Diplomacy & Peace Studies
Summer '25 Applications Open
Master the art of negotiation and learn to advocate for peace in Tallinn.
Estonia offers a unique perspective on diplomatic relations. This small country between Russia and northern Europe has achieved political and economic progress in a short period of time—largely due to its diplomacy. From the country’s capital, Tallinn, get ready for an inside look at the day-to-day tasks of diplomats!
Meet local public officials and tour international organizations promoting peace, like cyber defense hubs and international security agencies. Engage in negotiation simulations and try out conflict resolution strategies. Work with other Global Navigators to identify international security threats and propose a peace-building initiative putting diplomacy into practice.
Enjoy the city’s charm, too, from the medieval Old Town to the Baroque Kadriorg Palace and the Port of Tallinn, the largest seaport in the Baltic Sea. Explore trendy districts like Kalamaja, soak in the beach vibes of Pirita, and meet local teens. On excursions, discover other coastal cities, like Pärnu and Kuressaare or Haapsalu. Every part of your adventure will grant you a window into the Estonian way of life and valuable insights into a career as a diplomat.
CIEE is a proud sponsor of NAIMUM LXII
Headed to this year’s conference in D.C.? You could win a CIEE Model UN grant worth up to $5,000.
Learn more
The Take-Aways
Real-World Experience
Witness policymaking and the art of negotiation in action. Come home with communication, problem-solving, and research skills, and an increased understanding of diplomacy.
Credentials for Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a proposal for a peace-building initiative.
Life Skills and New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.
45
hours of expert instruction
3
weeks pursuing your passion
1
life-changing experience
The Destination
Welcome to Tallinn, Europe’s best kept secret.
Estonia has made large strides toward building bridges with other countries and cultures. Since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it’s positioned itself at the forefront of tech innovation and was named the European Green Capital in 2023. Clean air, green spaces, and cobbled streets create a peaceful, cozy atmosphere. Not widely known as a tourist destination, it’s not affected by a large number of visitors in summer, and it’s a great thing!
Sitting along the Baltic Sea, the country’s history can be traced in Tallinn’s beautiful architecture. Town Hall Square, the oldest town square in northern Europe, has been a marketplace since the Middle Ages. Today, it hosts medieval festivals, open air-concerts, and fairs. The Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, built by Russia in the 1900s, is across the Toompea Loss, a castle that symbolizes Estonian nationality and currently houses Parliament.
With a variety of museums, art galleries, shops, and delicious restaurants with the best flavors from Scandinavia, Russia, and Germany, Tallinn is truly a hidden gem among European capitals waiting to be discovered.
Sample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Experience the essence of Estonian rural life as you tour the Estonian Open-Air Museum. Explore 14 farms offering views into how families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds lived during the 18th to 20th centuries.
- Go underground to discover the mysteries of the Bastion Passages on Toompea Hill in the Old Town.
- Climb up the Tallinn TV Tower for incredible views of the city. The tower is one of the most important symbols of Estonian independence!
- Visit Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, and go inside the enchanting Kuressaare Castle, where you can find souvenirs from local artisans. Spend time exploring VR worlds at the WOW experience center.
- Get to know the seaside resort town of Haapsalu, the holiday destination for many emperors. Enjoy the beach promenade and taste local food at the annual street food festival!
- Play a game of beach volleyball in Pärnu, Estonia’s “summer capital,” where there are white-sand beaches and many quaint beach cafés. Wander into town and get back to the bay to catch the sunset.
Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
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... keep reading
Enjoying Estonia
Another successful week here in Estonia! Check out our video recap below.
Exploring Tallinn
One of the greatest advantages of the Diplomacy and Peace Studies program in Estonia is the opportunity to live within the walls of Old Town in the capital city of... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,450 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,450 |
Ready to change your life?
What’s Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and 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...