Tallinn
Tallinn, Estonia

Summer in Tallinn

New for Summer 2025!

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer in Tallinn, the picturesque Baltic capital of Estonia, known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, vibrant cultural scene, and innovative tech industry. Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, this four-week international summer program invites you to gain valuable professional experience in a thriving tech hub and innovative business environment, while immersing yourself in Tallinn’s rich cultural heritage and exploring its captivating blend of medieval charm and modern progress.

During your time abroad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to bolster your resume with entrepreneurship and startup experience, study contemporary controversies in international relations, and connect with local and international students alike. From growing your professional network by meeting members of the Baltic American Freedom Foundation and AmCham community to exploring the city's seamless integration of medieval history with modern advancements, Tallinn is the ideal backdrop for a summer abroad!  

Unique Experiences

Get to know Estonia's unique sauna culture

by trying traditional, Russian, and smoke saunas

Enjoy the charm of Green City

by visiting many parks and hiking trails in Tallinn and nearby

Collect valuable contacts

from startups, local entrepreneurs, and international companies

1,000+

REGISTERED STARTUPS 

200+

NEW CONTACTS FROM BALTIC AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION COMMUNITY

100+

COMPANIES AVAILABLE FOR VISIT

Experience
  • hssa students posing against the tallinn skyline
  • Narva Street outside of TalTech in Tallinn
  • Tallinn church skyline sunset

Your Destination

Situated just a short ferry ride away from Finland, Estonia is an incredible Baltic nation known for its membership in the European Union, Eurozone, and NATO. The country boasts a thriving democracy and is highly developed, with exceptionally advanced digital infrastructure in place.

Estonia’s cultural hub, Tallinn, serves as your backdrop while interning abroad in northeastern Europe.  gates, defensive towers, cobblestone streets, hilltop castles, and beautiful cathedrals all contribute to Tallinn’s reputation as the “Gem of the Baltic,” making it recognized as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Today, Tallinn is not only renowned for being Estonia’s capital and largest city but also as the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” with the city nearly 100% digital, which means that almost all services are available online .

CIEE has established partnerships with many Baltic American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) alumni companies, as well as the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Estonia. Therefore, you’ll have ample opportunities to gain real-world knowledge in emerging topics including cyber and energy security, environmental science, entrepreneurship, as well as Baltic languages and culture and international public diplomacy.

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

tallinn narrow street in the medieval part of town

Excursions & Activities

  • Touring major Estonian cities, such as Pärnu (the summer capital of Estonia) or Tartu (the City of Good Thoughts)  
  • Visiting local startups and businesses associated with BAFF
  • Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or cycling in Estonia’s pristine and unspoiled landscape  
  • Exploring Tallinn’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Europe's best-preserved towns from the Medieval Period  
  • Networking with BAFF alums’ businesses and other local startups 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Interning in Tallinn: Student's Experience

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Students Meet U.S. Ambassador George P. Kent at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Reflecting on My Experience with CIEE in Tallinn - Peace & Diplomacy Program

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

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
Academics

Academics

Students on the Summer in Tallinn program will enroll in one three-credit course.  

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.   

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Program Credit

3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Courses are demanding due to the fast pace of course content, and participation is essential. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In class, instructors introduce new content and focus on improving students’ knowledge in selected field. Outside of class, students visit the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering. 

Class Format

To facilitate effective learning, the course can offer small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and a conducive learning environment. Classes taught at CIEE Tallinn are for CIEE students only (usually up to eight people). Classes are held Monday through Friday. The courses will be conducted by qualified and experienced instructors. This ensures that students receive quality education and guidance.  Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.  

Grading

U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.    

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Summer Session II 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

Tallinn's work scene thrives on tech innovation, e-governance, and diverse industries like finance, engineering, and international relations. Known for the highest startups per capita in Europe, the city emphasizes sustainability, with growing sectors in manufacturing and renewable energy, fostering a forward-looking ecosystem. 

A female intern sits in front of a studio A/V board while recording

Arts, Audio/Video Technology and Communications

Immerse yourself in today's cutting-edge global media by working in film studios, media companies, the theater, and more.

An intern watches a clothing designer work on a garmet

Consumer Goods and Retail

Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.

student interns standing in Spanish Parliament

Government and Public Administration

Gain insight into global policy-making, diplomatic relations, and governance practices in agencies, nonprofits, and firms.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Interns wearing hardhats at a community development site

Human Services

Deepen your knowledge of human services through social welfare work, community development, and international advocacy.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 Session II 2025 4 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $4,650

*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 = $3,150*

Housing = $1,000**

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $4,650

Estimated 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 = $119

International Airfare = $1,500††

Local Transportation = $30†††

Personal expenses = $130††††

Total Costs = $1,779

Financial 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.

See Scholarships

*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

††††$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

Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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.

Request Info