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Latvia has better pastries and cakes!

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
You have to explore the world, studies abroad are the best way to do it. Studies abroad give the best opportunity to meet new people and see places that will allow you to become a well rounded individual, to learn to care about the world affairs, to feel like you are part of something big.

My future plans...
Plans – Master degree, maybe PhD. To save the world, to get an award and live happily ever after.

The last thing I want to say...
Ja vēlies piedzīvot ko jauku, iemācīties ko jaunu par sevi un citiem un ja vēlies iepazīt savus ziemeļu kaimiņu Igauņus, tad droši nāc studēt Igaunijā. Šī būs pieredze, ko nekad neaizmirsīsi. Tev būs iespēja braukt apmaiņas studijās uz visām Eiropas Savienības valstīm, būs iespējas iepazīt jaunus uz foršus cilvēkos no dažādām valstīm. Studentiem ir jautra dzīve Tallinā, kā arī Tartu.

Es savu izvēli nenožēloju studējot Tallinā. Ja izmantosi skolas dotās iespējas, arī Tu būsi ļoti apmierināts.

Anna Pusa
from Jakarta, Indonesia

Name: Anna Pusa
Home city and country: Jakarta, Indonesia
Bachelor´s degree: International Business Administration, 2010-..., Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I came to Estonia because my partner lives and works here.

Before coming here...
Well, I didn´t know about Estonia so much, I just knew that Estonia was a part of USSR before.

Student life in Estonia...
Stuident life in Estonia is innovative technology which is used in daily student´s life and student´s party life.

Studying in Estonia...
It means for me acknowledgement from European universities and good job opportunities in international companies.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
Well, the best things are my relationship and the fact that I establish my business here.

I would tell others...
I’d tell them that you will get good education plus cheaper living costs than in other European countries.

My degree programme is...
ÕIS System, experienced lecturers, helpful International Student Center/Study Consultant, free Wi-fi, library´s complete book collection, ESN programs & events, innovative learning with Moodle, international students from all over Europe, fun way of studying, plus useful and good quality courses which are usable in working places.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Family, friends, food, weather and the traffic jam ;)

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
We\\\\\\\'ll have very valuable experiences, multinational friends as our contacts in the future plus we learn how to be more mature and independent.

My future plans...
Expanding my business more in Baltic and Scandinavian countries.

The last thing I want to say...
Ayo datang ke Estonia. Disini, kita bisa belajar bareng mahasiswa dari berbagai negara Eropa plus high-tech disini membantu banget buat belajar setiap hari. Dan, jika kamu suka sesuatu yg bersejarah, kamu bisa datang ke Old Town. Come, see & you\\\\\\\'ll love it!

Urtė Budinaitė
from Vilnius, Lithuania

Name: Urte Budinaite
Home city and country: Vilnius, Lithuania
BA degree – Vilnius College of Construction and Design, 2007
MA degree – Animation, 2008-2010, Estonian Academy of Arts

Coming to Estonia...
Estonia has great animation background and affordable study prices.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
That it is going to be very cold weather and crazy (in a positive way) people.

Student life in Estonia...
Students and teachers have more personal relationship in Estonia.

Studying in Estonia ...
... gave me contacts with oher animators and I could learn from them.
All these two years in Estonia were the best. Yes.

Some of the things I learned here...
Paint on glass animation, sand animation, Estonian pop art, performance art, serial art, Nukufilm studio, Joonisfilm studio, film production in Baltic states...

I would tell others in my home country...
... that in Estonian universities there are very interesting, professional teachers and lots of workshops.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
...  the Lithuanian language. But when I am away from Estonia, then I miss the advantage to have professional help by my side, but it is generally about beeing away from my own university (Estonian Academy of Arts).

I liked to study here...
I got to know different perspectives of the subject that interests you. To make contacts.

My future...
I´m currently working in the animation field and I keep in touch with people from Estonia. I´ll continue doing that in the future.

The last thing I want to say...
Atvažiuokite studijuoti į Estiją ir nepasigailėsite.

Eugene Birman
from New York, USA

Name: Eugene Birman
Home city and country: New York City, NY, USA
U.S. Department of State Fulbright Scholar
BA degree - Columbia University, B.A. Economics 2009
Master degree - The Juilliard School, M.M. Music Composition 2010
U.S. Department of State Fulbright Scholar in the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

Coming to Estonia...
I wanted to live and work in a place where people care about classical music, where culture is not just the recreation of a stratum of society, but an essential part in the life of a nation. Estonia is known worldwide for its musical traditions, but it will be recognized even more so for its wonderful efforts to develop classical music – truly, all kinds of music – within students and young professionals. I am happy to have found that here.

I was given the opportunity to study in Estonia at the Estonia Academy of Music & Theatre in Tallinn by the U.S. State Department and the Fulbright Student Program.

Before coming here...
My idea was formed mainly during a short visit I had made a year prior to my arrival, at that time not knowing that the next time I would arrive in Tallinn would be with two large suitcases in tow. Having been born 400 km away in Daugavpils, Latvia, I knew very well that Estonia was, foremost in the Baltics, navigating its way out of decades of occupation and was really quite successful at doing so. I didn’t imagine the rich cultural life, however, nor that there is so much of “city” outside of the medieval walls. Tallinn is much more alive than what one gets from a cursory tour of the old city.

Student life in Estonia...
EMTA is considerably smaller than the academic institutions I am used to, and it is refreshing seeing students playing in professional ensembles – even the Philharmonic – while still finishing their degrees. There are a lot of international students here, from all over Europe, and English is spoken sometimes more than I was used to in New York but I’ve found it even more rewarding to get to know the Estonians themselves who, contrary to popular perception, are some of the kindest and warmest people I’ve met.

Studying in Estonia...
I came here knowing almost no one in the professional music world and I am now in contact with a number of musicians and conductors, which I think can be attributed not only to my own networking skills but the openness of people here to new ideas and new people in general. I am unbelievably fortunate to have the teacher that I have here – I have never met anyone in my life, actually, who has taken such an interest in what I do and has devoted himself so entirely to helping me succeed.

The best things for me...
Gaining a foundation on which to build a career. This is so difficult to find and establish but it’s really gratifying to see that support and faith in the people in my field. I think, here, you are really rewarded for what you do and how you do it.

Studying in Estonia...
I think it is not so different from university life anywhere. Since coming here, I’ve spoken English, French, Italian, Russian, and Turkish among the students I’ve met; I never imagined the diversity of foreign students that study here. Beyond that, it is really what one makes of it: Tallinn had the reputation of a “party town” for a few years and perhaps now that’s receded but whatever you are looking for, you can find it. I think that’s the hallmark of a great city.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
In practical terms, there’s very little here that I can’t get anywhere. I wish the weather was warmer, the wine was better (although the hot wine is great!), and I didn’t have to fly 10,000 km to see my family and my car but otherwise, there hasn’t been as much of an adjustment as I thought.

I like international experience...
It is not just important, it is essential. I would not be who I am without having traveled and studied in different countries. Although it is cliche, this is still very much a world where national boundaries matter less and less and no matter what field you are in and who you want to be, not experiencing new things, not seeing foreign places and meeting people very different from you: that’s a huge disadvantage. Especially in the arts, there is no longer such a thing as borders. We have to get out and see what’s on the other side of the street, if not the other side of the world.

My future...
For the time being, stay in the region and continue my projects, as well as do more work in film music. More long term, I would like to have an Oscar by the time I’m thirty!

The last thing I want to say...
Just because it wasn’t mentioned above: don’t be afraid of the language! It’s very challenging to learn but just having a conversation in Estonian, even a few words, is totally worth the effort!

Maya Kobalia
from Tbilisi, Georgia

Name: Maya Kobalia
Home city and country: Tbilisi, Georgia
BA degree – BA (with Honors) in International Relations, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia, 2003-2007
MA degree – Master of Arts in Social Sciences (Baltic Sea Region Studies), 2008-2011, University of Tartu

Coming to Estonia...
First of all, during the decision-making process, one of the main reasons I chose this 2-year MA programme was for the Curriculum structure (specifically designed and tailored to broaden students’ knowledge on Baltic Sea Region), and prompt, courteous and considerate communication with the Tartu University Student service (during the application process).

Second, where could I receive a high-quality education about Baltic Sea region and Baltic countries, if not in the Baltic country - if not in Estonia? For instance, through attending the history course (History of the Baltic Sea Region, Academic Year 2008-2009) I saw how the events of the Singing Revolution have become interwoven into contemporary Estonian society, which is something I could have never achieved if I was to have studied it from home; it would have been just another history class.

Before coming here...
My ideas about Estonia before going there were quite positive – technologically advanced society, ‘singing nation’ and melodic language... and Kalev Chocolate (which I tasted before going to Estonia, and that was perhaps my first-time realization that I already liked the country without even being there before J).

I had also heard from my friends, who had visited Estonia, that Estonians are quiet, and the traffic is slow, but those last two stereotyped expectations were not confirmed, indeed.

Student life in Estonia...
In Estonia I once again experienced multicultural exposure and dynamic learning environment. Besides, I was living in a Dormitory with Estonian, Georgian and international students, which was another fascinating experience for me, since we do not have student dormitories in Georgia.

Studying in Estonia...
So much stays with me from my year and a half studying for Tartu´s MA in Baltic Sea Region Studies. All of the fascinating lectures, stimulating seminar discussions, eye-opening museum tours and field trips introduced whole new world of Baltic Sea Region to me. Apart from those academic learning outcomes, the most valuable personal outcomes for me, as an International student in Estonia, were increased self-confidence, multicultural values (tolerance for ambiguity, better understanding of my own cultural values and biases, and more sophisticated way of looking at the world).
And last but definitely not least – this 2-year MA programme led me to long-lasting friendships with other students met while studying in Tartu and in Berlin (as the Tartu University exchange student). I’ll always treasure this friendship, because the shared experience of living fully immersed in another/Estonian culture made these friendships particularly enduring! [My friends in Tartu were really from various and faraway countries, like: Great Britain, the United States of America, Ukraine, Belgium, Canada, Russia, Slovenia, Japan, China, Taiwan, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, Latvia, Moldova, Czech Republic, Ireland, Iceland, Poland, Italy, Denmark, and Australia].

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
While studying in Estonia we were taught to be more effective, respectful of other cultures, and willing to take a stand for the world’s welfare, not just what benefits a specific country. It gave me the ability to view the world, and its issues, from several perspectives. Moreover, my years spent in Estonia launched me into a personal involvement with the Estonian Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Furthermore, I had been chosen as the Winner of the Tartu University Facebook Journalist Contest (for my article: “One Day in Tartu”). Thus, now even when not in Tartu, I’m blogging for the Tartu University official Facebook Page during one academic year (2010-2011).
Competitions, such as this, arranged by the University of Tartu create a positive atmosphere that connects, involves and engages the community of similarly motivated alumni who graduated from the University of Tartu, and thus, students feel valued.
Overall, whether it was a student’s party till the early morning, intellectual ‘burning’ in the Tartu University library before exams, or just eating together with my friends in the nearby restaurant, the time spent in Tartu with friends from all over the world was an experience of a lifetime!

I would tell other Georgians...

Live in a dormitory! First and foremost because it is cheaper, and secondly you will have some friends around whenever you start feeling homesick.

Participate in an international evening! It is a great opportunity for You to present Georgia. Not only that you can taste various foods and drinks, you can also learn something about some more or less exotic cultures.

Discover Estonia! Go on a small excursion - the company from the dorm is almost always guaranteed. Besides, when you are already in Estonia this is the best time to discover its nature and to meet ordinary people.

Cook something for your friends! When classes are over prepare some Georgian food for your friends. Be sure that at least three people will come in the Dorm common kitchen and ask you what you are cooking J

Talk to your professors! Approach them after class, visit them during their office hours, ask them questions - my professors at the University of Tartu were very welcoming and always willing to help.

Take Estonian Language classes! Whether You are in Estonia for one semester or a year, taking Estonian language classes will help You to better feel the environment that You are temporarily living in, and to better communicate with locals (even with Your basic Estonian language skills :)).

Go to the Library! I had a very positive experience at the Tartu University Library – excellent service, cozy and friendly environment to relax in after a long day at the University.

Terviseks is NOT a funny word! It means ,,Cheers’’ (გაუმარჯოს!) in Estonian.

Conventional wisdom says that a video can say more than a thousand words, thus, consider this video in case you are still deciding whether or not Estonia is the right option for You.

My degree programme is...
,,City of Good Thoughts” - attractive campus city - Baltic Studies Masters Program - good atmosphere - a setting of professors and students from all over the world - perfect opportunity for those interested in Baltic Sea Region.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
When I am away from my country, I miss my country, family, Georgian cuisine (especially, Khachapuri (Georgian cheese pie), and last but definitely not least, I miss the Sun shining brightly :)

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Studying abroad gives a chance to observe the issues and challenges we face, to encourage our efforts, and better develop skills that make us adaptable to new jobs and tasks, like: critical thinking, problem solving, ability to integrate information, and team work.

My future plans...
Future is unpredictable as it is said, but my ultimate goal at this moment is to successfully complete my degree/defend the M.A. thesis, and to have the opportunity to participate in the official Graduation Ceremony. Those ceremonies are so beautiful and poignant – a very beautiful tradition of Estonian Universities.

The last thing I want to say...

ზუსტად არც კი მახსოვს პირველად როდის შემიყვარდა ,,კარგი მოგონებების ქალაქი“ (ტარტუ), მაგრამ დარწმუნებული კი ვარ, რომ ისე, უბრალოდ, შემთხვევით არაფერი ხდება. ყველაფერს, რაც ხდება, თავისი მიზეზი აქვს. და ახლა, როცა ტარტუში არ ვარ და იქ გატარებულ წელიწადნახევარს ვიხსენებ, დანამდვილებით ვიცი, რომ ზუსტად იქ აღმოვჩნდი, სადაც მინდოდა ვყოფილიყავი.

ტარტუ - ეს არის პატარა ქალაქი დიადი ფიქრებისთვის.

ტარტუ - ეს არის ადგილი, სადაც ყველაზე პატარა მოვლენაც კი შეიძლება დიდ თავგადასავლად გადაიქცეს.

ტარტუ - ეს არის ჩვენი ბედნიერი დეპრესიისა და სერიოზულ ხუმრობების ადგილი.

ესტონეთი არის ყოველივე ეს ერთად აღებული და უფრო მეტი.

I do not remember exactly when I fall in love for the first time with „the City of Good Thoughts“ (Tartu). But I do know that things are happening for reason. And now, when I am not in Tartu and I’m looking back to the year and a half I spent in Tartu, I know that I was exactly where I wanted to be.

Tartu is a small town to think big thoughts.
Tartu is the place where the smallest things become an adventure.
Tartu is the place of our happy depression and serious jokes.
Estonia is all that and definitely more.

Joshua Akinwande
from Abeokuta, Nigeria

Name: Akinwande Joshua
Home city and country: Abeokuta/Nigeria
BA degree – BSc Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, Nigeria 2008-2011
MA degree – International Business Administration, 2011-2014, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I chose Estonia because I found it reasonably and relatively cheap, also conducive for academic purpose. How did I end up here? It’s a long story. I found information about Tallinn University of Technology on the internet, followed the required process and here I am.

Before coming here...
I didn’t really expect much but now I know and see that everything is better than I expected!

The differences between your country and Estonia when it comes to student life?
Well, there are many differences between my home university and Estonia. But the main ones are: A sound IT, flexible lecturers and lecture, and a hygienic learning enviroment.

Studying in Estonia...
Firstly, it is to achieve academic excellence.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
Having both local and international friends that are really nice especially during the Estonian evening.

I would tell others...
I will tell that life in Estonia is comfortable, simple and great

My degree programme is...
International Business Administation provides knowledge and skills which are vital for global business today, exploring business trends and issues from marketing to legal aspects.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
My local food and the sun (weather).

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
And international education expands your horizon.

My future plans...
Having an international network for international business.

The last thing I want to say in my native language...
Mo ni igbagbo pe ipinnu rere ni mo se lati wa si Estonia. Estonia je ilu ti rewa, awon ara ilu si ntele ofin ati ilana ti ijoba won gbe kale dede. Ohun gbogbo nlo dede. Awon ara Estonia ni ife awon ajeji lopolopo, won ma nsetan ni gbogbo igba lati se iranlowo fun eni ti oba bere re. Eyin funi ni ibale okan. Ti o ba wa si ilu Estonia, o ni kabamo.

Paul Pryce
from Calgary, Canada

Name: Paul Pryce
Home city and country: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
BA degree – Political Science (Minor: Philosophy) at the University of Calgary, 2004-2008
MA degree – International Relations, Tallinn University, 2009-2011

Coming to Estonia...
For Estonia, 2007 was a year marked by conflict. I wanted to better understand the underlying tensions and how these might be addressed. After all, some of the issues were, in some regards, reminiscient of points in the history of the Canadian province of Quebec. I felt that learning how Estonians were working to address their country’s issues would help me to better understand how to address my own country’s issues. I could have tried to conduct research on this from Canada, but most material looks to the distant past and rarely to the immediate present.

Before coming here...
The closest I had ever come to Estonia before was Ukraine, so I expected similar architecture, similar lifestyles, and so on and so forth. I actually found that Estonia is very unique. There are some aspects which are similar to Russia or to Ukraine, but there are also many aspects which are practically identical to Sweden or to Finland. Estonia is truly at a crossroads, which means there’s always something to discover, something new to learn.

Student life in Estonia...
There is a student life! Well, to put it more accurately, there are more opportunities to interact with fellow students in and out of the classroom in Estonia. Thanks to the Erasmus programmes, the closeness of Europe, and the affordable tuition, there is a strong diversity to the student body, too. If you want to learn something about any part of the world, there’s probably a student from there, or who has been there, who you can ask.

Studying in Estonia...
From an academic standpoints, I developed a strong appreciation and understanding for the history of Estonia and the region. My research skills and my capacity for intercultural communication grew as a result, too. On a personal level, I came away from my studies in Estonia with a global network of outstanding friends. Estonia has become more than a centre of learning for me, though; it’s become like a second home.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
Before coming to Estonia, I had been conducting as much research as I could on Estonian identity politics. I discovered that there are many exceptional writers in this area. One author in particular stood out for me. When it came time to defend my thesis, I discovered that my thesis reviewer would be that same author: Raivo Vetik, the leading thinker in the field. It was an incredible opportunity to debate and to discuss with Dr. Vetik about Estonia’s past, present, and future. Thanks to the small size of the country, and thanks to the kindness and welcoming spirit of the Estonian people, I enjoyed a great deal of access to other Estonian leaders, too.

I would tell others...
I would tell them that Estonia offers a far greater ’bang for the buck’. Thanks to the Estonian government’s investment in quality education, the tuition is much lower than it would be in Canada. But, at the same time, the classroom environment in Estonia is more open and participatory. There’s more to learn from the discussions and debates that take place in an Estonian classroom than there is to be obtained from sitting silently in a lecture hall. Depending on your specialization and area of study, Estonia could be where you will make the next breakthrough.

My degree programme is...
International relations, international security, international law, intercultural communication, geopolitics, epistemology, political sociology, multilateral institutions, and making the world a better place.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Family and the dry mountain air of Alberta.

Studying in Estonia is an international experience...
Having experience studying abroad is vital to developing intercultural communication skills. In a globalizing world, it’s important to be able to work with people from many different backgrounds with differing ways of expressing themselves. Adapting to a different culture also broadens your worldview and means that you’ll be even better equipped to move with changing times when you complete your studies and enter the workforce.

My future plans...
At the moment, I am working on a number of human rights advocacy and democratization projects on behalf of an international non-governmental organization. But I am looking forward to soon increasing my involvement in Canadian politics.

The last thing I want to say...
Consider checking out Estonia for your studies. The cost of living is affordable, the prospects amazing, and you are very likely to get more ’bang for your buck’ than anywhere else.

Juliane Jokinen
from Espoo, Finland

Name: Juliane Jokinen
Home city and country: Espoo, Finland / Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium
BA degree – International Business Administration in Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I used to live eleven years in Belgium, when suddenly my parents decided that we should move „back“ to Finland. When I moved to Finland a couple of years ago and finished my high school degree in Helsinki, I thought that I still had to discover more about life. So, I decided to study abroad. I have mostly lived abroad. I cannot really consider myself as a truly Finnish person; thus I had a strong will to study abroad. To move to Estonia was an easy decision. It is not too far away from Finland, and the language is related to Finnish. In Tallinn, a Finn might experience the joys of understanding what the locals are saying.

Before coming here...
Before I moved to Estonia, my impression was that every street corner had a beauty salon.Women were dressed in very feminine clothes. The street fashion has been rather a pleasant surprise after living a few years in Finland, where trainers and baggy clothes belong to the everyday street picture. I had also been in Old Town Tallinn three times before and I had the impression that Estonia is a beautiful country with a wonderful capital.

Student life in Estonia...
International organizations such as ESN are more active in Estonia than in Finland. There are so many different possibilities for international students to participate in different events, it is amazing! The best thing is that everyone can take part and your suggestions are always welcome!

Studying in Estonia...
As an international student in Estonia my views of life and different cultures have become even broader. I have always felt international and in Belgium I was surrounded every day by at least seven different nationalities. I have always been in an international school. However, at the European School I attended in Belgium, we had only people from other European countries. In Estonia, it feels like I am surrounded by the whole world - every single day. We have people in our university that come from countries, such as Indonesia, United States, China, Georgia, India, Egypt, South Africa. We have the whole world here! We do not only get to understand the European mentality, but we get to know other points of views as well. Here one becomes more openminded.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I have had the opportunity of meeting some of the greatest people, having the possibility to learn something new every single day and participating in exciting projects like for TMUN (Tallinn Model United Nations), The Orphanage project, and NESU (Nordic Economic Student Union).

My English vocabulary has increased tremendously, so has my knowledge about finances, economics, marketing and everything one has to know about business. If one wants to study international business, one should also be in an environment that gives you the opportunity. Tallinn has been a truly international capital with a great number of creative and young people. Tallinn gives you a lot of new opportunities.

I would tell others...
Living in the campus is an adventure. You do not want to be left out of it. At TTU, you will meet new, interesting people and discover something about yourself. University life is a once in life time experience and it is one of a kind in Estonia.

My degree programme is...

The formula of  Success

Location, location and location!

How to start your own Business

\\\"The ability to express oneself is perhaps the most important of all the skills a person can possess.\\\"

Group projects

The Art of Delegating

Different Leadership styles

Economic and financial News of the World

Be true to yourself!

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I miss my family and high school friends I have left behind in Finland. Luckily, I am always able to visit them during weekends or vacations. I also miss some great people in Belgium and Belgian food!

Studying in Estonia is an international experience...
Being an international person means that you will have the advantage of knowing many different people from different cultures, learn different languages, have contacts around the globe and to enjoy every inch the world has to offer.

My future plans...
First of all, I am planning to finish my Bachelor studies. After that I want to discover Germany, as I am  half German. I have never had the opportunity to live there. I plan to continue my studies there. 

The last thing I want to say...
Teretulemast Tallinnaan! Täällä ollaan jo ja odotetaan lisää tulevia opiskelijatähtiä tänne toiselle puolelle Suomenlahtea. Viron yliopistoilla on paljon tarjottavaa, kandin voi suorittaa englannin kielellä ja ohjelmat ovat erittäin kansainvälisiä. Opiskele kansainvälisessä ympäristössä. Ei haittaa vaikka englannin kielen taitosi ei ole vielä aivan hallussa – pian se on!

Jekaterina Balicka
from Olaine, Latvia

Name: Jekaterina Balicka
Home city and country: Olaine, Latvia
Bachelor´s degree – Latvia Agricultural University, Landscape Architecture and Planning, 2003-2008; Erasmus programme in Germany, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, 2006
Master´s degree – Landscape Architecture, 2008-2010, Estonian University of Life Sciences
Doctoral degree - Landscape Architecture, 2010-2014, Estonian University of Life Sciences

Coming to Estonia...
I knew Estonia and Tartu from my master studies. I like Tartu, and I like the University and the research team, and it is not far away from Latvia – the nature and the mentality and the weather is common for me too. So I decided to make a PhD here.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
I didn’t have the whole image of Estonia in my mind before I came to study here.

Differences in student life in Estonia and in my home country...
I was living in my home town (not in Jelgava, my place of studies) during the all of five years of studies in Latvia, that’s why I have participated only in some part of student life. That’s why I can not compare. But I guess Tartu is a student city in the full sense.

Some of the things I learned here...
I’m more flexible in many things now. I also know more now in the different approaches in different universities. I have more experience.

I would tell others in my home country...
I would recommend them to come for master studies in Estonia.

My degree programme is...
Landscape architecture, interdisciplinary, different approach, international, experimental.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Riga and life in Riga, my friends in Latvia, Latvian products, communication in the native language.

I like to study here...
It is important as general life experience. And it also helps a lot for the language learning.

My future...
I am planning to stay active in research and professional activity in Baltic States. I cannot say more precisely, I have to make my PhD thesis first.

Dave Bullock
from Tewkesbury, United Kingdom

Name: Dave Bullock
Home city and country: Tewkesbury, England, United Kingdom
BA degree – International Relations, 2010-2013, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I had come to Estonia on holiday many times before (more than I can remember now!) and knew I wanted to study abroad so since I knew I already loved the place and already had friends and connections here it was an obvious choice!

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
I first came to Estonia in 2006 the way all English people who live here come (with an Estonian girlfriend!) and ended up falling in love with the place. It is a lovely place to study, and Tallinn is a brilliant city (just the right size for me!), but I can’t recommend strongly enough getting out of the city to see the sights, especially with someone to show you around. As soon as I first set foot here I knew I would end up staying here at some time or another!

Student life in Estonia...
The most obvious thing is the price! I wouldn’t say that to study in English the tuition fees are a lot lower than they were in the UK when I started, but given the rise in tuition fees back home even that would be considered cheap now. On top of that though, the living cost here is pennies compared to what it would be in the UK (one example – to rent a room on campus here costs the same per month as it does per week in most universities in the UK, and food is almost ridiculously cheap in comparison).

Studying in Estonia ...
The most important outcome for me as far as the academic side goes is getting a good degree! Personally though it’s brilliant to expand your knowledge and interpretation among international students and staff, which, in the field of International Relations is certainly vital.

Estonia in general...
Mostly expanding my horizons and having a course that really suits my needs and ability whilst pushing me enough to keep it interesting!

I would tell others...
It’s a cheap life in a wonderful country, but make sure you prepare for the winter!

My degree programme is ...
International, European Union, Economics, Law, Politics, Philosophy, History, Future Development, Diplomacy...

I miss the most...
Without a doubt, Cadbury’s Chocolate, Bovril, Marmite and proper tea. Other than that, I miss hills (I grew up in the Cotswolds and there’s no proper hills here!) and the English countryside. Sure, it sounds a bit stuffy and weird, but really once you have been away from England you really notice that there are no other fields the same colour as the fields in England, and you really miss it! One thing I certainly don’t miss though is our famous weather! I’d take Estonia’s three seasons (Cold and Snowy, Hot and Sunny and then the grey bits either side) over England’s one season (grey and never as hot/cold as you’d like it to be) any day!

I like to study here...
You get to learn a whole lot about yourself and your country by studying abroad, but also if you want to study International Relations then I would consider studying abroad for at least some time compulsory.

My future...
To get a masters (although I don’t know where yet) then hopefully off in to the world of international security, but who knows!

The last thing I want to say...
Make sure you learn Estonian! It can be a struggle at first, but it’s probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

Inam Soomro
from Hyderabad, Pakistan

Name: Inam Soomro
Home city and country: Hyderabad, Pakistan
Bachelor´s degree: University of Sindh, Pakistan, 2004-2008
Master´s degree: Software Engineering, 2010-2012, University of Tartu / Tallinn University of Technology (joint master´s programme)

Coming to Estonia...
I chose Estonia because of its growth, development and Excellence in Information Technology and computer Science and my extreme interest Specifically in Software Engineering. Skype as a product of Estonia was enough that encourage me to continue my education in Estonia.

Before coming here...
European culture and specifically the people, the technical and IT people. Cold winter but brilliant summer.

Student life in Estonia...
Culture,  a lot of parties and outdoor events, fun fun and fun....

Studying in Estonia...
Being an International student in Estonia  gives me confidence, courage way of thinking to lead from the front, Professors have deep look for every individual student and they always suggest and help for how to the best. International friends and international career perspectives and work opportunities.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I got a working opportunity immediately and I have enhanced my skills significantly after starting my education in Estonia.

I would tell others...
I would suggest them to come and study in Estonia because it will give them special educational and career perspectives as well. They will find contacts with professors, International Students.

My degree programme is...
Enterprise System Integration, Systems Modelling, Programming skills especially in Java,   Practical training and Skills, Project Managements, Software Testing, Software Economics, Business Case Analysis, a lot of Case Studies and their implementation and Software Design.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Family, friends and the FOOD.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Studying abroad really enhances the maturity level and mind set of Students. Being an International student I have learned a lot things from students of different nations and came to know about a lot different cultures all around the world,  Being and International student produces competitive skills with international students.

My future plans...
After completing my education I am planning to work with Multinational companies like Skype as a Software Engineer.

Karol Kisiel
from Gdańsk, Poland

Name: Karol Kisiel
Home city and country: Gdańsk, Poland
Master degree - Choral Conducting, 2008-2009, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre
Doctoral degree (PhD) - Choral conducting, 2009-2013, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

Coming to Estonia...
It was about the time, while I was finishing my Master studies of choral conducting in Poland. I met professor from USA, Artur Sjogren, who had good knowledge about Estonian musical culture, and adviced me coming here to get some new experiences.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
I have always been conecting Estonia with other small Baltic countries and very interested in its inner life. I have also been aware, that Estonia has one of most beautiful capital cities in Europ and is has very high level of technological development.

Differences in student life in Estonia and in my home country...
Organization. Definitely. I can compare only my city, Gdańsk to Tallinn, but I think it may have broader context concerning Polish musical institutions. Although Poland seems to be going in a good direction still it leaves much to be desired according to schedule of the studies and possibilities to develop.

In Estonia I have possibility to attend lectures in several other universities, access to various scholarships supporting my studies and musical experiences like attending masterclasses and competitions. I feel close connection between me as a student and the authorities of EMTA, which guarantees me for sure, that I can find professional support whenever I need it.

Professionally, I find my studies in Estonia as really valuable. I have contact with great teachers, talented students and highly respected choirs and orchestras. This is the most important for a conductor, wishing to develop intensively and quickly.

Some of the things I learned here...
I feel strongly, that I have developed much as a person surrounded by people representing different cultural habits and traditions, and as a musician having contact with professionals artists. This is unforgettable experience and I’m happy to be able to continue this dream.

I would tell others in my home country...
I find sudent life in Estonia quite intensive, especially in Tallinn, where are collected some universities representing several education scopes: Tallinn University, Estonian Fine Arts Academy or Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. There are various places where you can meet students of these universities, what appears to be a great opportunity to make your ideas wider, not only based on students interested in music.

From professional point of view, Estonia apperas to me as a country very intensively seeking for its own character and already having it clear and easy to recognize. On one hand people are interested in many aspects of life, also in traveling, getting knowledge about other nations. On the other hand, their expectations meet with rich offer coming from many institutions, interested in supporting young generation in their development.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
It certainly is contact with cultural life, which I have grown up with several years. Nowadays, since I visit my country only twice a year, I have limited knowledge about things happening especially in my city. This makes me wanting to find possibility to cooperate with Poland and Gdańsk, to find opportunities to organize some projects together, to come with students from Estonia to introduce them my culture and to show their culture to my Polish friends and proffesional accuaintances.

I liked to study here...

Such programmes like Erasmus become an „everyday bread“ in student life. This moment, when we for the first time settle in another country, is one of the biggest challenges in our life. After that, nothing seems to be difficult or impossible. Another aspects of international studies are of course new professional contacts, experiences, getting knowlege about another cultures, in my case also about music of the country where I live. These connections and memories stay often for a very long time or even forever, I think it makes our personal and professional life uncomparably richer.

My future...

Continuing PhD studies in choral conducting at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, using Erasmus Placement program for getting another international experiences, trying to create my own ensemble to work with and give concerts. One of my dreams is to become a teacher and work with passionate musicians.

The last thing I want to say...

Gdy studiujesz i żyjesz za granicą, wracasz dwa razy mądrzejszy: znasz nowe miejsca i nowych ludzi, ale poznałeś również siebie.

When you travel abroad to study and live, you come back twice smarter: you know the new places and people, but you also know yourself for real.

Remo Gramigna
from Malvito, Italy

Name: Remo Gramigna
Home city and country: Malvito (CS), Italy
BA degree – University of Rome, 5-years degree in Science of Communication (2000-2005)
MA degree – Semiotics, 2009-..., University of Tartu

Coming to Estonia...
I chose Estonia first of all because it was the only country in Europe that offered a full MA programme in Semiotics taught in English. I did not have any suggestions from my former professors or friends for they were not aware of this program. Therefore, I searched for it by myself, mainly using the internet. My reseach about semiotics programmes offered in Estonia started during 2009.

Before coming here...
Honestly, I did not know much about the country before my arrival in Estonia. I did know about Yuri Lotman and this was pretty much about it.

Student life in Estonia...
Coming from a massive university (University of Rome “La Sapienza”) I can definitely say that there are big differences between the two. First of all, examination system is quite different. In Italy you have much more oral examinations and few essays two write. The amount of people in class is far more less here and therefore it’s easy to follow the lessons and participate in seminars. Of course, it’s easier to create youe friends network and be in personal contact with your own professors. University system here seems to be less hierarchic and “formal”.

Studying in Estonia...
Well, first of all, to be among the first internationals that enrolled in the new MA in semiotics and eventually be the first international students who get the whole MA in semiotics at the University of Tartu. So far I did very well with my exams and I am very interested in the topic I’m dealing with for my MA thesis. I also managed to publish one of my papers in the last issue of the semiotic journal “Hortus Semioticus”. Finally, I wrote some poems about the city of Tartu that become quite popular among the Facebook community of international students of Tartu. One of them has been published on the university bookmark last year.

The best things for me...
To put it straight, I am happy here. I am very satisafied about what I do and what I study and this is the best thing that can happen in life: be happy!

Studying in Estonia...
In a nutshell, that is better and more convenient to be here. The city is cosy, cute and has got a great soul. So it’s a good place for students.

My degree programme...
Semiotics – Nature – Culture – Signs – Mark – Lotman – Uexkull – umwelt –semiosphere – active

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
The sun, the food, my family.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
I believe that studying abroad is a crucial experience for personal formation of the individual. Everyone should do it, at least once in their lives. Discovering new places, novel ways of life, amazing languages cannot but enrich yourself

My future plans...
I’m thinking to continue my studies at PhD level here in Tartu.

The last thing I want to say...
Vieni a Tartu: è un posto speciale!

Lelde Plūksna
from Tukums, Latvia

Name: Lelde Plūksna
Home city and country: Tukums, Latvia
BA degree – University of Latvia, Faculty of Law, 2008-2009
BA degree – Tallinn University of Tehnology, Tallinn Law School, 2009-2012

Before coming here...
As Estonia is a neighbouring country of Latvia, the history and development of the countries are pretty similar. I also had some school trips to Estonia and Tallinn, so I had seen the place before and knew that it is nice place to stay.

Student life in Estonia...
I can’t really compare, but I think that the student life everywhere is pretty amazing! I know that there are student bodies that organize different events and also students themselves are making some parties and get together to do different stuff. I don’t live at the dorms, however I have heard that there is a lot of fun and you can enjoy every evening.

At the beginning of the academic year there are some orientation days held and people from abroad get to know essential information about Estonia, studies and student life. Here are some active students – tutors who help international students during their studies.

The interesting part is that you get to learn a new language (Estonian) even without really going and studying it. Many expressions and words just stick to you and you can get around with it, although for real conversation it is not enough:)

I would tell others...
TTU has a great campus! Everything is connected, you can go from the Faculty of Social Sciences to the Faculty of Ingeneering without going outside the school. There is a brand new and modern library, Wi-Fi throughout the school. My studies are held in a newly built building and all the time there are some renovations done to make the school premises more comfortable and modern.

We are about 40 people in my course. This is not a lot but also not that less. It gives an opportunity to participate in discussions during the lectures, take actively part in seminars. In addition, you can hear everything from the lectures, because there is not this big mess when at one place some 150 people are sitting together. Besides that we know every lecturer and professor of our faculty and they know us!

My degree programme is...
International, English, European Union, friendly, challenging, practice and theory, knowledge, experience, interesting. 

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I miss my family, friends, my home, language and shops in Riga!

Studying in Estonia is an international experience...
Studying abroad gives you unforgettable experience to learn how to deal and work with people with different mentalities. It is sometimes challenging but also very interesting and mind changing.

My future plans...
First is to gratuate from Law School and then to continue my studies somewhere in Europe. And finally, I’m ready for all the great things that future will bring!

The last thing I want to say...
Brauciet studēt uz Igauniju! Veidosim šeit lielāku latviešu studentu pulku un pierādīsim, ka latviešos ir spēks! :)

Jenny Uusikartano
from Turku, Finland

Name: Jenny Uusikartano
Home city and country: Turku, Finland
BA degree – International Relations, Tallinn University of Technology 2007-2010

Coming to Estonia...
I was looking for study programmes in English around Baltic Sea Region. Estonia was close enough with good transportation links to Finland.

Before coming here...
I know that Estonia was small country with well developing economy and long history.

Student life in Estonia...
Finland university’s have more academic freedom, while programme in Estonia was more strict.

Studying in Estonia...
I got much more friends from very different backgrounds and cultures than would have got in studies in Finland. My English communication skills got much better during the studies. I learned to live in a different culture.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I got interested in Baltic States after living and studying in Estonia. After gradutating I got into master’s programme concerning Baltic Sea Region. Without my studies in Estonia, I doubt I won’t have choosen this route.

I would tell others...
Studying in Estonia made my life richer. I learned many things from myself while living and studying in other culture. I got new friends, new opportunities for the future, etc.

My degree programme is...
Multicultural, interesting, mind opening, giving many opportunities, multi-discipline, teachers from varies backgrounds, learning about the world around you, professonal teaching-staff, international athmosphere...

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I miss the most miss my family and friends back home.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
It is gaining the opportunity to learn new things about yourself and other cultures. Also to gain knowledge for the future (working-life) what it would be like to live abroad.

My future plans...
I want to graduate as a master and get a job related to Baltic Sea Region and/or International Relations.

The last thing I want to say...
Suosittelen opiskelua Virossa; Viro on lähellä ja Viron kulttuuri on mielenkiintoinen. Opiskelu siellä on tasokasta ja monipuolista!

Chandana Basu Mallick
from Ranchi, India

Name: Chandana Basu Mallick
Home city and country:  Ranchi, India
Bachelor´s degree: Microbiology (Hons), University of Delhi, Delhi
Master´s degree: Biotechnology, A.P.S. University, Madhya Pradesh, India
Doctoral degree: Molecular Biology, University of Tartu

Coming to Estonia...
Well, my journey to Estonia was based on two main pillars. One was a motivation to do my PhD abroad in a challenging project and second was my husband who had joined a year before me for his PhD. I did apply to other universities as well and got through but was fortunate to get selected here too as every year not all faculties have chances to take international students and there are local students competing for the positions too who just finished their masters.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
Frankly speaking, I didn’t know much about Estonia. All I knew was that it was a part of Soviet Union and then developed its own entity after independence. I was warned about the freezing temperatures. Yet, I was all ready to explore this nation.  When I used to tell people I got selected in Estonia for my PhD, they would be happy at one instance but then their next question would be where is it actually and I would name the neighbouring countries to explain its geography; Finland sounded well to them but I always defended them in a way and somewhere felt quite close and protective to it even though I hadn’t stepped here yet.

Differences in student life in Estonia and in my home country...
Student life is similar in some kind to my home country and different too. As every other country student life here too are colourful, events taking place now and then, sports, full of enthusiasm, parties, fun. Organizations like ESN here that make it all lively starting from the introduction, film festivals to youth bands. However, I miss the campus life here (In India, most of the universities are in the outskirts of the city and have their own big campus) and also canteens or common hang out place for students in hostel or department where food or tea/coffee are at subsidised rates. I also find the curriculum here quite relaxed for students allowing them to get accommodated to it.

Studying in Estonia ...
I believe I have learnt here the true qualities of a researcher. I feel I have become more independent at the same time more responsible. I have learnt from my seniors how to stay at the top and yet be humble. My supervisors have always let me grow on my own, allowed me to follow my own instincts and nurtured me when needed with their own experience. I also learnt the art of perfectionism from the people here and their warmth has always inspired me to learn their language and converse with them in Estonian. “Tere” has become so familiar to me now that I end up greeting the Finnish security personnel or immigration officer at airport with the same word at times while travelling back to my country.

Some of the things I learned here...
I experienced the snowfall for the very first time in my life when I arrived. I was so overjoyed and my colleagues said “ Don’t worry you would get more n more of it and may be you would not enjoy it any more”. But I still enjoy it. It’s so beautiful, everything covered in white. My first sledging experience with friends was great fun. I got to see nature more closely in Estonia which I would always treasure in my life. Nature is so bland here, untouched and I feel it always remains so. I also experienced life in country side with no electricity (not that they can’t get it but they want it like that) where you experience true nature, breathe fresh air when you get up.  We also enjoyed mushroom picking, clean forests, walking on bogs, picking berries, lakesides, sauna and of course, Saaremaa. All these experiences would have been impossible without our Estonian friends guiding us all through. Last but not the least, my favourite strawberries which are rare in our country having a warm climate. :)

I would tell others in my home country...
I would highly recommend students from my home country to come and have an experience here. I am sure they are going to like it. The living standards here are comparable to any other European countries but the cost of living is low. Besides this, the best thing about Estonia is that you can have the feel of urban life and yet the warmth, calmness and serenity of a small town which seems rare in big cities.

Doctorate studies in Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in University of Tartu is for four years which is quite standard. Compared to other universities, while studying here you do find a proper balance within the curriculum and your own research. The elective subjects which you take also aid you to excel in your research for example, academic writing where you get to know more about writing grant proposals or research papers or information research where you learn about different web-based search tools. I have heard my friends from other universities complaining about tedious course work leaving them with little time for their own research. Few courses here are also internet based which saves time. I also appreciate the defense which is based on published papers rather than thesis work. So, a candidate has already been proved to some extent, though in some fields like cell biology, immunology, publishing in stipulated time is sometimes difficult.

My degree programme is...
A year back University of Tartu had a seminar on tolerance and how we can improve it here and my study revolves around this  i.e investigating the unique biological spectrum of skin color what we observe in the world. This remarkable variation and it’s genetic origin and evolution of skin color has always remained a puzzle for researchers. There are many genes that have been discovered to have played role in this variation and I am studying one of the skin pigmentation genes.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Sun in winters, Indian street food, our colourful festivals, my family and above all an Indian store where we could get all ingredients.

I liked to study here...
I think mobility in Science has become important these days. You need to get out of your shell at least once and explore what’s going on; gain different experiences and that will give you an edge over others, improve your thinking, motivate you and help you to move ahead in your scientific career. It also gives you an opportunity to learn about different cultures and meet different people.

My future...
After completing my doctorate studies, I would go for my post doc studies. I strongly feel scientific research is a learning process where you get to learn at each stage and you need to keep your eyes open and the level of enthusiasm and curiosity high. There is no stop over, just journeys and experiences to gather and keep moving on.........

The last thing I want to say...
Life is an empty dream. It is you who has to fill colors in it and paint it as beautiful as you can. So, go ahead and don’t look behind, your future lies in your hand and you need to make the most of it.

About Estonia...
As they say “ Good things come in small packages”, the same holds true for Estonia.....small, yet beautiful and powerful.

Johannes Schmidt
from Greifswald, Germany

Name: Johannes Schmidt
Home city and country: Greifswald, Germany
BA degree – University of Erfurt 2006-2010
Erasmus exchange programme - Tallinn University of Technology, Sept 2009 – Jan 2010
MA degree – Technology Governance, 2010-2012, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
The first time I ended up in Estonia was during my ERASMUS semester at the Tallinn University of Technology. During that time I have gotten a feeling about Estonia and what it is like to study here. Studying in such a small country, with around 1,3 million inhabitants, culturally tied together by their past, gives you a truly unique family-like feeling. I believe in order to study successfully you need to enjoy yourself and feel good where you are. This is definitely something Estonia is able to provide. Tallinn is an upcoming and vibrant city of young and creative people offering more than you are able to absorb.

Apart from the country, its people and cities, Tallinn University of Technology is providing outstanding academic excellence in the field of Technology Governance. Having the ho nour and opportunity to be taught by professors regarded as eminent authorities in their fields is certainly one of the reasons for me coming back to Estonia.

Samet Erap
from Istanbul, Turkey

Name: Samet Erap
Home city and country: Istanbul, Turkey
BA degree – Sakarya University, 2005- 2010
MA degree – Software Engineering, 2010-2012, Tallinn University of Technology/University of Tartu (joint master´s programme)

Coming to Estonia...
I knew that Estonia has a good reputation about IT and as we all know Skype was born in Estonia. The 2nd reason to choose Estonia is Estonia has a scholarship.Also I asked to my professors and they suggested me to go Estonia, because education is in English.

Before coming here...
I have been in Estonia for 3 days in 2005. But this is not enough to explore Estonia.All in all, I knew that the weather in Estonia is cold,but people are not cold.

Student life in Estonia...
I think,To study in Estonia is cheaper than Turkey. If I compare the private dorms in Turkey to here, It’s expensive in Turkey,but Public dorms are cheaper in Turkey. Student life is almost the same,because it’s student life J

Studying in Estonia...
For the personal outcomes: A good international experience which is for 2 years, lots of international friends and good contacts for the future.

For the academic outcomes: A new perspective for my study field, Internship and work opportunities in some companies, good communication with proffessors for the future.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I’m still waiting for the best thing to happen to me :), but I strongly believe that if I go back to my home country and if I apply for a job, I’m pretty sure that the Estonian adventure will affect this application and acceptance period in a really good way.

I would tell others...
Here in Estonia, Some lectures are really like a private lecture. For example, I have a lecture and we are just 4 students in this lecture.This is a really good thing about learning something. You are like a friend with teachers and this really gives you a good motivation and provides more contact with them. All the personnels from dean office to proffesors try to be so kind and try to solve your problems as soon as possible.

My degree programme is...
Real time systems,system programming,C/C++,JAVA,Embedded systems,Bussiness model, Software Testing, Hybrid systems, Enterprise Software, Software management and coding.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I just miss the weather in Turkey and  „special friend“ ;) . If you go abroad, you should try not to miss your family and friends so oftenly, because you get a new family and friends here.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Better work opprtunities when you go back your home country, improving yourself in lost of ways,specially good contact for the future. Student mobility is that not to stay in a restricted place. You should break something in your mind and you should go abroad. It gives you lots of things in good manner.

My future plans...
I have 1.5 more years in Estonia.I will keep studying and I will try to find good works for internship and I will keep improving myself. Then that’s not clear to continue in Phd but If I get some good opprtunity, why not?

The last thing I want to say...
Yurtdışında eğitim almak? İnanın hiç de zor birşey değil.Size inanılmaz deneyimler katıyor.Hem arkadaş ilişkilerinde, hem eğitim anlamında hem de iş fırsatları anlamında. Hem teknoloji açısından gerçekten gelişmiş bir ülke, hem ucuz ama hem de yaşam standartlarının iyi olduğu bir ülke mi arıyorsunuz? Ben bir ipucu vereyim. Estonya. Gerçekten denemiz gereken bir ülke ve seveceğinizden hiç şüphem yok. Yazılım mühendisliği konusuna gelince. Bildiğimiz gibi Skype’ın doğduğu yerdir ve IT konusunda gerçekten gelişmişler. Kendinizi daha fazla geliştirmek istiyorsanız, adresiniz burası. :) Yapmanız gereken tek şey: kendinize güvenmeniz ve bir adım atmanız.Hepsi bu.Çünkü gerisi kendiliğinden geliyor ;)

Laura Elisa Valle Rios
from Tampico, Mexico

Coming to Estonia...
I found a great opportunity online about a master programme in “materials and processes of sustainable energetics“ which was launched for first time in September 2009. The master takes place in the 2 biggest universities in Estonia: Tallinn University of Technology and University of Tartu, in addition is financed by the Estonian Ministry of Science and Education.

Before coming here...
I knew that after the Estonia joining the European Union it became an attractive country linked with the rest of Europe but with lower prices. This is a huge advantage for a student. Besides Estonia is a safe place with exotic weather.

Student life in Estonia...
Estonian universities offer great services and facilities such as dormitories, libraries also the people in the international office always willing to help you. During lectures the classrooms are well equipped and the best advantage during my studies was be able to find all my study materials online.

Studying in Estonia...
The atmosphere is much international than in my country and I was able to improve my English and be learning a new language like German. With the help of Erasmus programme I was able to apply for one exchange semester in Germany.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
During my studies at Tallinn University of Technology I have been involved with the  department of materials science who assigned me a project for my thesis. I have gained important extra and update information related with my studies.

I would tell others...
I strongly recommend Estonia as a place to study. Universities here offer study programmes in English language in almost all kind of areas. Also local people are friendly and tolerant about the language. Compare it with other European countries - here it is easier to survive only with English knowledge.

I miss the most...
Sometimes a cultural shock is unavoidable. There will be always something from home to be missing  like family, food or warm wheather but you will gain a lot of unforgettable experiences that you would not have at home.

My degree programme is...
Fuel cells, oil shale, wind energy, nuclear power, energy management and planning, thermodynamics...

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
With my future degree on master of science from Tallinn University of Technology and after having practised my English now I feel much more self confident to get a better job compare to 2 years ago when I finished my bachelor at my home university in Mexico.

My future...
Due to my studies are based on sustainable energy such as solar or wind renewable sources and Germany is the leader country on this area I would like either continue a PhD there or find a job.

The last thing I want to say...
En Estonia no solo tienes la oportunidad de conocer las 4 diferentes estaciones del año con los dias largos de verano, tambien es un excelente lugar para estudiar y tener amigos de todas partes del mundo.

Antonio Semakalu
from Kampala, Uganda

Coming to Estonia...
I came here because of the strong academic foundation in science which is conveyed by the years Tartu University has been in the field of science and the position it hold in the world rankings.

How did I end up here? Hahahaaha really my journey - it is a long story but what I can say that it was a hatchet and costly because of the travels I had to make to Cairo for residence permit application. I had to go there twice and from there I connected to Czech Republic, and then to Tallinn where I met a man called George who really helped me to reach the bus station to Tartu where my tutor picked me up. But apart from being on a long journey from Uganda to Egypt, then from Czech Republic to Estonia I was disturbed a lot in the airports since I was using a residence permit card instead of a sticker in my passport. But finally I arrived with high enthusiasm of studying at the University of Tartu.

Before coming here...
I was expecting to meet a bit rough and complicated people as I used to hear about Soviet culture and of course to find the problem of a language barrier and even the cold temperatures! For sure this I was thinking about when I was in the airport.

Student life in Estonia...
Student’s life is totally different here because of the multicultural environment in terms of socialising, every time you expects to find different ways of dealing with a new person u meet. Its quite challenging! But gives a big opportunity to learn different cultures than in my university where we are the same people.

The institutes are impressive! They give a good environment for study because all the necessary materials are present and the way tutors and lecturers handle students really is excellent.

Tartu is not so expensive when it comes to accommodation and living costs. Although students who don’t get stipend find it hard to live. But at least with such a good education you cannot find so cheap living costs as here.

Studying in Estonia...
Academically i can say that here professors are so inspiring, they enlighten your brains to many things in that you can see yourself in many fields and u left with just the choice to choose and from here i will have acquired international education that is highly recognised .

With the number of international friends i have got, I have made good contacts for the future.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...

The best thing will be, to have graduated from a university that is among the first 1% of the world’s best universities in the world and which is among the few that exist in the Coimbra Group. I will be very proud of this!
From the vast amount of courses I have and taht I will take - this is going to make me a strong contendant for international jobs.

I would tell others...
University life here is so interesting, because here professors are always there to help you. They are always there for your disposal which gives you an opportunity to fully understand everything you want to know. So those regarding studies as their first priority - here is the best place.

My degree programme is...
With the great challenges the world has due to its dependency on measurements this program is there for its rescue because it tackles each and every thing concerning measurement in both science and outside science and it acts as a joint for all other curriculum which gives you an opportunity to work in different fields of science and non science especially management

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I miss the type of my favourite food Matooke (Banana) and my family of course especially my beautiful daughter because they are far and will not be able to go back within my studies.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Your CV gets an international recognition and you get wide exposure to different people and culture which at the end make you an international.

And in many cases you get to learn other languages.

My future plans...
To get a PhD in chemistry or nanoscience and even to do research on renewable energy. I want to work for international Atomic Agency or maybe also for UN as I am helping the people in need. If possible to transfer the great knowledge to young ones at the university through lecturing will be one the great things in my future.

The last thing I want to say...
Those who are doing chemistry should consider at least one of their levels of studies at Tartu university and have an experience of the vast courses in the field of chemistry that are available in chemistry institute. Waaaauuuuu I feel like I want to remain here for more courses that i have just read about.

And also to have a chance of being taught by Professor Ivo Leito who knows Metrology in chemistry better than any other person.

Mwena abewulira olukemwa (chemistry) musaana nemuyitaako mu UT kuba nka.

Giorgi Tabagari
from Tbilisi, Georgia

Name: Giorgi Tabagari
Home city and country: Tbilisi, Georgia
BA degree – Tbilisi State University, 2007
MA degree – Tallinn University, 2007-2009, European Studies

Coming to Estonia...
My choice was mainly the result of my bachelor studies. As far as I counducted my bachelor thesis on transformation of Baltic States, I intended to continue studies in one of the Baltic States. Estonia was my favourite for various reasons and I got lucky that I found the scholarship opportunity with Archimedes Foundation. As I was qualified, then the preference was already made on Tallinn University.

Before coming here...
I had quite enough information from the standpoint of first time visitor, as I was researching Baltic States and coherently, Estonia as well. Though briefly to put E-country and the Estonian success story were the predominant thoughts I had before arrival.

The differences between your country and Estonia when it comes to student life?
A lot of differences! In the meantime of my BA studies, Georgian educational system was corrupted and non-educative! Now it has changed notably, but the difference is still significant in very many extents.

Studying in Estonia...
I grew more independent when it comes to the personal development and academically I indeed learned a lot. I was studying European Studies and the fact that I still intend to do PhD in the same field, means that I reached to certain level academically.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I cannot identify the single fact. I was living in Tallinn for two years and still keep on going back to Estonia whenever I have an opportunity. I found my spiritual homeland there and that’s already enough expression to cover all my impressions. I love each and every corner of the Tallinn Old Town and appreciate Estonian people for being extremely friendly to me and generally to Georgians.

I would tell others...
It is incredible experience and you will never regret it! So do it! :)

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Rarely, but my family and friends.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
It is to experience different culture to its fullest possible extent and to grow up in very many aspects.

My future plans...
My future plan is to do PhD in foreseeable future. Then I could think of teaching in one of the Estonian Universities for some time :).

The last thing I want to say...
ისიამოვნე თითოეული სტუდენტური დღით და ეცადე გააცნობიერო, რომ ცხოვრების საუკეთესო წლებს  გადიხარ! არ იფიქრო სიცივესა თუ განსხვავებულ, შენთვის შეუთავსებელ კულტურულ ელემენტებზე, ყველაფერი ეს შენს პირად ზრდას და პიროვნულ განვითარებას განაპირობებს.

Kalvis Kulačkovskis
from Saldus, Latvia

Name: Kalvis Kulačkovskis
Home city and country: Saldus, Latvia
BA degree – Audiovisual media, 2010-..., Tallinn University Baltic Film and Media School

Coming to Estonia...
I wanted to study film and I had heard about Tallinn University´s Baltic Film and Media School. When my secondary school graduation came closer I looked a bit more into BFM. Went on open doors day and so on. I liked what I saw and Latvia didn´t offer anything like that at that time.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
Don´t quite remember, but I think that I wasn´t thinking about it at all. I didn´t know anything about Estonia before I came here. I just knew where it is on the map.

Student life in Estonia...
Here I have to speak in English. Only difference for me.

Studying in Estonia ...
I´m not looking at my studies in Estonia as international studies. I´m just looking at this as my degree studies, and I want to become a good movie director.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
Best thing for me recently was that I was given an opportunity to film a band on a stage and then make a video. A lot of fun for me. I also like that BFM is offering all kinds of things via E-mail, I think that would be my benefit.

I would tell others...
That studying in Estonia is great, and that they can meet a lot of different people, and I don´t mean only Estonians. And of course that it is hell of a fun.

My degree programme is...
Camera, Editing room, Dolly, Middle shot, Long shot, Media, Television, Movies, Documentary, Fiction.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Language, friends and family.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
It is to see a bit more of the world and definetely meet new interesting people. Make contacts for future.

My future plans...
I just want to make movies.

The last thing I want to say...
Ja ir vēlme, tad tik brauciet ciemos uz Igauniju. Nenožēlosiet!

Valeria Gasik
from Helsinki, Finland

Name: Valeria Gasik
Home city and country: Helsinki, Finland
MA degree – Interactive Media and Knowledge Environments 2010-2012, Tallinn University

Coming to Estonia...
I was looking for a master program which would connect the dots of my previous studies – marketing, communications, graphic design and new media. I wanted to study in Europe and in English. The closest one to my preferences as well as surprisingly to my home country was IMKE (Interactive Media and Knowledge Environments) in Tallinn University.

Before coming here...
I had my prejudices. Until then, Tallinn was a place for a quick visit, I did not know much about it. The country exceeded my expectations and I love Tallinn: there are so many great people and so many cultural events. Plus you can live on a student-friendly budget!

Student life in Estonia...
I do not see so many differences between Finland and Estonia. I guess the main deviations are mostly in the contemporary approach of the IMKE program itself. We do for instance most of our tasks openly online, posting essays to our blogs instead in to some closed internal system. I also enjoy how things work in the administrative level: one always get a quick answer to any question.

Studying in Estonia...
For me the most important academic outcome would be to achieve not just a degree, but a real, practical knowledge with novel, up-to-date theoretical data. I am sure that this will happen, our programme is very engaging. From personal aspects the best outcome was to get to know all the wonderful local people as well as international students here in Tallinn. I found many new great friends.

Estonia in general...
I am thrilled to see how much this small country has achieved in such a short period – there are definitely many things I can bring back home and learn from. Tallinn’s blooming start-up atmosphere, helpful and encouraging student community as well as town’s rich cultural supply have had a big impact on me.

I would tell others...
Studying and working as a part of our diverse and smart student community had taught me a lot. It is quite admirable how local students help international students in many ways, both with academic questions as well as with adopting to the Estonian life. Okay, perhaps adaptation is a slightly exaggerative term in this situation, my hometown is only two hours away. What I mean is that one does not have to be alone – there is always something going on and things to do.

My degree programme is ...
New media concepts, digital culture, ethics and laws in new media, interaction and interface design, knowledge representation, locative technology and various practical projects.

I miss the most...
I do not feel homesick because Finland is not far away.

I like to study here...
I can’t find any reasons why one should not study abroad at some point. It gives you courage, better insight in another culture, flexibility, power and skills to react on surprising situations and mind-quakes, greater ability to work with people with different backgrounds, fluent language skills, new ideas, out-of-the-box experiences, best memories, new friends... I can continue the list for ages.
My current studies are happening close to my home, but I’ve also lived elsewhere abroad before. I recommend it to everyone!

My future...
I want to work with NPO’s, start-ups and small businesses, travel, meet new people and perhaps study further for PhD.

The last thing I want to say...
Päätös on maailman vaikein asia. Kaikki mitä tapahtuu uskaltamisen jälkeen on loppupeleissä helpompaa. Parasta on kun myöhemmin muistelee itseään lähdön kynnyksellä ja miettii, kuinka oikeassa sen suhteen olikaan. Toivon kaikille mielettömiä, eläviä ja rikastavia muistoja – Estoniassa ja muualla!

Terry McDonald
from Colliers, Newfoundland, Canada

Name: Terry McDonald
Home city and country:  Colliers, Newfoundland, Canada
BA degree –  Political Science (Min: Religious Studies), Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2006
MA degree – Masters of International Relations, 2010-2012, Tallinn University

Coming to Estonia...
I was searching for Master’s programmes abroad, and came upon the Tallinn University website. The programme looked good, with a reasonable cost. I have also always been interested in this part of the world, so it seemed like an ideal situation.

Before coming here...
I knew very little, other than the geopolitcal history. Everything else has been a pleasant discovery.

Student life in Estonia...
Here, many more of my classmates are working full-time. It is interesting to see how thye manage all of their responisibilities. Also, in Canada, there is much more academic debate in the classroom setting, so this has been an interesting adjustment. Here, the students talk less, which makes for a different dynamic, not better or worse, just different.

Studying in Estonia...
I am here to excel. I want to not only complete my Masters, but to have as many possible options for a PhD proramme afterwards.

The best things for me...
As a person from a small town on a small island, studying here has given me a fabulous opportunity to explore the world and interact with different cultures that I never could have experienced without coming here.

I would tell other students in my home country...
Come! Enjoy!!

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
My family, of course, and American Football.

Studying abroad is...
I think, for a person in my field especially, you can only learn so much about the world from books and screens. To understand the world, you have to immerse yourself in other cultures. It is sometimes the only way to get to know your own culture - when you are looking at it from the outside.

My future...
I will complete my PhD, and then who knows?

The last thing I want to say...
Get out and see the world!! You’ll love it.

Carlos Eduardo Moreno
from Bogotá, Colombia

Name: Carlos Eduardo Moreno Romero
Home city and country: Bogotá, Colombia
BA degree – Philology and Languages, 2005, National University of Colombia
MA degree – Social and Cultural Anthropology, 2009, Tallinn University
Doctoral degree - Cultural Studies, 2009-2013, Tallinn University

Coming to Estonia...
Everything started when my wife decided to marry that nice, yet very reserved, Estonian guy. He, in turn, invited his friends over to Colombia for the wedding. In the group, there was a girl who called my attention, we talked, liked each other, and had to say good bye after a month. She went back to cold Tallinn to continue with her work and I stayed in Bogota working at the National University. After eight months of extensive online communication, my contract at the university finished and I was able to join here. That was five years ago! J

Before coming here...
When I arrived, the vision I had of Estonia was completely different, some of my brother-in-law’s friends had told me that I would get lots of help from locals to learn the language and everything would be just ok. Their version was maybe too optimistic. The first months were not easy, I could not understand why people were so impolite to each other and why neighbours wouldn’t greet when I had just said ‘tere’ in my broken Estonian. It is unfortunate that people decide to choose these attitudes! Some people say that it is because of the weather or the history of occupations.. I don’t know what it is! The only thing I know is that Estonia is a very beautiful place with a promising future.. There are more reasons to be happy and grateful than unhappy and afraid of each other! In any case, I need to say that , overall, I very much feel Estonia as my second home! My daughter is half-Estonian, and I am very committed to the future of this country!

Student life in Estonia...
According to my experience as a MA student and then as a lecturer in Tallinn University, I must say that sometimes Estonian students are a bit too passive. It seems like they are expecting the teacher to do most of the effort in their educational experience, from autonomous research to class participation. This is not generalized, of course, but it’s something I have witnessed during the last four years. Maybe the explanation lies in the fact that their experiences at school have left a long-lasting trace in their understanding of both education and learning. In this context, the teacher is supposed to be ‘all-mighty’, while the student is ignorant and seems not to have a major role in their learning process. In Colombia, the situation is not better, but my home university has a tradition of proactive debate between teachers and students. Maybe the reason could be found in the influence of the liberation pedagogy on the students from the 1960s and 1970s who work as teachers nowadays. Nevertheless, I have to acknowledge that most of the lectures at the Estonian Institute of Humanities promote the active participation of students in their educational processes. It will take some time, but I am positive in that it will be possible to spread the same philosophy to the lower levels of the educational system.

Studying in Estonia...
Academically speaking, I think my Estonian experience has been very positive. I had the chance to study at the MA level and attended very interesting lectures with both foreign and Estonian teachers. Personally, it has been a process of self-recognition and growth. Both positive and negative experiences have helped me to bring the best of myself and provided opportunities to learn from Estonian culture and share my own culture. This experience has provided me with the chance to learn the value of divergent thought and respectful dialogue. I now have an Estonian family, some Estonian friends, and my Estonian is improving on a daily basis. Besides, I discovered and became fan of sauna, I cannot live without it!

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I have definitively benefited from my studies in Estonia. I had the fortune of receiving support from the Estonian Science Foundation project “Imagining the future: nation and state-making in comparative perspective” (grant number ESF-7360) under the coordination of professor Lorenzo Cañas-Bottos. As part of this project, I was able to gather a comprehensive theoretical review of the literature on anthropology of education needed for my MA thesis. I did my fieldwork in a public school in Estonia on the relation between ethnic integration and education as a political tool, which allowed me to finish my MA paper (“It really isn’t up to us”: Integration Narratives at a Secondary School in Estonia), entitling me to graduate within the two years required for the programme.

I would tell others...
I would tell them that they need to be patient during the first months in the country. Most of students will ignore them and not be interested in their experiences and cultural background; but after a while, once the locals get used to the ‘new face’, the experience will become a very rewarding one, and they will be able to get the best from the ‘Estonian experience’, including days with -28 degrees in winter and sunny evenings in summer :)

My degree programme is...
Social and Cultural Anthropology at EHI (Tallinn University Estonian Institute of Humanities): Fascinating. Interesting. Challenging. Demanding. Enriching. Time-taking. Culturally-aware. Multicultural.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Unlike what might be thought, it is not the weather, I actually like Estonian weather very much, but darkness is certainly awful!! Mostly, I miss three things: my family, food, and dancing. Fortunately, my parents come to Estonia quite often, but I haven’t seen my grandparents for three years! On the other hand, although I like Estonian food, in Colombia we regularly make fresh fruit juice. Some of those fruits can actually be bought from some shops in Estonia, but they are so expensive, while some other fruits are not even known here! Finally, whenever there is a party in Colombia, people dance... we learn how to dance salsa, merengue and vallenato when we are 6 years old. In Estonia, people prefer to talk, eat and drink, but rarely dance. I very much missing dancing!

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
I think it provides students and teachers with a sense of internationalism and multiculturalism which is very important in our nowadays-polarized world! Unfortunately, I feel that Erasmus, the closest possibility for European students to know about other cultures, is perceived more as a possibility for partying away from parents than actually a chance to make connections in order to tackle contemporary challenges. I would love to see how Erasmus students (as so-called ‘first world’ students) get together, discuss, and make proposals to address social issues not only in Europe, but also in other parts of the world.

My future plans...
At this moment, I have a contract until June with the Language Centre at Tallinn University. Besides, I am working as an educational consultant for AS Audentes in the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. We will have an accreditation visit in May and, if everything goes as expected, I will be working in Estonia for at least two more years as a Theory of Knowledge coordinator and teacher of Social and Cultural Anthropology. On the other hand, I would like to travel and work in another continent, learn another language and new cultural practices. Eventually, I will come back to Estonia with my family sometime in the future, given that it has become my second home :)

Pratyush kumar Das
from Cuttack, India

Name: Pratyush kumar Das
Home city and country: Cuttack, India
B.Sc. degree – Botany, Utkal University 2003-2006, India
M.Sc. degree – Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, 2006-2008
Doctoral degree – Gene Technology, University of Tartu

Coming to Estonia...
When I was chasing my Research field on the internet, I found my professor which was the first step towards the curiosity for Estonia. Then from the internet I tried to educate myself about the Estonian culture which has been always full of heritage and legacy.
I applied in UT with the guidance of my professor and I was fortunate enough to be selected here as a PhD student which given me a life time chance to come here.

Before coming here...
First I was thinking how I am going to adapt in a country whose people looks so different and obviously the outside temperature is on a negative side almost more than half a year and  are there any other big surprises waiting  for me here also. I had also heard that people here seldom talk to foreigners and also socialize very less. But fortunately this beautiful and great country absorbed me like a native citizen.

Student life in Estonia...
Here I found the students life lively and full of sweet vibrations. I was surprised to see the exchange students; they are always full of colours and energy. All the time curious to interact with you, make new friends, they were also taken me as a big surprise because I am still non European. Here the cost of living is relatively cheaper than the western and central European country but the life style is equally comfortable and peaceful. The study coordinators are so nice and cooperative; they won’t let you complain about anything. I felt so glad to be dealing with them here.

Studying in Estonia...
I have achieved here an International Professor and lots of academic friends who will remain with me life long. I believe that my idea to collaborate and cognize with this country in the field of research has definitely came true. I may also get a chance to visit some other international friends in their respective country would also a fruitful idea to learn and know more.

Best things that have happened to me...
After spending time in Tartu I realised I have became more independent and confident in my thought process than ever in my life. I have also knew the aspects of life which I never thought to explore any day. My life has became more adventurous and rational. My day to day life is always full of surprises which make me enthusiastic and motivated. I love to learn Estonian language, I also succeeded to learn few words till now.

I would tell others...
I will always encourage them to come here to make their dream come true. They can educate themselves at the same time they could enjoy their life with different enthusiasm and motivation. University curriculum is very balanced and it gives you also a chance to enjoy and explore your life simultaneously. It would be great to say live your life to learn here.

My degree programme is...
I study here Gene Technology as a PhD student. I use Genetic Engineering as a tool to understand and characterise the function of protein. So, my degree is about genes, protein, virus, bacteria, site directed mutagenesis, cloning, structural biology etc.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I miss my mother a lot when I am here and also the spicy Indian food. I do cook here but they are far away from their Indian counterpart if you consider the taste.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Knowledge is always amplify when you share what you know, if you come out internationally you have greater freedom to share your thought and information and also gather the same from fellow Professor and students. In my opinion students of every country should get a chance to go out of the country to learn some social culture and behaviour from other country along with their traditional education which give the respective country the greatness and examples.

My future plans...
My future plan includes becoming an independent researcher where I could remain as a sincere student of science life long. Because, Science is always a puzzle if you are fortunate, you solve one to raise two new. I always want to work towards this puzzle in collaboration with international specialist and students.

The last thing I want to say...
मऍ अपने सभी मित्रों, जो की अंतरास्ट्रीय अस्तर की शिक्षा प्राप्त करना चाहते है, को इस सुन्दर और सौम्य देश जिसके रग-रग में शांति और प्राकृतिक सुंदरता भरी हुई है, की विशेस्ताओ से अवगत कराना चाहता हूँ, जहा किसी भी पाठ्यक्रम में प्रवेश लेने पर ये खूबिया आपके  सतत शैक्षिक विकाश को प्रोत्साहित करेगी  मेरा पाठ्यक्रम किसी भी अन्य अंतररास्ट्रीय पाठ्क्रम के समान और प्रतिस्पर्धी है  मेरे प्रोफेसर विज्ञानं की अनवरत खोज में निरंतर लगे रहते है  मऍ सौभाग्यशाली हूँ की मुझे इस विश्विदालय में प्रवेश मिला और मई अपने अध्ययन काल में और भारतीय छात्रों को देखने की उम्मीद करता हूँ 

I recommend and appeal all my friends who are interested to gather more than education of international standard to consider this beautiful and kind country with so much peace and natural environment which could make you feel lively and confident as you grow up in your education stair. My curriculum is equally good and competitive to any other foreign country, my professors always have a never ending hungry for exploring science. I am fortunate to be here, I believe and hope to see more Indian students during my study tenure.

Othmar Mwambe
from Mtwara, Tanzania

Name: Othmar Othmar Mwambe
Home city and country: Mtwara, Tanzania
BSc degree: Kharkov National University of radioelectronics, Ukraine
MSc degree: Software engineering, 2010-2012, University of Tartu

Coming to Estonia...
Because i wanted to experience European education system and to learn Estonian culture. I came to Estonia from Ukraine where i did my ba chelor degree in Computer engineering.

Before coming here...
I knew that Estonia is a small country close to Finland where people speak Estonian language which sounds like Finnish.

Student life in Estonia...
Studying in Estonia is better especially in the field of my speciality Software Engineering, we have a great number of competent professors.

Studying in Estonia...
I do expect that the time i am going to graduate (next year) I will be well equipped with enough skills to work any where in the world as a software engineer.

The best things for me...
I have managed to visit many European countries which in Schengen Area without visa, meeting with many Internationa students, sharing wonderful experience. I am still looking for a job.

I would tell others...
I really encourage other students to come and study in Estonia, it is a small but beautiful place with good education background especially Tartu which is also known as a City of Good Thoughts.

My degree programme is...
University of Tartu is the village of software engineering, therefore I do advise other students to come and study software engineering from Tartu.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I do miss my family mostly.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Studying abroad is a great opportunity for the students to expose themselves to what is called Globalization whereby they get to know the world better than they used before. Not only learning other culture, languages but also making new friends (worldwide) which makes our world to be a better village.

My future plans...
To go back to Tanzania and serve my country as a Computer software engineer.

The last thing I want to say...
KARIBUNI ESTONIA KWA ELIMU BORA KAMA NYUMBANI TANZANIA. HAKUNA MATATA!

Please have a look at my blog!
http://demwambe.blogspot.com

Adam Barnett
from Sydney, Australia

Name: Adam Barnett
Home city and country: Sydney, Australia
MA degree – Master of Law, 2010-2012, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I visited for a holiday through the Baltics and Scandinavia in 2009 and fell in love with the country. I decided to come back in 2010 to study for an extended period.

Before coming here...
I really didn’t know anything about the country before I visited in 2009. But I was very favorably impressed with the decency of the people and the beauty of the country.

Student life in Estonia...
Much greater social aspect – I’ve participated in lots of trips and activities put on by the International Club in Tallinn University of Technology.

Studying in Estonia...
... is a unique study experience and qualification.

Some of the things I learned here...
I have had lots of fun experiences while here – can’t think of any particular one to single out.

I would tell others...
Don’t expect the quality of teaching you might get in world\'s top10 universities, but the country itself is great.

My degree programme is...
Legislative policy, European legal philosophy, judicial procedures, criminal law, public law, international and European protection of human rights, case studies in EU competition law, tax law and so much more...

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Beaches.

I like to study here...
A cliche – but living and studying in a different country really broaden your horizons – helps you to realise how many options you have in life.

My future...
... is to complete my master\'s degree – then maybe consider either further study or entrepreneurship.

The last thing I want to say...
If you’re thinking of studying overseas you should really consider Estonia – the country is safe, people are decent and friendly, Tallinn has a great nightlife and accomodation and food costs are much friendlier than most other countries.

Matouš Kostlivý
from Prague, Czech Republic

Name: Matouš Kostlivý
Home city and country: Prague, Czech Republic
BA degree – University of Economics in Prague, Political Sciences, 2006-2010
MA degree – Technology Governance, 2011-..., Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I wanted to experience something new, something what would enrich my life. Therefore I started to look for degree programmes abroad and among Finland, Sweden or Denmark was even a little country called Estonia. Technology Governance at TTÜ met all my expectations. Combination of economy and politics was more than exciting and considering the professors at this programme there wasn’t better choice anywhere else in Europe. 

Before coming here...
General knowledge about Estonia in Czech Republic isn’t really good. And I wasn’t any exception. But when I realized that I might come for my master studies I found out some information and even came in march 2010 to see the city. And because of that I knew already before I came here that Tallinn is beautiful, Estonian language interesting and girls very nice.

Student life in Estonia...
Student life in Czech Republic and Estonia is completely different in almost all the aspects. My master program I study here is made in a way that even Estonians who work can attend the classes. Therefore we have lessons in the evening on the basis of intensive courses. Technology Governance program is based more on reading and self studying from materials professors give you before every class.

Studying in Estonia...
I will have international degree in English language, knowledge based on lectures with internationally recognized lecturers and I will have new life experience which might help me to deal with problems in the future.

The best things for me...
I met great people, new friends and had great time. At the same time I could study something I really enjoyed and what I considered as eternal truth before is thanks to new ideas given to me by the professors questioned. We can say that studies here made me think about problems and not to just simply learn by heart something from textbook.

I would tell other students in my home country...
There is nothing to be afraid of. Economics faculty building is new and well equipped, professors mostly international with perfect English and Estonia is beautiful.

My degree programme is...
Different, converting, interesting, enriching, special, developmental, intensive, wide, transforming, unique.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Czech food and cheap Czech beer.

Studying abroad is...
Study abroad is the biggest step towards independence. You live abroad in a new country, meet new people, new culture, new problems and new solutions. And at the same time you use foreign languages so you are able to communicate in them without any problem. Those are the main advantages you get when you study abroad.

My future...
I’d like to see as much as I can and enjoy my time wherever it is possible. As my programme (Technology Governance) is based on developmental economy, innovation and politics, I would like to work in this field one day. Therefore I would like to get an internship at UNDP. And in the far away future…who knows?

The last thing I want to say...
“Kdo se bojí, nesmí do lesa” se říká a já bych řekl, že se to dá přenést i na stadium v zahraničí. Je však třeba si uvědomit, že člověk může mnohem víc získat než ztratit. Přestože Estonsko není zrovna známou destinací, pro lidi pocházející ze střední Evropy, jde o zemi s krásnou krajinou, zajímavou kulturou a jedinečným jazykem. Po čase stráveném zde musím říct, že se není vůbec čeho bát. Studuji zde svůj magisterský obor, poté co jsem dodělal bakaláře na VŠE v oboru politologie, a musím říct, že doposud si nemůžu svou volbu vynachválit. Proto překonejte svůj strach a vrhněte se do toho rovnýma nohama. Možnosti jsou veliké a získat můžete mnoho.

Erin Dumbacher
from Washington D.C., USA

Name: Erin Dian Dumbacher
Home city and country: Washington D.C., U.S.A.
U.S. Department of State Fulbright Scholar
B.A. degree – International Affairs, 2006, The George Washington University, Washington DC
U.S. Department of State Fulbright Scholar in the University of Tartu/Estonian Development Fund

Coming to Estonia...
I could think of no better place to study the nexus of international relations, transition economics, and technology development.  Nine months researching Estonia’s progress and drive to succeed revealed countless lessons that I’ll carry with me in my academic, professional, and personal lives.

Before coming here...
I came to Tallinn armed with good boots, a heavy coat, and a laptop.  I arrived in winter and knew it would take time to “warm up” both in climate and in building a network of friends and contacts.  The winter was a challenge for me at first, but it did not take long for me to meet interesting and fun researchers and students.  Bonus:  Never again will I be unprepared for winters in the U.S.!

Studying in Estonia...
I expected to hear personal accounts of events in international politics.  What I didn’t expect to find in Estonia was a new paradigm for international affairs—one that borrows from the realism of the 20th Century but is still liberal in its approach to Europe and the world.  I gained a new lens to view the world and my role in it. 

The last thing I want to say...
You won’t regret living and studying in as unique a place as Estonia.  I absolutely recommend study in Estonia!

Mikheil Basilaia
from Tbilisi, Georgia

Name: Mikheil Basilaia
Home city and country: Tbilisi, Georgia
BA degree – Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia 2005-2009
MA degree – Cyber Security, 2010-2012, Tallinn University of Technology/Tartu University (Joint Programme)

Coming to Estonia...
I wanted to continue my studies at Masters level. I had an option of studying Cyber Security in Estonia. Information and Communication Technology is advanced in Estonia, TUT and Tartu University are high level educational institutions, so as I was very interested in Cyber Security (there are no any MA program in Cyber Security in Europe), I decided to come to Estonia.

Before coming here...
Estonia and Georgia both were part of the Soviet Union. I spent one semester in University of Latvia as an exchange program student at my BA studies. So I knew about German, Scandinavian and Russian influences on the Baltic.

And Estonia is one of the main foreign policy partners for Georgia.

Student life in Estonia...
University environment is different itself. I think in Estonia there is everything needed for study – from libraries to high level academic personnel. Some fields of studies are underdeveloped in Georgia.
Another difference is that there are no campuses in Georgia. I found student life in Estonia more „student“ - crazy, funny and full of surprises, than in Georgia.

Studying in Estonia...
I think evaluating outcomes during the process is not quite exact thing, but I appreciate study level here. As for personal, I like the way Estonians live, I mean their calm character and inclination to privacy.

The best things for me...
I cannot choose single event from period I lived in Estonia. Benefitted as much as I learned a lot in my field of interest.

Studying in Estonia...
Estonia is the country where student can have both – high level education and high level fun!

My degree programme is...
...programming, networking, law, management, marketing, design, cryptography, organization, war, politics...

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Warm weather, I mean that winter is quite long here. On the other hand, I liked a lot of snow as we don’t have much in Tbilisi.

I liked to study here...
You meet a lot of people from different countries. You can have better education abroad and a lot of fun.

My future...
Nothing special yet – finish second semester and then prepare for the third. And have fun during that process.

The last thing I want to say...
ესტონეთი ევროპის პატარა სილიკონის ველია. გარდა ნატოს კიბერთავდაცვის ცენტრისა, მალე ტალინში ევროპის IT სააგენტოსაც გადმოიტანენ. ესტონეთი არის მშვიდი, წყნარი ქვეყანა, სადაც განათლების გარდა გართობაც შეიძლება!

Estonia is little Silicon Valley of Europe. NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence is situated in Tallinn and soon European IT Agency will be moved here. Except that, Estonia is calm, nice country to study and have fun!

Laurent Gloor
from Florida, USA

Name: Laurent Gloor
Home city and country: Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
BA degree: Business Management, Johnson & Wales University, Denver, U.S.A. 4 years
MA degree: International Business Administration, MBA, 2009-2011, Tallinn University of Technology
Erasmus Program: ISC Paris School of Management, Paris, France, 2010-2011.

Coming to Estonia...
I wanted to explore a new area of the world, for me Estonia was perfect. It has a beautiful mix of cultures from the East, West and Scandinavian countries; something that you are unable to find in many regions of the world. Estonia for me represented something new and exciting, and is an experience I will never forget.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
Estonia was a relatively unknown to me and to the many people around me but after a short and daring visit in the Spring I had fallen in love with the country, the culture, and the environment. I wanted to find a way to stay and decided the best solution would be through my studies at Tallinn University of Technology. This gave me the chance to advance my degree, explore the rest of Europe and experience a new chapter in my life.

Student life in Estonia...
The mix of different cultures in Estonia and at the Tallinn University of Technology is a big difference between my studies in Europe, especially in Estonia, and between the universities of the U.S.A. The Erasmus program has been a great way for European universities to achieve cultural diversity in their student base.

Studying in Estonia...
The experience of learning/living abroad and creating a network of fellow students and teachers from all around the world is the most rewarding outcome I have achieved outside of the classroom at TUT.

Some of the things I learned here...
The relationships I have created while studying in Estonia was one of the most rewarding aspects of my time there. Estonia, with a relatively small population, allows for a unique way to connect with the people living around you.

I would tell others...
It is a unique experience, a mixture of Eastern, Western and Scandinavian cultures. A beautiful country to explore and visit if you are looking for something a little bit different and out of the ordinary; If you have a chance to visit the city of Tallinn and Estonia you will probably want to stay!

International experience is important...
A study abroad experience broaden your views of the world, allow you to experience something unique in a relatively small time frame and that experience will stay with you forever.  You also gain important social skills by meeting students and teachers from around the world, gain a better understanding of how other cultures work, and create an international network.

My future...
I plan to stay in Europe for as long as I can, obtain a working permit and start an international career as a business manager.

The last thing I want to say...

I would recommend any student wanting to explore and live in Europe to come study in Estonia. The new facilities at the Tallinn School of Economics and Business Administration (TSEBA) at the Tallinn University of Technology campus where just opened in 2010 and the campus is beautiful. There are teachers from all over the world teaching at TUT including teachers from the U.S.A. This is a great opportunity for you, don’t let it get away!

Manuel Benito Hurtado
from Caracas, Venezuela

Name: Manuel Benito Hurtado Dueñez
Home city and country: Caracas, Venezuela
Master degree - Choral Conducting, 2010-2012, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre

Coming to Estonia...
I chose Estonia because of this country\'s high musical level. Estonia is well known for the  long tradition of Choral Conducting and its teaching all around the world.

Before coming here I knew about Estonia...
I thought that I would face a rigid and stiff russian culture. However it proved to be absolutely wrong: the Estonian men are gentlemen and polite, and Estonian ladies are sweeter.

Differences in student life in Estonia and in my home country...
There are many differences! Most of our Latin American cities are overcrowded, unsafe, violent and polluted places. The students have to work in order to support themselves and to pay for their studies. In addition, the students or workers or citizen in general, leave every day to their universities or jobs with the uncertainty of not knowing if they will return home alive aftertheir day. Here in Estonia I got a clean, quiet and safe society. The ideal environment for dedicating oneself exclusively to studies.

Some of the things I learned here...
The best thing is that I was granted the scholarship by the Estonian Archimedes Foundation. It allows me to dedicatemyself fully to my studies.

I would tell others in my home country...
Estonia is a Hidden Treasure. While most of people choose redundant and overblown destination for studying, the academic development in Estonia is growing in silence and giant steps. Estonia can offer high academic level in cities with less overcrowding and better economic possibilities.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
My family, the Caribbean weather, heavenly beaches and cuisine.

I like to study here...
Because I can expand and broaden horizons.

My future...
I would like to continue Doctoral Studies in Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre.

The last thing I want to say...
Buscas tu futuro? Vente a Estonia: El país de las posibilidades!!!

Carlos Andres Perez
from Bogotá, Colombia

Name: Carlos Andres Perez Hernandez
Home city and country: Bogotá, Colombia
BA degree: Linguistics and Philology, 2000-2005, National University of Columbia
MA degree: Semiotics, 2009-2011, University of Tartu

Coming to Estonia...
I found information on Internet and discovered that the University of Tartu was the best place for studies in the field of communication systems.

Before coming here...
I was really scared because l had read it was a poor country and still dominated by previous ideologies.

Student life in Estonia...
Estonia offers students the opportunity to have more of a social life and create friend networks. Teachers are very helpful and respectful of every idea. They are very supportive when it comes to essay writing.

Studying in Estonia...
I have expanded my horizons. I will always be grateful to this country for changing my life. As a student, l learnt new ways of seeing the world. As an individual, l have learnt to interact with all types of cultures. Estonia is small, but it is full of opportunities.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I have grown as a person. Also, l have rearranged my life plan. I am now thinking about learning the language to help promote the cultural and linguistic heritage.

I would tell others...
It is a safe environment. Students can feel free to go anywhere they want and be sure to find nice and friendly people. Foreigners are always treated very respectfully. Besides, Estonians have learnt to work hard and  have become a great country in terms of economy, information technology, and research in all areas. It is a country that is developing at a fast pace very successfully.

My degree programme is...
Semiotics, interdisciplinarity, cultural studies, communication studies, research training, discourse analysis, highly trained staff, professional development, job opportunities, flexible schedules, friendly people and environment.
I come from the field of Linguistics and enrolled in the Master of Arts in Humanities-Semiotics because of its interdisciplinarity. The program has provided me with a wide range of perspectives which have helped me to not only enhance my career, but also to acquire new knowledge, expertise, and skills so as to critically analyze language and discourse from different standpoints. Semiotics at the University of Tartu is the best option for those who want to apply their knowledge in different fields and professions.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Food, landscape, festivities, people, weather.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
It helps to acquire another perspective of the world and about ourselves. Interacting with other countries helps to connect our nations to the world and create world peace.

My future plans...
PhD studies.

The last thing I want to say...
Mi experiencia en Estonia ha cambiado mi vida tanto a nivel professional como personal. Este pais es un ejemplo de trabajo arduo, de gente dedicada, y con un nivel de educacion a la vanguardia del mundo. Estonia es una nacion con  una natureleza unica; cada estacion esta llena de magia. Es un espacio donde estudiantes de todo el mundo comparten e interactuan en una multiplicidad de eventos y actividades. En si, Estonia es un pais de oportunidades para toda clase de estudiantes.

Yavuz Gökçen
from Istanbul, Turkey

Name: Yavuz Gökçen
Home city and country: Istanbul, Turkey
BA degree – International Business Adminstration, 2010-2013, Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I always wanted to study abroad and when I decided to go with my friend, we searched all the EU countries and Estonia made us feel warmer instead of cold weather.

Before coming here...
Actually I knew just simple things about Estonia because of football clubs:) And I also knew that Estonia is a cold country.

Student life in Estonia...
Almost everything. Here, more respectful people, less crowded, more peace and happinness, less chaos everywhere, even any! And really cheaper than my country out of tech and textile area.

Studying in Estonia...
I’m sure that it will effect my future to find a better job after the school finishes. And surely my foreign language also, it’s improving day by day.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
The best thing, it’s really hard to answer but I can’t forget the first time that I had a dialogue in Estonian, while I was ordering some food and drink at the restaurant.

I would tell others...
They should come here as soon as possible!

My degree programme is...
Care, Success, Experience, Stable, Funny, Flexible, Quality, Different, Professional, Social

I miss the most...
Only my elder brother

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
The most important thing is having a certificate from the EU. And also it is a big opportunity to improve foreign languages and add new ones.

My future...
To stay Estonia as long as I can!

The last thing I want to say...
Ben öncelikle buraya kaos içindeki bir ülkeden olabildiğince uzaklaşmak için 3.üniversitemi, -35 derecelere kadar düşebilen bir ülke gelme riskini aldım ve bundan kesinlikle pişman değilim,soğuk havaya alışmak çok kısa bir süremi aldı.Temiz havası, sıcak insanları ve renkli her ülkeden insanları ile eğlenmesini de disiplinli yaşamlarının yanında çok çok iyi bilen bu ülkeden,tatil zamanlarında bile uzaklaşmak istemiyorum. En az 3 sene burada bulunmak için geldim buraya ve dilini de öğrenerek kalıcı olmak istiyorum. Kaliteli ve eğlenceli bir hayat sürerken okumak istiyorsanız daha fazla düşünmeyin derim:) Ma armastan Eestit!(Estonya’yı seviyorum!)

Engin Ünlübaş
from Izmir, Turkey

Name: Engin Unlubas
Home city and country: Izmir, Turkey
BA degree – Civil Engineering B.S. 2001-2006  Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
MA degree – International MBA, 2009-2011 Tallinn University of Technology

Coming to Estonia...
I was considering European Union as a destination to do my master abroad. Among EU countries, Estonia was one of the countries that could offer a quality and recognized program with my budget constraints. The admission process was very easy due to the helpful and friendly responses I got from my University. These facts won my heart over other alternatives I was considering.

Before coming here...
I should admit that I had close to no idea about Estonia. I knew it was a former Soviet Union country but being a part of the European union was a motivating factor for me.

Student life in Estonia...
The student life is much more active with many social events organized by student unions. In my country you are in a way left on your own to build you network and socialize. Other than that there seems to be less competition to be the best student, therefore a friendlier atmosphere among classmates.

Studying in Estonia...
The international exposure is always a positive side and a memorable experience. While Estonia does not offer world leading or cutting edge academic education, I can say that the outcome served my personal purposes of studying in Estonia, to a degree.

After graduating...
I think, I have drastically increased my chances of getting a job in Europe with the graduation from the international MBA programme.

Studying in Estonia...

It can be all you want. You can party like hell every day, or just focus on your academic studies, it is up to you. Estonia offers many options.

I miss the most...
The food of course. (No offence to Estonian cuisine.)

I liked to study here...
First and foremost, culture exposure. Getting to know new people from different countries and their characters helps you enhance your vision immensely. There is a huge difference between somebody who studied all his/her life in her home country, and somebody who travelled to several different countries and studied in different cultural environment. Student mobility is when you have classmates from 10 different countries (for me it was, Italian, American, Portuguese, Finnish, Estonian, Russian, Latvian, Mexican, German, French,…), but all speak the same language (English)

My future...
To get a job and continue being international.

The last thing I want to say...
Estonya; kimsenin bilmediği küçük ama büyük ülke.
(Estonia; the small but big country which nobody knows about)

Dean Teneng
from Bamenda, Cameroon

Name: Dean Teneng
Home city and country: Bamenda, Cameroon
BA degree – Buea University Cameroon, 1998-2002
Master´s degree – Financial and Actuarial Mathematics, 2009-2010, University of Tartu
Doctoral Studies - University of Tartu, 2010-

Coming to Estonia...
I had been living, working and studying across Europe and USA for over seven years before deciding for terminal education in Estonia. I decided on Estonia because of the profile of my professors, opportunities linked with industries, availability of charity work and the rich history, culture and music which somehow mirrors my own home country.

Before coming here...
All I knew about was information gleaned from websites and correspondence with Tartu University International Office. They provided me with necessary guidance and I could tell from the mails I was going to a very friendly place.

Student life in Estonia...
In Estonia, the professors and people are friendly and always ready to help. There are also many courses and directions of research, talk less funding opportunities. Life is cheap with fewer students in class, and more advance equipment and libraries. There is free internet and opportunity to take exams twice.

Studying in Estonia...
I have had the opportunity of meeting so many people from different parts of the world, expanding my contacts. It has also been fantastic to get involve in research in my field. I could not pay for such a high quality education in another part of the world.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I have had the opportunity of writing and publishing an academic paper, a completely new thing for me. Studies in Estonia have completely transformed my worldview, as I have encountered first hand Estonia and Eastern European culture and way of life.

I would tell others...
I would say it is an excellent opportunity that should not be missed. This is international education with excellent professors, research opportunities, library facilities and a friendly culture where you can adapt easily. This opportunity opens a new horizon in your life.

My degree programme is...
... not to be missed and opportunity for a better career.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I miss my lovely family, traditional music and meals, childhood friends and the graveside of my ancestors

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Encounter with new cultures and peoples of the world since the world is becoming a global village, broadened horizons and better job opportunities globally

My future plans...
My first move will be to spend sometime working in Estonia as a way of saying thanks to the Estonian government for this opportunity. I would then make a move yet to be determined.

The last thing I want to say...
Whew yea-aeh nwaah ie Estonia.

Carlos David Paniagua
from Guatemala City, Guatemala

Name: Carlos Paniagua
Home city and country: Guatemala City, Guatemala
BA degree: Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala
Master´s degree: Software Engineering, Computer Sciences, Tallinn University of Technology/University of Tartu (joint master´s programme).

Before coming here...
I heard that it was cold... and guess what? They were right. But it is a beautiful country and the weather is just one of the elements that make Estonia beautiful. Also heard about the people, people is friendly but shy, and they are whiling to help at any time you need.

Student life in Estonia...
In Estonia the education system works and everything is much more organized than in my country. Estonia invest in its people talent, believe in academic and industrial researching and is trying that Industry – Academic – Government work together for a better country.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
Everyday I learn something new about Estonia and its people. Everyday is a new experience knowing new people. The best thing is the people and know them.

I would tell others...
Estonia provides you of high quality education giving you the chance to interact with the industry in the country. There are a lot of researching projects and people believes in researching and invest on it. Knowing people from different countries is amazing and life in Estonia is just great.

My degree programme is...
Computer Science, Software Engineering, Real Time Embedded Systems, Hybrid  Systems, Cloud Computing, Mobiles, Business Cases, Distributed Systems, Grid Computing, Text Algorithms.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
My family and the food.

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Gives you the opportunity to see the world in someone´s eyes with a different point of view. It enriches your life and give you the chance to see the same situations in a different ways finding better solutions. It also gives you and advantage against other country mates who don´t go abroad.

My future plans...
I am trying to stay in Estonia and continue my studies after my Master. I want to go for the PhD in Estonia.

The last thing I want to say...
Estonia es un pais con muchisimas oportunidades para estudiantes extranjeros. Su gente es amigable y siempre dispuesta a ayudar si lo necesitas. Conocer gente de otros paises y compartir experiencias y conocimientos es una experiencia indescriptible que todos los seres humanos debemos vivir. Estonia es el lugar perfecto para hacerlo.

Tufan Can
from Ankara, Turkey

Name: Tufan Can
Home city and country: Ankara/Turkey
BA degree – Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 2004-2009
MA degree – Materials and Processes of Sustainable Energetics 2010-2012, Tallinn University of Technology/University of Tartu (joint master´s programme)

Coming to Estonia...
Name of the study programme in here excited me because it was directly adressing my previous study and future interests.  

Before coming here...
Actually I haven’t had a clear idea about Estonia until my arrival to Tallinn. But, as a person who is interested in history, I was very curious about the Old Town of Tallinn.

Student life in Estonia...
Here life is easier for students in terms of living costs. Transportation is very cheap and because Tallinn is a small city; travelling through the city is not time consuming. Students generally go to parties at weekends to relax and night life here in Tallinn is flourishing and very cheap when compared to other countries.

Studying in Estonia...
My greatest gain in Estonia is meeting and interacting with different people from all over the world and experiencing a different culture and life-style.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
I can give one example - a Christmas party was organised by our faculty members for international students of my programme; and there, we were introduced Estonian folk music, dance and music instruments and traditional Estonian food. It was admirable and I really enjoyed it very much.  

I would tell others...
If you like to study in an international and profesional environment and like to relax with parties and night life, Estonia might be the right stop for you. Of course; if you don’t care about cold :) Also, like me; rather than night life;  if you like to interact with people from different cultures, learn from different traditions; and like reading your book in a cafe watching the snow outside,  Estonia also may be the right stop for you.

My degree programme is...
Sustainability, Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Biomass, Biofuel, Geothermal Energy, Carbon footprints, Greenhouse gases, Oil Shale,Wave Energy...

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
Of course real Turkish kebab :)  

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Understanding different cultures, and comprehending how the same issue is handled by different cultures always widens your perspective ans make you one step forward.

My future plans...
In the future I want to have a Phd program or a job in Europe.

The last thing I want to say...
Bütçenize uygun, farklı kültürleri bünyesinde bulunduran , eğlenceli bir eğitim istiyorsanız ve kışları birazcık üşümeyi göze alıyorsanız Estonya her zaman aklınızın bir köşesinde bulunsun.

Der-Liang Yung
from Vancouver, Canada

Name: Der-Liang Yung
Home city and country: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
BSc degree – Simon Fraser University, 2000-2005, Canada
MSc degree – Materials and Processes of Sustainable Energetics, 2010-2012, Tallinn University of Technology/University of Tartu (joint master\'s programme)

Coming to Estonia...
To be honest, I didn\'t choose Estonia, it chose me. Sufficed to say, I love it here, and don\'t regret coming to Tallinn. Its good to be wanted ;)!

Before coming here...
I never even heard of the country before finding out where TUT is. Then one of my Filipino friends told me how beautiful the women are in Estonia, and that fact sold me.

Student life in Estonia...
In Canada, at least at my university, student life revolves around studying, eating, drinking and when times get tough, protest, rioting and hooliganism. Here, life is tame, and less wild, which isn\'t a bad thing. I love the smaller city of Tallinn, makes it easy to get around, and the old town is fantastic. The influx of Erasmus students certainly bring life to the campus and even the locals get into it, although not as much as I would like. The advice from my student councellor: get Estonian friends plastered on alcohol to get them to socialize, guess that works for everyone.

Studying in Estonia...
After completing my undergrad degree at my home university, I regretted not doing a semester abroad or some exchange program; hence, my main goal was to do my MSc in another country, but one that came from a country, Estonia, whose education standards are maintained by a greater union, EU\'s Bologna accord. At least I could get it recognized in North America. But I got no qualms about making a career working abroad. Maybe I can work at a Canadian embassy or something. Academically, being able to finally do a MSc in Engineering is redemption for me. It was my goal after secondary school, but never materialized at my home university, so here in Estonia, I get to do what I always wanted.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
New Years! new and old. People in Tallinn know how to put on a party at New Years. Academically, being given the opportunity to do things: work in the lab, pursue individual studies, access to EU programs for students, experience with Erasmus students, and befriend the locals. Being from Vancouver, BC, Canada, I dont get to experience the real winters here in the Baltics, and I was lucky to see a White Christmas for the first time while in Tallinn. Studying in Estonia is surprisingly relaxing, although that could be just the 1st semester.

I would tell others...
Like any foreign culture, and especially true for Estonian university life, try to plan your stay for the long term, a whole year at least. It does take months to really befriend and get into the intimate social circle of local Estonians. A quick fix is getting involve with Erasmus and other international students, but for that, you can go to other places in EU.

I miss the most...
Peanut butter, I saw it being sold at Stockmann supermarket at 3X the price as Canada. Oh yeah, I miss watching NHL games on TV, fortunately, there are some awesome sites.

My degree programme is...
Fuel cells, oil shale, wind energy, nuclear power, energy management and planning, thermodynamics...

I liked to study here...
International experience makes you a more wholistic and cultured person. Socializing becomes easier as you can always talk about your adventures, and chicks dig that. And as a student, the mobility experience gives you a whole new prospect on life and direction; gives you options and increases your network. When it comes to a career, it\'s the networks and relationships you make during your study periods, which get you what you want....even if you dont know it yourself.

My future...
I am thinking somewhere in South America or Middle East, just to complete the collection. Antarctica is always an option. Africa is always in my heart, so maybe I\'ll head back there. South East Asia...hrmm, just for the food. ;)

The last thing I want to say...

\"La Vie en Université c\'est que comment vous voudriez se de faire - n\'importe où, n\'importe avec qui, ni quand. Seulement que tu le savoures.\"

\"University Life is what you make of it - doesn\'t really matter where, or with who, or even when. Just enjoy the ride.\"

Mikko Härkönen
from Oulu, Finland

Name: Mikko Härkönen
Home city and country: Oulu, Finland
Bachelor\'s degree: Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management 2005 - 2009, Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences
Master\'s degree: Wellness and Spa Service Design and Management, 2010 - 2012, University of Tartu, Pärnu College

Coming to Estonia...
I heard about this Master programme from CIMO (Centre for International Mobility) in Finland. Since the programme is new and unique worldwide, studies are in English language, there are lots of visiting international lecturers, and the programme supports my previous studies in Tourism and Hospitality Management I got hooked up and decided to apply for it.

Before coming here...
Honestly, even though I come from Finland I had never visited Estonia before starting my studies at Pärnu College. It might be due that I come from North of Finland and when travelling looked up for destinations further out. I knew that Estonian language is pretty similar to Finnish, Lennart Meri was the first president of independent Estonia and some famous sportsmen such as Erki Nool, Marko Märtin and Andrus Veerpalu.

Student life in Estonia...
I would say that the biggest difference has been within the unique approach of our study programme. During the first semester we made several study trips to places such as Viljandi Cultural Academy, Tallinn and Saaremaa. We have visited several Spa Hotels in order to understand how the businesses are actually running. The study trips have been rewarding and educating. Also we have had the chance to have in our campus several international lecturers who are true specialists on their own field. Pärnu is rather small town and as Estonians say “Pärnu is sleeping during the winter”, so as an international student you have to be active yourself to organize things to do on your free-time.

Studying in Estonia...
Estonia is the seventh country where I live abroad. For me as a Finn, it has been really easy to adapt to the Estonian culture since it is pretty similar to Finland and I have not experienced any culture shock. I am sure the Master\'s Programme degree gained abroad will benefit me in the future.

Best things that have happened to me in Estonia...
When I was looking for the internship placement abroad in Spa Hotels I noticed that the managers have been really welcoming and interested about our programme since it is really focusing on this specific field. The future will only tell, but so far looking good.

I would tell others...
There are great opportunities in Estonia whether you are looking for Bachelor or Master level studies. The living costs are student friendly and you will widen your horizons when living abroad!

My degree programme is...
Tourism, Leisure, Wellness, Spa, Management, Sustainable, Unique, Study trips, Creative, International.

While being away from my home country, I miss the most...
I do not really miss Finland since it is so near! Well, if I have to think of something, I miss observing the Northern Lights since this year they are really active – hehe!

Studying is in Estonia is an international experience...
Before coming to do my Master studies in Estonia I have been on exchange to Spain, Portugal and Kyrgyzstan, Central-Asia. It is a great opportunity to learn a new language, learn from the different cultures, you learn to laugh to yourself after you confront some awkward or funny situations, and you get to know lots of new people!

My future plans...
Just going with the flow! Looking forward for different opportunities within Tourism business!

The last thing I want to say...
Ulkomailla kokemus kannattaa aina, lähditpä sitten Viroon tai minne päin tahansa maailmaa! Kielitaito, elämänkokemus ja maailmankatsomus avartuu! Ei muuta kuin tsemppiä ja rohkeutta ottaa uusi askel elämässä kohti uusia seikkailuja ja kokemuksia!