Estonia
Tere!
Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Estonia stands as a beacon of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This northern European gem is an ideal destination for exchange students seeking an enriching, authentic experience in a country where tradition harmoniously blends with modernity.
School
The school year in Estonia always starts on the 1st of September and lasts until the beginning of June. The school day starts in most schools at 8:00 am. You will have 6 to 8 lessons of approximately 45 minutes per day with breaks of 10 to 20 minutes between classes. A hot meal is served during the longer lunch break.Â
You will generally be placed in the 10th or 11th grade in school and you will be expected to participate in class. Learning the language is important to help you participate in classes just like your Estonian classmates.
Language RequirementS
There is no language requirement to apply for an exchange to Estonia.
Estonian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially among the younger generation, making it easier for exchange students to communicate, engage, and learn a new language.
Family
Whether you find yourself living in bustling Tallinn or Tartu or among the serene landscapes of the countryside and islands, Estonia offers diverse environments to explore and appreciate. Living with a host family in Estonia provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Estonian daily life and traditions.
Estonians value independence, a trait you’ll notice especially among teenagers. However, family bonds are strong, with weekends and holidays reserved for family trips, saunas, and quality time together.
Estonians are incredibly hospitable and friendly. As an exchange student, you’ll experience this warmth and become part of the family.
specialty Programs
Music
Students in the Music Program study at specialized music schools or attend music classes after school. The experience is tailored to each student’s background, instrument, and skill level, and is also open to singers. Each program is individually adapted to meet the student’s needs.
Nature
The Nature Program is led by dedicated YFU volunteers who tailor each experience to the participants’ interests and expectations. Monthly weekend trips include activities such as canoeing, skiing, hiking, bird watching, island visits, ice bathing, and forest camping. Each trip is designed according to the season and weather conditions.
Visual arts
The Art Program is for students who want to focus on fine arts during their exchange year. They attend art-focused schools or take extra art lessons after school. Programs are tailored to each student’s skill level and interests, with previous work samples required to guide placement.
it
The IT Program supports students eager to develop skills in programming, robotics, coding and automation. Estonia has a strong tech community, and students attend specialized schools or take extra IT lessons. Programs are tailored to each student’s level.
film and media
The Media Program combines film, photography, and animation to give students a creative, theoretical, and practical experience. Students attend media-focused schools or take extra media courses after school.
Please contact us for prices, departure dates and more information.
Estonia Programs
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