Summer Intensive Russian Language
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE THE MEDIEVAL UNDERGROUND BASTION PASSAGES
and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites
WALK THE ROOFLINE
of the Tallinn TV Tower
VISIT NOBLESSNER SEAFRONT QUARTER
and become familiar with Estonian sauna culture
2,222
islands in Estonia
35 %
of Tallinn citizens have Russian roots
75 %
of Estonia is covered by forests and bogs
Your Destination
Fondly named the “Gem of the Baltic,” Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and largest city. As a leader in technology and the major political, financial, cultural, and educational center of Estonia, Tallinn is full of rich culture and history that’ll captivate you as soon as you arrive. This enchanting city boasts a cozy and relaxed vibe while preserving its medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), historical legacies, and rich nature. From its historic main square to its medieval architecture, Tallinn is an incredible place to live and learn abroad.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Tallinn.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
- Tour major Estonian cities, such as Pärnu (the summer capital of Estonia) or Tartu (the City of Good Thoughts)
- Visit local startups and the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses
- Canoe, kayak, hike, or cycle in Estonia’s pristine and unspoiled landscape
- Explore Tallinn’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Europe's best-preserved towns from the Medieval Period
- Network with the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses and other local startups
Program Blogs
Interning in Tallinn: Student's Experience
This blog post comes from our Fall 2024 student, Samuel, who had the opportunity to intern at the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS). As Estonia's leading think tank... keep reading
Students Meet U.S. Ambassador George P. Kent at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn
Insights from Ambassador George P. Kent and Public Affairs Officer Michael Snyder We had an amazing visit to the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, where our students had the incredible opportunity... keep reading
Reflecting on My Experience with CIEE in Tallinn - Peace & Diplomacy Program
Meet Vara: An Alumnus of the Diplomacy and Peace Program in Tallinn Vara, an alumnus of the Diplomacy and Peace program in Tallinn, Estonia, has an inspiring journey to share... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Tallinn offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to student residence buildings, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Homestay: Includes a single room in a homestay with an Estonian and/or Russian-speaking host family to immerse you in the city’s language and culture. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with the host family and are located within 30 minutes of the city center by public transportation.
Residence Hall: Includes a private room in a student residence building located within 5 minutes of the city center. All rooms boast a kitchen, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tv, as well as bed sheets, blankets, towels, and weekly cleaning included in the fee. Students use self-service laundry facilities with other students/guests in the building.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
- Homestays: Breakfast and dinner are provided
- Hotel-Residences: Meals are not included
Academics
The Intensive Russian Language Program is designed for students looking to learn or improve their Russian language skills while experiencing life in Estonia and the Baltic region.
This program gives students a strong foundation in Russian through an intensive and Russian language environment. Designed for intermediate to advanced Russian students, the program includes 2 course levels to develop your listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and to elevate your language skills, communicating with accuracy, fluency, and sophistication. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.
Course Information
Summer 2025
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- CIEE STEM Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer 2025 8 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $8,550 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $6,160**
Housing = $1,890***
Insurance = $200
Total Fees = $8,550Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $238†
International Airfare = $1,500††
Local Transportation = $30†††
Books & Supplies = $50††††
Personal expenses = $160†††††
Total Costs = $1,978Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $335 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.
††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Public transportation Card
††††Russian textbooks
†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Evelyn Müürsepp
Center Director
Evelyn has 15 years of experience in Estonian Government and two years of experience at CIEE, where she supported the launch of the new CIEE Tallinn Center. Tallinn is Evelyn's...
Mari Prok
Student Life Manager
Mari holds a Master's degree in Social Sciences, blending a multicultural background with over four years of hands-on experience in marketing & IT project management, event planning, and client relations.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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