Erasmus Experience in Tallinn, Estonia by Nino

Why did you choose to go to Tallinn, Estonia?

I am from Georgia. Georgia and Estonia had same struggles in near history. This tiny country overcame all the difficulties and is developing rapidly. I had also heard that its landscape and culture is quite different from Georgia. Another important aspect was their successful educational system, focused on equity. For the reasons mentioned above this country was very interesting for me and wanted to get to know everything from first hand experience.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

My project was called HUMERIA, which is cooperation project between higher institutions of Europe and Eastern Neighbouring countries. I was undergraduate student. You might get scholarship either for one or for two semesters in this case. I spent two semesters (ten months) in Tallinn University. I was getting 1000 euros per month, which was totally enough to cover all living expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tallinn?

Student life will be quite active for you if you choose so. There is ESN actively operating, offering different events, starting with excursions and trips, ending with volunteering opportunities. You will also have possibility to take part in student ambassador program and represent international student community, your home country and Estonia to students.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Tallinn to other students?

I would definitely recommend both: my city and my university to other prospective students. City is very cozy, small, full of green areas, with beautiful seaside and amazing old medieval town, you have everything you need here. Transportation is free for residents for now, so if you get residence permit you can use it for free as well. In Tallinn University every lecturer I had the opportunity to work with was helpful and knowledgable. Generally system works for the students.

What is the food like?

To be honest Estonian cuisine is not my favorite but you can of course find lot of international food and also lot of stuff in markets to cook your dishes. Fish is quite common, also dishes with potatoes. My favorite were soups, there is wide variety of them and they are really tasty.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Tallinn?

They contacted me before arrival on this topic and I could find a place in the Tallinn University dormitory, which is nice place to stay and is probably the cheapest option as well. It is very near from university, 5 minutes walking distance. They have single rooms as well. If you choose to stay here better to take care reserving the place before arrival, since there won't be many places left.

How much does it cost to live in Tallinn?

Tallinn generally can not be said that is a cheap place to live. If you try to spend economically, around 350-400 euro must be enough per month. You also have opportunity to find a student job. But lack of fluency in Estonian can be tricky. Worth mentioning that Estonia has a very strong start up and entrepreneurship culture, and they try to help young people with new initiatives and ideas.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Estonian language is related to Finnish. For me it was not very easy, pronunciation is little bit difficult. Also grammar. But I think it is a good idea to try to learn at least basics of the language, especially if you decide to find a job there. University also provides language courses. If you speak Russian it can help you with communicating at some extent as well. German is third most popular foreign language. Most young Estonians speak English quite well.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Tallinn from your city?

Flight tickets were booked and paid by my project so I did not have to be concerned about it, but as far as I know from Georgia the cheapest flights are operating from Kutaisi airport to Vilnius and Riga, from there you can take a bus to Tallinn, prices for bus from Riga start from 5 euro, from Vilnius start from around 10.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Tallinn?

There are several nice bars to visit with friends in the evenings. My favorite was tiny, cozy pub called Koht, which is not in an obvious place so it is not too crowded. They have wide variety of beers, everybody can find something of their taste. They have also nice fireplace inside where you can even smoke. Red emperor bar is another popular destination for international students, with pool billiard and table soccer games. There is karaoke night every monday. They often have live performances too. They give young musicians chance to perform on their small stage. If you like nightlife club Münt is must visit place, with wednesday erasmus parties of famous dj Sin sin and 1 euro cocktails. There are several other nice night clubs in town. For example, Studio, where there are two floors with different kind of music, downstairs more commercial music, upstairs minimal techno.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Tallinn?

If you want to go out for a special traditional dinner medieval restaurant Olde Hansa can be a good option. It is a little bit pricey, but for one evening it's worth it. They even offer bear meat and dark honey beer there. For vegan options Vegan Restoran V near Von Krahl theatre can be a good choice. Since I am georgian must be mentioned that in the old town there is also georgian tavern Tbilisi, where you can taste famous Khachapuri and georgian wine.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Tallinn is rich with cultural sites, but I will just mention most significant ones for me. Kumu art museum has nice collection of paintings. You can see here Estonian art starting from 18th century, with both Socialist Realism and soviet Nonconformist artworks. They have temporary exhibitions too usually. There is a large auditorium in Kumu. Here US embassy usually organizes free movie evenings. On your way to Kumu you can visit beautiful Kadrioru park and Kadriorg palace. Seaside is also very near. I would recommend you to save one day for visiting Patarei sea fortress-prison. Little bit depressing place but will get a good experience. You can find some nice wall art there. Will be better to go there with a guided tour. Go visit open air museum too, which will give you good idea about how Estonians lived years ago. On Jaanipäev day there is a big celebration with bonfires. If you are fond of hiking definitely visit Lahemaa National park which is not very far from Tallinn, but you will need to rent a private car to get there, or book super expensive guided tour (best option will be to have a friend who owns a car).

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Tallinn in the future?

Enjoy your experience the fullest. Go out, explore, meet new people. Don't hesitate to go little bit out of the center of the city. See how Estonians live. See outskirts of the city. Visit the Russian market. There you can find lot of useless stuff from soviet union times which can be bought as a souvenir, or you might even find a purpose for some of them. Be ready for the dark winter with long nights and bright summer with long days. Nägemist!