Enchanted, Empowered, Estonia

Looking Back with Fondness 

The last three weeks have been filled with learning, laughter, and relationship-building. Students will leave Estonia with a strong understanding of the local government and the vital role Estonia plays within EU and world politics. Students had the chance to speak with influential figures such as Public Affairs Officer, Michael Snyder, Estonian parliament member, Karmen Joller, and CIEE CEO and President, James Pellow. 

Students also participated in an interactive role-play experience at Tallinn’s Europa Experience Center, where they gained crucial insight into how the European Parliament works together to tackle serious issues facing the EU today. Through this experience, students had to use their negotiation skills to find a compromise to two fictional problems while keeping the interests of their assigned country, political party, and constituents in mind. 

Outside of politics, students also acquired a more in-depth understanding of Estonian culture and history. They visited the Estonian Open Air Museum, where they peeked into the past and saw firsthand how people from the 18th and 19th centuries lived in rural and fishing villages. We also visited the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom. This unique museum is a collection of authentic personal stories and memories outlining and describing life in Estonia under occupation. This museum gave students a greater understanding of Estonian history from 1940-1991 and how it shapes the current political landscape of the country. 

Day Trips also gave students a chance to see more of beautiful Estonia. Students spent a day in the southern coastal city of Pärnu where they swam in the Pärnu Bay and walked around this summer destination. They also visited the town of Haapsalu, located on the west coast of Estonia. Students explored Haapsalu Castle, built in the 13th century, and they had the chance to walk the same promenades that Tsar Peter I (Peter the Great) strolled along during his holiday visits to this picturesque town. 

Overall, the Diplomacy and Peace Studies program in Tallinn Estonia is a well-rounded and hands-on learning experience that enriches the minds of its participants. As a program leader, I was continuously amazed by the students' curiosity, knowledge, and openness.  I loved to watch how our small community grew and how friendships bloomed.  A tremendous amount of courage is needed to travel to a new country with a group of people you’ve never met. These future leaders truly embraced the experience. Read two students' final thoughts and reflections below.

“The past three weeks studying and living in Estonia has not only deepened my understanding of diplomacy and international politics, but also given me a broader worldview and afforded me many valuable experiences. From learning about the structure of the Estonian government in the Stenbock House to ziplining through the trees at Nõmme Seikluspark, every day of the program was filled with unique opportunities that I am grateful to have had. It was especially interesting to learn about Estonia’s political system as a smaller country, and how its recent history of Soviet occupation has affected its international policies. It is a country of beautiful juxtaposition with both the past and the present, tradition and groundbreaking innovation.

Along with learning about government, I have developed a deep appreciation for Estonian culture and the many other cultures that can be found in the country. Being pushed to practice speaking in Estonian was a nerve-wracking experience, but also an eye-opening one as I realized the importance of the language to Estonian culture and the difficulty of living in a foreign country.

Though my time in this beautiful country has come to an end, I am certain that my experiences here will continue to shape my future. Meeting with officials from the US Embassy illuminated the path for me to possibly becoming a foreign service officer, and our studies here have deepened my interest in studying international relations in college. This program has also shown me that studying abroad is something I would like to do as much as possible in my future.”

-Janet

"When I first landed in Estonia I couldn’t fathom how this tiny country I had never heard of could mean anything to me. Now as I prepare to leave I come to the realization that it means everything. In Estonia I developed a stronger appreciation and understanding of art, language, and connection. I learned the value of history and how it never really stops effecting us. Leaving Estonia I feel more grown. I feel like I’ve developed 5 new perspectives of the life around me." 

-Debra 

We are sad to be saying goodbye, but thankful for these past three weeks together!