Study Abroad in Estonia

Academic Year Programs

During your time in Estonia you will live with a host family and attend a local school.

School

Schools in Estonia emphasize a high level of academic performance. YFU students are typically placed in the 10th or 11th grade according to their age and interests. The classroom atmosphere is formal, and students treat their teachers with respect, but if you are willing to work hard, teachers are happy to help you develop your skills! You will take classes at the upper secondary level in a wide variety of subjects, including Estonian, math, history, biology, music, art, and sports.

YFU exchange students to Estonia also have the opportunity to attend a specialized program focused on Art, Film and Media, Music, Nature, or Theater. For each of these programs, students will attend a traditional high school and take courses in their chosen specialization.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring departures). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

YFU Estonia will provide a four-day post-arrival orientation, which includes a basic language course. They will also offer gatherings for YFU students and their host families throughout the year, and a re-entry session for two days in May.

Optional Excursions

Students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.

Weekend Trip to Viljandi: During this weekend trip, which typically takes place in November, students will have the opportunity to travel to Viljandi. This quaint and historic town is famous for folk music festivals. Students will have the opportunity to experience the true heart of Estonian folk music and vocal heritage. Previously students have visited the Estonian Traditional Music Center, participated in music lessons on a new instrument, attended a concert, and went sightseeing around Viljandi.

Weekend Trip to South Estonia: Students may have the opportunity to travel to Southern Estonia to see the beautiful countryside. During this 3-day bus trip, students will be able to view the different traditions of Estonians and visit the Setomaa area, home to the Setos, an ethnic and linguistic minority. Students may also have the opportunity to visit nautral sights such as Suur Munamägi (Estonia’s highest mountain), Suurjärv (Estonia’s deepest lake), and explore local caves and waterfalls.

Trip to Narva: This exciting 3-day trip typically occurs in the spring months. During this time, students will travel to Narva, Estonia’s easternmost town that shares its border with Russia. Students will have the opportunity to meet local students in Narva for a debate. Students will be able to explore the Hermann Fortress, a castle that dates back to the 14th century, and discover one of Estonia’s hidden gems.

Language

Estonian. Previous language study is not required. Students may also be placed with bilingual Estonian and Russian-speaking families. Students will receive basic Estonian language classes during their arrival orientation.

Special Interest Programs

Art Program: The art program is perfect for students who are mainly interested in fine arts. Artistic woodcarving and working with textiles, amber, leather, and stone is very popular and is available as a specialty in many schools all over Estonia. In the special arts program, you will attend a public high school that focuses on the arts, or you will attend a regular high school and take afternoon classes at a special art school. You will take general subjects (like Estonian language, biology, history, etc.) as well as choose from a wide variety of art lessons, which typically take place at least 10 hours a week. You will be able to study subjects like art history, drawing, painting, graphic arts, ceramics, textile design, leather art, wood restoration, iron work and more.

Please submit a letter of motivation and photographs of at least six of your previous pieces of artwork with your application.

Film and Media: Several high schools have special programs for Media and Movies, where students can learn the theory and practice of moviemaking. In school, you will have a normal curriculum in addition to extra subjects focused on media and movies, such as computer design, photography, history of filmmaking, and movie making. Students may also get the opportunity to volunteer for Estonia’s biggest film festivals and, in some towns, join an after-school film club at a local youth center.

Students must submit an example of their previous film work or a letter of motivation to take part in the program.

Music: Students will either attend a music school or will be enrolled in a traditional high school with music schooling in the afternoons. The level of music education is very high, and studies will consist of subjects such as music theory, instruments, solfeggio, and performance auditions, or participation in choirs and orchestras.

Please submit examples of your music, as well as a written description of your music studies and experiences, along with your application.

Nature: More than 50% of Estonia is covered in forests, and the country has over 1,000 lakes! Estonia offers nature lovers a pristine and untouched landscape to explore. This innovative year program 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 field trips each month to diverse locations throughout Estonia and its islands. You will not only appreciate the natural beauty of Estonia, but you will also learn about the environmental problems the country is facing. This is the perfect program for the adventurous nature lover!

Tentative activities (weather dependent) offered for the Nature program have included canoeing the Ahja and Vōhandu Rivers, visiting the island of Piirissaar, the virgin forests of Alutaguse, the Oil Shale Mine Park in Kohtla-Nõmme, Lahemaa National Park, the Alam-Pedja Nature Conservation, the Pōlula Fish Farm, and the peninsula of Noarootsi; skiing in Kõrvemaa; taking an ice road to Vormsi Island; and bird watching in Matsalu National Park!

With their application, students are asked to submit a letter stating their motivation for participation in the Nature program.

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

Entrepreneurship – Informatics Theme- NEW!: Estonia has a vibrant and welcoming informatics/IT community and Estonians are encouraged to become techies. Kids in primary school have lessons in computer programming, and in selected high schools, we even teach how to build Bitcoin apps. Our e-government solutions are top-notch! It is not a secret that Estonian is a bit tricky to learn but luckily, in the field of IT, the language is understandable to everyone, regardless of home country. We are eager to support ambitious students who wish to further develop themselves in programming, which includes both coding and other aspects of software creation and/or robotics, the field of study that is focused on developing robots and automation. Students in IT programs attend schools specialized in informatics and/or attend extra lessons offered by the regular school. We take each student’s individual levels into consideration to adapt the program as perfectly as possible to the student’s needs.

To apply for the informatics program, please send a sample of some of the work IT work you have done so far. This can be a piece of code or a drawing as you prefer.