We invite you to discover Estonian culture and make new friends

Would you like to better understand local customs, visit exciting places, and practise Estonian in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere? We invite you to participate in a new series of meetings that will take place in four regions of Estonia – Harju County, Ida-Viru County, Tartu, and Pärnu.

We invite all adults whose native language is not Estonian to join the programme. This way, you can take part in shared activities that will help you become more familiar with the everyday life and culture of Estonia.

What do we do together?

A group is created in each region that will engage in:

  • workshops and discussions (20 academic hours in total), where we talk about Estonian life and culture.
  • joint study trips (five in total), during which we visit museums, exhibitions, and go on tours.

Why participate?

  • Meeting new people: you will meet people who are in a similar situation to you.
  • Practising the language with confidence: all activities take place in Estonian. We have Estonian-speaking volunteers who will assist you with communication and help boost your confidence.
  • Discovering Estonia: together, we will visit places you might not see on your own.

Where and when?

Meetings and study trips take place in the evenings after work or on weekends so that you can participate even if you have work or studies.

  • In Harju County: We will visit the Botanic Garden, the Estonian Open Air Museum, and Padise Monastery.
  • In Ida-Viru County: We will explore Narva Museum, Virumaa Museums, and Rakvere Castle together.
  • In Tartu: We will explore the Estonian National Museum, Palamuse Museum, TYPA Printing and Paper Art Centre, and the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum.
  • In Pärnu: We will learn about the history and stories of Pärnu at the Pärnu Museum, the Koidula Museum, and the Red Tower.

The programmes are carried out by the Integration Foundation’s cooperation partners: Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ and ImmiSchool – Uusimmigrantide Koolituskeskus OÜ.

How to join?

New groups start once a quarter.

To participate, register at the self-service portal of the Integration Foundation: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/login

Make your adaptation to life in Estonia exciting and memorable. You are more than welcome to join us!

The activities have been co-financed by the Swiss Confederation to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union. The Swiss-Estonian cooperation programme supports activities that help people of different nationalities and linguistic backgrounds to better integrate into Estonian society. The programme aims to foster a feeling of unity and provide opportunities for participating in cultural and educational activities. Support is provided, for example, for learning Estonian, getting to know Estonian culture, developing digital services and volunteering, and events that bring together people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The activities of the programme help participants to better understand life in Estonia and find their place in society. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Integration Foundation and other partners.

The Language Friends programme is looking for Estonian language mentors

All native Estonian speakers or those with a very good command of the language are invited to participate in the Language Friends programme as volunteer mentors to support language learners in communicating in Estonian. Registration for the new season of the programme launched by the Integration Foundation has begun and will continue until 6 February 2026.

‘The Language Friends programme brings together people who want to improve their Estonian language skills with volunteer conversation partners. Even an hour of conversation with a mentor each week increases the language learner’s confidence in speaking and mutual understanding,’ said Dmitri Moskovtsev, Director of the Integration Foundation. ‘I invite everyone to actively participate in the programme so that the Estonian language can be heard more and more.’

People who are of legal age and speak Estonian as their native language or at a very high level can apply to become mentors. The mentor will talk to the learner about everyday topics at least once a week over a three-month period – from 14 February to 14 May. A communication channel suitable for both parties is selected for the conversation, such as Zoom, MS Teams, or phone. The mentor will receive support from the Language Friends programme team, who will provide suggestions and materials and match learners with mentors. To participate in the programme, Estonian language learners must have reached at least the B1 level of language proficiency, which enables them to hold a conversation. Both mentors and learners must be adults.

‘Over the course of six years, the programme has brought together nearly 7,400 language friends of all ages from all walks of life, who speak 36 different native languages. Volunteer Estonian language mentors do not need to have teaching experience: what counts is openness and a willingness to contribute your time to help people practise their Estonian,’ said Ave Landrat, head of the Language Friends programme.

You can register as a mentor here.

More information about the programme can be found at:

https://integratsioon.ee/en/language-friends-program

Estonian language learners will be able to join the Language Friends programme from 9 February, when registration opens. The Language Friends programme team will bring language learners and mentors together starting from Valentine’s Day, 14 February. The programme season will last until 14 May.


The activities are carried out with the support of the European Union’s 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy and Internal Security Funds and within the framework of Project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 of Decree No. 80 of the Minister of Culture of 15 March 2023 ‘Conditions for granting support for carrying out activities supporting integration, including adaptation, in Estonian society’.

Keelesõbra programm

Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the Citizenship Act training (Online) - GROUP FULL

  • Language level required: A2+
  • Location: Zoom
  • Time: 14.03.2026 09:00 - 15.03.2026 17:00
  • Format: Training
  • Organizer: Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ

NB! It is required to have an A2 level of Estonian language proficiency (for example, successful completion of an A2-level course, an A2 level exam certificate, or a test result corresponding to A2 level). The training is conducted in Estonian.

The training is intended for adults from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, i.e. persons whose native language is not Estonian and who have been residing in Estonia for more than five years.

The aim of the training is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge to successfully pass the citizenship exam, which is a mandatory for applying for Estonian citizenship, in addition to passing the B1-level language exam. The training consists of 18 academic hours.
Training teacher – Pavel Naidjonov

A certificate will beissued on the condition that at least 14 academic hours of the training have been completed and the practice exam has been successfully passed.
Additional information: Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ, Janus Paurman - januspaurman@gmail.com, tel 5660 4379.

Important! The training can only be taken once.
The trainings are carried out with the support of the European Union’s Cohesion and Internal Security Policy Funds for 2021–2027 and within the framework of project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006, based on the directive of the Minister of Culture dated 15.03.2023, No. 80, “Conditions for granting support for the implementation of activities supporting integration, including adaptation, in Estonian society.”

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15941?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Keeletrenn Maardus

  • Language level required:
  • Location: Karjääri 4, Maardu linn
  • Time: 15.01.2026 16:30 - 26.02.2026 19:00
  • Format: Language Practice
  • Organizer: Tallinna eesti keele maja

Keeletrenn on suhtluspraktika sari eesti keelest erineva emakeelega inimestele Maardus, kus toetavas atmosfääris harjutame eesti keelt.

Teenuse läbiviija: Piret Põdra

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15992?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Eesti keele mängude õhtu Pärnus “Õpime eesti keelt mängides”

  • Language level required:
  • Location: Pärnu Keskraamatukogu rippsaal
  • Time: 17.02.2026 kell 17:00 - 18:30
  • Format: Language Practice
  • Organizer: Tallinna eesti keele maja

The game evening in Pärnu is intended for adult language learners at the A2 level who wish to expand their Estonian vocabulary and improve their speaking skills. A friendly and safe environment helps to overcome the fear of speaking, and through enjoyable game-based activities, vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills develop.

Participation requirements: A2 language level acquired.

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15899?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Mänguline keeleõpe pühapäev Maardus

  • Language level required:
  • Location: Karjääri 4, Maardu Rahvamaja
  • Time: 25.01.2026 kell 14:00 - 16:30
  • Format: Language Practice
  • Organizer: Tallinna eesti keele maja

Mänguline ja pingevaba keeleõpe Maardus - suhtlus-ja keelepraktika vabas ja toetavas õhkkonnas täiskasvanutele. 
Harjutame koos eesti keele kuulamist, rääkimist, omandame uusi sõnu ning julgustame õppijaid senisest rohkem keelt praktiseerima.

Ürituse läbiviijad: Anu Grete Oder ja Inna Baranova

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15993?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Emotsioonide avastusretk (ürituste sari 9 kohtumist zoomis ja 2 kontaktkohtumist Narvas)

  • Language level required: B2+
  • Location: Linda 2
  • Time: 01.03.2026 kell 11:00 - 16:00
  • Format: Language Practice
  • Organizer: Narva eesti keele maja

Kahel kontaktkohtumisel Narva eesti keele majas toome Emotsioonide Avastusretke Zoomist välja ruumi ja liikumisse. Kasutame emotsioonide ja enesetunde sõnavara läbi praktiliste tegevuste ja liikumisharjutuste. Rakendame veebikohtumistel õpitut paaristöös ja väikestes rühmades, et keelt päriselt kasutada. Kohtumistel osalevad ka eesti keelt kõnelevad vabatahtlikud, kellega oma väljendusoskust harjutada. Füüsilised kohtumised pakuvad vaheldust ekraanipõhisele õppele ning võimalust õppida eesti keelt vahetus ja elavas keskkonnas.

Arendatavad osaoskused: Kuulamine, rääkimine, kirjutamine, lugemine

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15980?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Emotsioonide avastusretk (ürituste sari 9 kohtumist zoomis ja 2 kontaktkohtumist Narvas)

  • Language level required: B2+
  • Location: Zoom
  • Time: 26.02.2026 kell 18:15 - 20:30
  • Format: Language Practice
  • Organizer: Narva eesti keele maja

Emotsioonide avastusretkede sari on suunatud B2 ja kõrgemal tasemel õppijatele. Zoomi kohtumistel õpime emotsioonide ja enesetunde sõnavara ning ei piirdu ainult rääkimisega – teemad läbime ka praktiliste harjutuste kaudu ja igal kohtumisel on uus alateema. Kasutame eestikeelset muusikat, lühitekste ja ülesandeid, mis aitavad keelt loomulikult kasutada. Paaristöös ja väikestes rühmades on võimalik uut sõnavara kohe proovida. Lisaks kogeda, kuidas aktiivne tegutsemine toetab enesekindlamat eneseväljendust ja paremat enesetunnet. Ootame sind, kui soovid arendada oma eesti keelt koos teiste õppijatega mõnusas ja toetavas õpikeskkonnas.

Arendatavad osaoskused: Kuulamine, rääkimine, kirjutamine, lugemine.

Alateema on “Kus on tunded ja mis on aistingud?”

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15979?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Emotsioonide avastusretk (ürituste sari 9 kohtumist zoomis ja 2 kontaktkohtumist Narvas) - GROUP FULL

  • Language level required: B2+
  • Location: Zoom
  • Time: 12.02.2026 kell 18:15 - 20:30
  • Format: Language Practice
  • Organizer: Narva eesti keele maja

Emotsioonide avastusretkede sari on suunatud B2 ja kõrgemal tasemel õppijatele. Zoomi kohtumistel õpime emotsioonide ja enesetunde sõnavara ning ei piirdu ainult rääkimisega – teemad läbime ka praktiliste harjutuste kaudu ja igal kohtumisel on uus alateema. Kasutame eestikeelset muusikat, lühitekste ja ülesandeid, mis aitavad keelt loomulikult kasutada. Paaristöös ja väikestes rühmades on võimalik uut sõnavara kohe proovida. Lisaks kogeda, kuidas aktiivne tegutsemine toetab enesekindlamat eneseväljendust ja paremat enesetunnet. Ootame sind, kui soovid arendada oma eesti keelt koos teiste õppijatega mõnusas ja toetavas õpikeskkonnas.

Arendatavad osaoskused: Kuulamine, rääkimine, kirjutamine, lugemine.

Alateema on “Emotsioonide rikkalik sõnavara”

Registration: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/15946?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide:https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus