Navaneeth arrived in Estonia 6 years ago to do his master's degree in Tallinn. His story is a perfect example of how tricky it can be to transition from one country to another and why the adaptation program Settle in Estonia is very useful.
Thank you for joining us today! To start, could you please introduce yourself?
First of all, thank you for having me. My name is Navaneeth, and I come from India. I’m a software engineer and have been living and working in Estonia for over five years now.
Can you tell us how you ended up in Estonia?
I moved here nearly six years ago, in September 2018, to pursue my bachelor's degree. I hadn’t completed my degree in India, where it’s quite stigmatized to work without one. I wanted to change that and looked for programs abroad.
What led you to choose Estonia specifically?
I didn’t initially have a plan for Estonia. A relocation company suggested it, claiming it was a unique opportunity, as they hadn’t sent anyone there before. After researching, I was impressed by Estonia's achievements post-Soviet Union and decided to apply for a cybersecurity course at Taltech.
What challenges did you face when you arrived?
I had to live in a college dorm and share a room, which was uncomfortable. Additionally, I quickly realized I needed to find a job to support myself while studying. I found work but didn’t enjoy it, so I switched to PipeDrive after a couple of months.
It sounds like a significant transition. What happened with your studies at Taltech?
Unfortunately, I was expelled from the university because I didn’t understand the academic requirements. In India, you can often fail subjects and complete them later, but that wasn’t the case here.
That's a tough experience. How did you cope with being expelled?
I was shocked at first and spoke to the dean to confirm my status. It was a hard lesson, but I shifted my focus to my job.
You mentioned working at PipeDrive for four years. How did that experience shape you?
It was a valuable experience. I learned a lot, but I was affected by a layoff that happened over a year ago. Now, I’m working elsewhere and I’m happy with my current job.
I understand you've attempted to learn Estonian. Was it during your time at PipeDrive?
I think I began taking my first course after starting at PipeDrive. The company offered language classes, which made it easier for me to balance work and study.
That’s great to hear! Can you tell us about your experience with the language?
Yes, I tried learning the Estonian language, but unfortunately, I had to stop midway through my A2 course. I also have an Estonian partner from Saaremaa who helps me learn the language a bit.
You mentioned taking both A1 and A2 courses. What were the differences between the two levels?
The A1 course focused mainly on building basic vocabulary, while the A2 course introduced more grammar. However, in A2, the teacher didn’t use any English at all, which made it more challenging compared to A1, where translations were provided.
It sounds like the teaching methodology aims to immerse students in the language. What do you think about that approach?
I think it can be effective for some, but for adults, it might be more beneficial to introduce grammatical rules earlier. Many courses felt too similar to how children learn, which might not suit adults who already speak multiple languages.
How do you feel about your current level of Estonian? Are you able to use it in daily life?
I recently started studying again using textbooks from my previous courses, and I rely on my girlfriend for help. I’ve heard mixed stories from friends about learning Estonian—some recommend hiring a private tutor, while others have succeeded just using textbooks.
Have you explored any online courses or apps for learning Estonian?
I’ve considered trying some apps similar to Duolingo, but I find they mostly teach vocabulary without explaining grammar, which makes it hard for me to engage.
What’s been the most surprising thing about learning Estonian for you so far?
I was surprised by how different it is from English, even compared to other languages I’ve learned. The sounds, the structure, and especially the cases are quite unique. It’s been a challenge, but also rewarding when I grasp something new or manage to converse a bit in Estonian.
Do you have any specific goals for your Estonian learning? For example, being able to have a conversation about a certain topic or maybe reading literature in Estonian?
I’d love to reach a level where I can comfortably converse about daily life, maybe even delve into discussions about tech and innovation, since those are areas I’m passionate about. Reading a novel in Estonian would also be a wonderful goal, though I might need to start with simpler texts first!
Do you feel that understanding Estonian culture is important for your integration process?
Yes, I think it’s crucial. The language is a gateway to understanding cultural nuances, traditions, and societal values. Being able to participate in local festivities or comprehend cultural references in conversations would make me feel more connected to the community.
That’s a thoughtful perspective. Is there anything specific about Estonian culture that you’ve found particularly interesting or different from your own?
I find the emphasis on nature and the outdoors really refreshing. In Estonia, there’s a strong connection to nature—like the love for hiking and the beautiful national parks. It's quite different from the urban lifestyle I was accustomed to back in India.
Nature does play a significant role in Estonian life! Have you had a chance to explore any of the national parks or natural areas since you’ve been here?
Yes, I visited Lahemaa National Park a while back, and it was stunning! The forests, the coastline—it’s a completely different world compared to what I’m used to. I definitely want to explore more parks in the future.
That’s wonderful! Nature has a way of creating memorable experiences. So, looking ahead, do you see yourself staying in Estonia long-term?
I do. I appreciate the lifestyle here, the opportunities in the tech sector, and the quality of life. If I can continue improving my Estonian and becoming more integrated, I can see a future for myself in Estonia.
That’s great to hear! It seems like you have a solid plan and a positive outlook. Is there any advice you’d like to share with other expats who might be facing similar challenges in learning the language and adapting to life in Estonia?
I would say stay patient and open-minded. Learning a new language and adapting to a different culture takes time, and it's perfectly okay to make mistakes along the way. Engage with locals, participate in community events, and don’t shy away from using the language, even if you feel hesitant.
I think newcomers should definitely focus on building a network. Making friends can be challenging, but it's crucial. Attend events, join clubs, or engage in community activities. That’s where you meet people who are also looking for connections.
That’s great advice! What about practical aspects? Are there any specific tips you have regarding navigating daily life in Estonia?
Absolutely! Familiarize yourself with local customs and services. For instance, understand how public transport works, where to get groceries, and how to access healthcare. It might seem overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, things become easier.
And what about the cultural aspects? How can newcomers better understand Estonian culture?
I think it's important to immerse yourself in the culture. Try to attend local festivals, explore Estonian cuisine, and learn about the history. Watching local films or listening to Estonian music can also give you insights into the culture.
That's a valuable perspective! Speaking of culture, have you picked up any favorite Estonian traditions or holidays?
Yes, I really enjoy Jaanipäev (Midsummer's Day). The celebrations, with bonfires and gatherings, are a wonderful way to experience local culture and connect with people. It’s also a beautiful time of year with long days and a festive atmosphere.
It sounds like a wonderful experience! Lastly, if someone were feeling overwhelmed, what would you say to encourage them?
Navaneeth: I would remind them that it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed when adapting to a new country. Take it one step at a time. Celebrate small victories, like successfully ordering a coffee in Estonian or making a new friend. And don’t hesitate to reach out for help or advice—there’s a supportive community out there.
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences today. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you!
Thank you for having me! I hope my experiences can help others in their journey in Estonia.
The Settle in Estonia Programme is a free educational programme provided by the Estonian state which is intended to help the foreigners who have arrived in Estonia to adapt and become accustomed to local life more easily. We offer courses for people who have come to live or study in Estonia and have lived here for less than 5 years. For example, war refugees to whom Estonia offers international or temporary protection, as well as people who have come to Estonia to work or do business here or relocate with their family member. The adaptation program The Settle in Estonia Programme is free for participants. We offer language training and other courses to help you cope with everyday life in Estonia. Read more and register: https://integratsioon.ee/en/kohanemine. The adaptation programme is co-funded by the European Union and the state budget.