Estonia

Estonia may be a small spot on the world map, but the hospitality, history, culture, adventure, and people will take up a big part of your heart if you choose this Baltic country as your YFU destination.

Because of the country's many previous inhabitants, culture has been and remains a strong symbol of national identity.

The culture of Estonia can best be described as a balance of influences between a rich historical past and present-day European neighbors. Music is a great example of the blending of the old and the new, which can be witnessed at many song and dance festivals.

Most people live in cities, though many have cottages in the country. For vacations, they enjoy adventures like canoeing or bicycle touring. You may also find yourself out on a golfing or windsurfing expedition with host siblings or friends. Attending plays, movies, exhibitions, and concerts also make enjoyable family outings.

Academic Programs

Schools in Estonia emphasize academic performance. The classroom atmosphere is formal and students are used to treating their teachers with respect. You will take classes at the upper secondary level in a wide variety of subjects, including math, language, biology, music, art, and sports.

The program tuition includes a weekend trip to North Latvia and South Estonia.  A highlight of the whole exchange year, students are given a chance to learn something about the similarities and differences of the Baltic countries: the people, the languages, the cultures, nature, history, traditions and so much more.  There is also an optional trip to a town within Estonia for an extra cost.  Other extra costs include transportation to school, schoolbooks, a residence permit, and personal spending money of about $140 recommended per month.

Arts In Estonia, handicraft has a special place in the history of Estonian art. Artistic woodcarving and working with textile, amber, leather, and stone is very popular. It is a specialty in many schools all over Estonia. At the special art school about half of your courses will be various kinds of art lessons and the other half will be normal secondary school subjects.  Students will be able to study subjects like art history, drawing, painting, graphic arts, ceramics, textile design, wood restoration, iron work and more.  Please submit photographs of at least six of your previous pieces of artwork with your application.

Music Students will attend secondary schools that specialize in music and will have lots of music lessons during the school day. The students at these music schools specialize in music and the level of music education is very high.  Music studies will consist of subjects such as music theory, instruments, solfeggio, and performance audtions, or participation in choirs and orchestras.  Please submit a tape or CD with some examples of your music with your application.

Nature This new, innovative year program in Estonia offers students many opportunities to learn about and appreciate the environment of this Baltic country. In addition to the regular academic program, students will take numerous field trips to diverse locations throughout Estonia, including a road trip to Latvia. You will not only appreciate the natural beauty of Estonia, but you will also learn about the environmental problems. This is the perfect program for the adventurous nature lover!

Tentative Activities:
(Please note that listed destinations are used as examples and the timing of the field trips throughout the year will depend on weather conditions).

• August - Arrival orientation in Vasalemma (An opportunity to meet other exchange students)
  
• September - Canoeing on the Ahja River or Võhandu River
  
• October - Visit the island of Piirissaar and the virgin forests of Alutaguse (Piirissaar is an island in the middle of a large body of water where fishing is central to the rural lifestyle of its people and whose natural beauty deserves preservation)
  
• November - Visit the Oil Shale Mine Park in Kohtla-Nõmme, Lahemaa National Park, and the North Coast (This visit will give students the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the environmental problems in Estonia, where mining has had a negative impact on the environment)
  
• December - Christmas celebrations with family and school
• January - Skiing in Kõrvemaa (with camping in the woods covered in snow)
  
• February - Mid-Year orientation, trip to Vormsi island on an ice road and the peninsula of Noarootsi (with ice-fishing)
  
• March - Visit Alam-Pedja Nature Conservation and the Põlula Fish Farm to learn about salmon marking (The Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve area is under protection and recognized as a wetland of international importance.  The Põlula Fish Farm is the only national fish farm in Estonia.  Here students will have the opportunity to learn about salmon breeding and the rehabilitation of salmon populations.)
  
• April - Trip to Matsalu National Park for the arrival of migratory birds, bird watching and marking
  
• May - Road trip to southern Estonia and northern Latvia (and to the Gauja National Park)
  
• June - Re-Entry orientation

Please note: The Nature Program may not be suitable for students with serious health issues or allergies.

13th Year Abroad
The traditional Academic Year program is also available as a 13th Year Abroad option. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Estonia, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Estonia in Washington, DC web site

"For both Estonians and Latvians, culture centers around music and dance. There is so much to be learned!"

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008