In 2026, new action programmes are launched in four different regions of Estonia with the aim of introducing participants to Estonian culture and customs and creating opportunities for people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds to participate in society.
All adults residing in Estonia on a legal basis and whose native language is not Estonian can participate in the activities.
The programmes comprise workshops, discussions, and cultural meetings (20 academic hours) and five study trips. Study trips include tours, visits to cultural events, and educational trips. Activities take place on weekday evenings or weekends to encourage participation.
All activities will be conducted in Estonian, and Estonian-speaking volunteers will also participate in each region. This gives participants the opportunity to practise the language, make new contacts, and become more involved in everyday life in Estonia.
You can register for action programmes via the self-service portal of the Integration Foundation at https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/login
Action programme in Harju County
In Harju County, the programme is run by ImmiSchool OÜ. Groups are opened at least once a quarter and each group has up to 25 participants.
Each meeting lasts for 3 academic hours. Study trips include at least two academic hours of substantive activities and one hour of discussion or workshop.
Activities include visits to museums, cultural institutions, and performing arts institutions, excursions, and participation in cultural events. Cooperation takes place with local cultural and national folk culture societies, museums, and community centres, such as the Tallinn Botanical Garden, Padise Monastery, and Nuku Choir.
The activities give participants an overview of the most important cultural and historical topics in Estonia, nature, art, music, theatre, and literature, and present well-known Estonian creators and influential figures.
The aim of the study trips is to strengthen knowledge of Estonian culture and customs and to broaden understanding of everyday life in Estonia.
Action programmes in Ida-Viru County, Tartu, and Pärnu
These programmes are run by Targa Eesti Instituut MTÜ. New groups are opened in each region once a quarter, with up to 45 participants per group.
Activities include visits to cultural institutions, tours, and study trips across Estonia.
In Ida-Viru County, the programme is carried out in cooperation with the Narva Museum, the Virumaa Museum, and Rakvere Castle.
In Tartu, cooperation takes place with the Oskar Luts Palamuse Museum, TYPA, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, and the Estonian National Museum.
Activities in Pärnu are organised in cooperation with the Pärnu Museum (Pärnu Museum, Koidula Museum, the Red Tower).
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.
