The ‘Eesti amps’ series of collaborative events to support Estonian language learning will take place in 2025 bringing together adults learning Estonian and volunteer language tutors. The aim of the series is to provide immediate and varied language practice opportunities through which participants will discover Estonian culture, history and everyday life.

‘Eesti amps’ is for adults who do not yet speak Estonian well enough, but want to use it with confidence and apply their language skills in everyday life. Meetings take place in a creative, supportive and friendly environment, where language use comes naturally – through action, communication and discussion. There will be a total of 15 participants in each group: Ten Estonian language learners and five Estonian language volunteers to interact with the participants and support their language development along with communication skills.

All cooperation activities are based on the principle that language is best learned by working together. Each meeting is accompanied by practical worksheets, diary assignments and volunteer Estonian speakers to support communication.

Each series of activities consists of ten meetings that combine Estonian language, culture, history, literature and everyday life. Together with language learners, in each group will also be volunteer language tutors (native Estonian speakers or at least with a C1 language level), who will encourage language practice and support communication.

‘Eesti amps’ offers small but meaningful pieces of Estonian culture and language that will help language users feel as a part of our common history.

Vabamu: stories of freedom, resistance and democracy

In Tallinn, collaborative activities will be carried out by the Vabamu Museum, where meetings focus on Estonia’s recent history, the functioning of democracy, misinformation, the meaning of freedom and human rights. The topics are explored through museum lessons, discussions, playful exercises and practical work.

Participants will discover personal stories, visit exhibitions and take part in creative activities. Each meeting uses methodologies that support active participation and the confident use of Estonian language.

Jõhvi Central Library: Estonian cultural image in Ida-Viru County

In Ida-Viru County, the Jõhvi Central Library offers cooperation activities, where language learning is integrated with visual arts, literature, music, heritage and theatre. Each lesson focuses on one of Estonia’s cultural phenomena, such as Estonian sculpture, folk clothing or cinematography.

Participants will create their own mini sculptures, learn to play folk music instruments, direct short films and learn about different aspects of Estonian cultural history. Each meeting is practical and supports active communication, creativity and linguistic expression.

Rakvere Library: environment, movement and community

In Lääne-Viru County, Rakvere Library is hosting ‘Eesti amps’ meetings, focusing on community, nature awareness and heritage culture. Activities will take place both in the city and in nature: participants will visit a waste recovery exhibition, take part in a dance celebration, a medicinal plants workshop, a ceramics club, nature walks as well as cultural and historical tours. The series will end with a film night and a cooking session, which will give an opportunity to reach conclusions and share experiences.

The activities are funded by sub-activity No. 3.4.4.5 ‘Launching cooperation and language camps for adults and other activities supporting language learning and the use of Estonian’ within the framework of project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 ‘Activities supporting Estonian language learning and civic education’ financed by the European Social Fund+.

“Estonia has been home from the day I landed,” says Hira Wajahat Malik, a doctoral student and junior researcher at the Estonian Business School (EBS), who moved to Estonia two years ago in October. What she experienced and saw here quickly dispelled all the preconceptions she had about Estonia.

“I was expecting Estonia to be loud, not very clean, and difficult to integrate or connect with people without learning the language. I somehow had other European countries I have visited in mind and assumed Estonia would be like that too,” Hira recalls her first thoughts before moving here.

However, the warm welcome she received from EBS colleagues and other people she met proved otherwise. “On the contrary, I arrived in a young and innovative country that is bold and open to new ideas and has accepted me as one of its own. What I love about the culture here is people accept you and appreciate you for your intellect and the value and experience you bring to the table, regardless of where you are from,” she says.

Research for making a difference 

In her home country, Pakistan, Hira worked as a partner at a consulting firm focused on impact and innovation. She collaborated with various organizations, businesses, development agencies like the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and World Wildlife Fund, as well as governments. Projects she worked on were related to climate change, social innovation, and creating positive impact. Parallelly, Hira taught at a university and coached companies on sustainable business practices.

After more than ten years of intensive work in the consulting business, she felt it was time to pursue a doctoral degree. “While making applications I came across an opportunity at the Estonian Business School that matched my interests. When I was admitted for the program, it just seemed appropriate to make the move from Pakistan to Estonia,” she explains the motivation behind this life-changing decision.

In addition to her research, she now teaches at the Bachelors and Masters level and has already worked on different projects. For instance, she has had the opportunity to work on projects with organisations like Estonian Cleantech Association and RoheTiiger.

Support from friends and the state

“Sure it takes a bit of getting used to moving to a country that is 20 times smaller than your city,” she says, however, adding that the peace, safety, and healthy environment made it feel like home very soon.

She has received significant support in settling into her new home from colleagues and other Estonians—both locals and recent newcomers—but most of the information necessary for adapting came from the national adaptation program Settle in Estonia.

“While other expat friends were able to provide experiential input, following the process and instructions detailed through Integration Foundation and Settle in Estonia was the easiest way for me to get access to services and support I needed and adapt swiftly to life in Estonia,” she highlights the benefits of the program created for newcomers.

The power of learning the language

Hira started to learn Estonian via the adaptation program as well. She notes that being able to learn the language has empowered her significantly, whether it is trying to connect with her students or while travelling to cities outside of Tallinn where English may not be the preferred language of communication.

She recalls that her best experience was attending a doctoral conference that was in Estonian with simultaneous translation in English. “I found that I understood and enjoyed the talks more by listening to the speakers in Estonian rather than by translation. If it were not for the Settle in Estonia program it would not be possible.”

Hira encourages everyone moving to Estonia to actively participate in community life and not to be afraid to learn Estonian. “The best way to truly make the most of those opportunities and build a fulfilling life here is to give back as much as you receive. Giving back simply means putting your time, effort, and energy into the society you are joining. This isn't just about altruism; it's a powerful way to integrate, build connections, gain a deeper understanding of Estonian culture, and unlock the full potential of your experience,” she urges others on their adaptation journey.

Hira’s tips for a smooth adaptation in Estonia:

1. Don’t be shy to learn the language. Start learning as soon as you get the opportunity – you will get a lot more respect and acceptance from the locals. 
2. Actively participate in public events and activities like festivals, local markets, and community gatherings organized by local municipilaties, cultural centers, and community groups. 
3. Join professional associations, industry events or networking groups related to your field. 
4. Volunteer with different organizations, for example, for environmental cleanups or other cultural activities.  

Major events of the summer, including the Song and Dance Festival and ESTO 2025, will bring our compatriots together in Estonia from many countries around the world. Estonians, who have made their home abroad, will take to the Kalev Stadium and Song Festival Grounds. ESTO, or the 13th Global Estonian Cultural Days, helps strengthen the sense of belonging among Estonians. This awards the Integration Foundation an excellent opportunity to interact directly with representatives of foreign communities through the advisory service. We nurture our fellow Estonians’ links with Estonia; help them arrange meetings on site; introduce their projects on the www.globalestonian.com website; and participate in language camps.

Kaire Cocker, Head of Compatriots Service at the Integration Foundation, recalls:

I joined the Integration Foundation as a Compatriots’ Advisor in 2019, when more people of Estonian descent began to repatriate. We saw an exponential growth in demand for various services. The 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia likely influenced the trend, as it drew a lot of attention all over the world. 

Our government announced, a year later, that it is of strategic importance to maintain and strengthen contacts with our compatriots. The area that had been long and well managed by the Ministry of Culture was then transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  At that time, we launched our close partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is going strong to this day. The Integration Foundation had already set up a separate Compatriots’ Counselling Service, which I was appointed to manage. We offer services in three main domains: we support and counsel those who return, support compatriots’ communities abroad, and keep in touch via the information portal at www.globalestonian.com.

The Estonian Diaspora Action Plan is implemented in cooperation with several ministries. We have made progress in supporting both fellow Estonians who return, as well as those who reside abroad, which is one of our important lines of action highlighted in the strategy statement of the foundation. As a result, we can provide even higher quality and more customised services than before. 

We are here to help at summer events

Speaking of this year’s plans, the major summer events will draw many compatriots to Estonia from all over the world, but for numerous activities within a short period. Since participants have a busy schedule, we try to be flexible – we will visit events whenever possible, meet with community representatives, and offer support and assistance as needed to ensure that everything goes smoothly and according to plan.

Groups of Estonian expatriates have made a tremendous effort to be able to perform at the Song and Dance Festival. Several of these groups make do without professional mentors at hand. Often, members of these collectives live in the same country but far apart from each other, which poses logistical and time-related challenges. It is hard to even imagine their challenges from our perspective. That is precisely why it is overwhelmingly meaningful for performers to make it to the Estonian Song and Dance Festival from abroad. This year, we are expecting nearly 70 groups from across the globe to sing and dance in Estonia.

We offer support throughout the year

On top of major summer events, we organise traditional expatriate camps and peer-to-peer meetings for those who have returned. At the meetings, participants mingle in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, sharing personal experiences from their journeys back to Estonia. Camps play an especially important role among our younger expatriates. At the camp, we teach Estonian customs and traditions, brush up on Estonian, and help people rediscover their roots. This ensures some knowledge of local life, if some of the young people decide to stay in Estonia for longer.

Let’s keep an open mind

Looking at the bigger picture, I wish the Estonian people would keep an open mind towards their compatriots living abroad and those who return here for good. Everyone has their reason for moving abroad, be it studies, love, employment, or some other life event. We should be more tolerant towards all those who have decided to form stronger bonds with Estonia or even return to live here. They are our people, simply with new experiences!

Kaire Cocker, Head of Compatriots Service at the Integration Foundation

Settle in Estonia is a national adaptation program designed to help newcomers better understand and integrate into life, work, and education in Estonia. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the content of the program, participation requirements, language courses, and the rights and obligations of different target groups. Whether you want to know who is eligible to participate, how long the trainings last, or how to certify your language skills, you'll find the answers here.

Who is the Settle in Estonia programme for?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and to attend Estonian language courses at level A1. Persons who have arrived in Estonia in the course of conventional migration and who have been granted a residence permit in Estonia, e.g. for work, study, business, or to live with a family member, as well as citizens of the EU and their family members, are strongly encouraged to participate in the basic and thematic modules of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1.

How long will the training last?

The basic module of the adaptation programme is either 1 or 4 days, i.e. 8 or 36 academic hours. Estonian language courses consist of a total of 500 academic hours of supervised study and an additional 180 academic hours of independent study (see the notice on this subject). Estonian language courses last for 100 academic hours at level A1, 150 academic hours at level A2, and 250 academic hours at level B1.

Can I take the Estonian language course of the adaptation programme Settle in Estonia several times?

The Estonian language courses of the Settle in Estonia programme can be successfully completed only once at each level. For example, if you have successfully completed an A2-level course as part of the Settle in Estonia programme, you will not be able to participate in a second Estonian course at the same level under Settle in Estonia.

When will a language course certificate from another country be entered into the Settle in Estonia system to progress to the next level of Settle in Estonia?

In order to add the certificate of an Estonian language course completed outside the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme to the Settle in Estonia platform, it must be sent to info@settleinestonia.ee. If the certificate meets the conditions of the Settle in Estonia programme, it will be added to the Settle in Estonia platform within approximately two weeks.

Why is a language course completed under Settle in Estonia not reflected in a person’s account?

It may take a couple of weeks to two months to enter the results of the Estonian language course you have completed under the Settle in Estonia programme to the platform.

If I have passed the level A2 exam on the courses of the Settle in Estonia programme, do I have to retake the national exam?

Settle in Estonia offers Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 level. In order to certify your proficiency in Estonian at levels A2 and B1, you must pass the national language proficiency examination. The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia does not include language proficiency examinations. You can read more about national language proficiency examinations here: https://harno.ee/en/examinations-tests-and-studies/examinations-tests-and-certificates/estonian-language-proficiency

Settle in Estonia is a national adaptation program designed to help newcomers better understand and integrate into life, work, and education in Estonia. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the content of the program, participation requirements, language courses, and the rights and obligations of different target groups. Whether you want to know who is eligible to participate, how long the trainings last, or how to certify your language skills, you'll find the answers here.

What is the required language level for beneficiaries of international protection?

Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are required to learn Estonian language at level B1. To prove language proficiency, it is necessary to pass a language proficiency examination. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are required to attend a level A1 Estonian course.

Will language courses still be available if you change your residence permit?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Changing your temporary residence permit does not prevent you from taking part in the adaptation programme.

Do pensioners have to participate in adaptation trainings?

Under the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, newly arrived immigrants of retirement age are not obliged to attend Estonian language courses. Pursuant to the regulation on the adaptation programme, a person who is unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may participate in the adaptation programme in the parts and to the extent of their choice. Participation in the basic module of the adaptation programme is strongly recommended for all adult newly arrived immigrants.

Do I have to complete the programme to get Estonian citizenship?

Completion of the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme is important if you wish to extend your temporary residence permit or apply for one on a different basis. To apply for Estonian citizenship, it is necessary to pass the level B1 Estonian language examination and the examination on the knowledge of the Estonian Constitution and the Citizenship Act. More information on applying for citizenship - https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/estonian-citizenship-for-an-adult

Settle in Estonia is a national adaptation program designed to help newcomers better understand and integrate into life, work, and education in Estonia. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the content of the program, participation requirements, language courses, and the rights and obligations of different target groups. Whether you want to know who is eligible to participate, how long the trainings last, or how to certify your language skills, you'll find the answers here.

Who is the Settle in Estonia programme for?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and to attend Estonian language courses at level A1. Persons who have arrived in Estonia in the course of conventional migration and who have been granted a residence permit in Estonia, e.g. for work, study, business, or to live with a family member, as well as citizens of the EU and their family members, are strongly encouraged to participate in the basic and thematic modules of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1.

How long will the training last?

The basic module of the adaptation programme is either 1 or 4 days, i.e. 8 or 36 academic hours. Estonian language courses consist of a total of 500 academic hours of supervised study and an additional 180 academic hours of independent study (see the notice on this subject). Estonian language courses last for 100 academic hours at level A1, 150 academic hours at level A2, and 250 academic hours at level B1.

Can I take the Estonian language course of the adaptation programme Settle in Estonia several times?

The Estonian language courses of the Settle in Estonia programme can be successfully completed only once at each level. For example, if you have successfully completed an A2-level course as part of the Settle in Estonia programme, you will not be able to participate in a second Estonian course at the same level under Settle in Estonia.

When will a language course certificate from another country be entered into the Settle in Estonia system to progress to the next level of Settle in Estonia?

In order to add the certificate of an Estonian language course completed outside the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme to the Settle in Estonia platform, it must be sent to info@settleinestonia.ee. If the certificate meets the conditions of the Settle in Estonia programme, it will be added to the Settle in Estonia platform within approximately two weeks.

Why is a language course completed under Settle in Estonia not reflected in a person’s account?

It may take a couple of weeks to two months to enter the results of the Estonian language course you have completed under the Settle in Estonia programme to the platform.

If I have passed the level A2 exam on the courses of the Settle in Estonia programme, do I have to retake the national exam?

Settle in Estonia offers Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 level. In order to certify your proficiency in Estonian at levels A2 and B1, you must pass the national language proficiency examination. The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia does not include language proficiency examinations. You can read more about national language proficiency examinations here: https://harno.ee/en/examinations-tests-and-studies/examinations-tests-and-certificates/estonian-language-proficiency

What is the required language level for beneficiaries of international protection?

Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are required to learn Estonian language at level B1. To prove language proficiency, it is necessary to pass a language proficiency examination. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are required to attend a level A1 Estonian course.

Will language courses still be available if you change your residence permit?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Changing your temporary residence permit does not prevent you from taking part in the adaptation programme.

Do pensioners have to participate in adaptation trainings?

Under the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, newly arrived immigrants of retirement age are not obliged to attend Estonian language courses. Pursuant to the regulation on the adaptation programme, a person who is unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may participate in the adaptation programme in the parts and to the extent of their choice. Participation in the basic module of the adaptation programme is strongly recommended for all adult newly arrived immigrants.

Do I have to complete the programme to get Estonian citizenship?

Completion of the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme is important if you wish to extend your temporary residence permit or apply for one on a different basis. To apply for Estonian citizenship, it is necessary to pass the level B1 Estonian language examination and the examination on the knowledge of the Estonian Constitution and the Citizenship Act. More information on applying for citizenship - https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/estonian-citizenship-for-an-adult