Non-Degree / Dates: 14 July – 1 August 2025
Across the globe, there are millions of people who can speak English, but only one million speak Estonian. The language is part of the Finno-Ugric group, related to Finnish and Hungarian. Tallinn University’s summer course in Estonian Language and Culture offers an opportunity to study an unusual and entrancing language, all amongst the backdrop of a well-preserved medieval city. The course aims to familiarize a wide range of international students not only with the Estonian language but also with the country’s rich culture, history, art and lifestyle.
After a short written test, students will be divided into groups based on their initial proficiency in the Estonian language. The number of groups depends on the number of participants, usually, there are 5-7 groups. Please note that participants in one group might have slightly different levels, more advanced students can ask for additional tasks.
The courses will then foster skills at the following levels:
Beginner – students will develop basic Estonian communication skills and master day-to-day conversation. The course programme includes pronunciation practice, listening comprehension and easy communication.
Intermediate – students will further develop their speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills. The students should be familiar with basic Estonian structures. The course programme includes activities on various everyday-life situations.
The languages of instruction are Estonian and English and course materials are distributed during the course.
Why this course?
Teachers
All our Estonian language teachers are native speakers, some of them have been teaching at Tallinn Summer School for more than 10 years.
Timetable for language classes
From Monday to Friday:
09:30 – 11:00 Language lessons
11:00 – 11:30 Coffee break
11:30 – 13:00 Language lessons
NB! The timetable may vary depending on the group. On the first day of the course, all groups start at 10am.
In the afternoons following language classes, specialised lectures, movie screenings and museum visits will take place. Read more about the Cultural Programme.
Further instruction outside of the summer period of the program is available through a follow-up online course offered by instructor Mall Pesti.
Participants
The course is suitable for students of all levels of competence in the Estonian language, from complete beginners with no practical experience to conversationally capable speakers. The three week intensive course contains 60 academic hours of teaching language.
Credit points
3 ECTS. The number of classes equals 60 academic hours (15 days of classes). Students are expected to attend 4 lessons a day. In order to get the summer school certificate, students have to participate in at least 75% of the classes and pass a test at the end of the course.
Course fee
| Early-Bird Course Fee (until March 31) | 550€ |
| Regular Course Fee (after March 31) | 600€ |
NB! Accommodation, cultural programme and meals are not included in the price.
Scholarships
* The EKKAV scholarship for attending Estonian language and culture summer/winter courses can be applied for by all international university students interested in the Estonian language and culture who are studying or have previously studied Estonian. The applicant has to be enrolled at a foreign university at the time of applying (BA, MA, or PhD student). More info and application guidelines here.
* The Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and Education and Youth Board offer scholarships to foreign nationals for participation in summer and winter schools in Estonia. Scholarships can be applied by foreign bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students who have studied in their universities for at least one year (including former study levels). More info and application process details are here.
Contact
Leticia Echebarria Saracibar, Spain
Estonian Language #tss2019
