Kodanikuakadeemia
Kodanikuakadeemia helps participants learn more about Estonia, gain a better understanding of how society works, and encourages them to take a more active part in society.
Kodanikuakadeemia provides opportunities to learn, discuss, reflect and take action. It is a good way to gain new knowledge, learn how Estonian society and the state function, and discover practical ways to get involved in society. Through the activities, participants can learn about public institutions and how they work, as well as apply what they have learned in real-life situations.
Who is it for?
Kodanikuakadeemia is intended for adults from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds who have lived in Estonia for more than five years and whose first language is not Estonian.
What do you learn at Kodanikuakadeemia?
Kodanikuakadeemia consists of three modules that form a coherent whole. Each module covers different topics and offers a variety of practical learning experiences.
Each module includes five activities, one of which is a study trip. All activities take place in person.
Participants can take part in several activities and modules. The schedules and more detailed descriptions of the activities in each module will be published on an ongoing basis.
Registration and participation
Registration for the activities is available through the self-service portal. Each activity has a separate registration link. Information about the activities is also published in our events calendar.
Module schedules
I module: Being a Citizen
Module dates: 27.09.2026–30.11.2026
The first module provides an overview of what it means to be a citizen and a member of society, as well as the opportunities to get involved in Estonia. It also looks at everyday situations in which people can consciously exercise their role in society and explores ways to get involved in community life.
The module covers, among others, the following topics:
- Estonian citizenship and how to acquire it;
- Estonia’s symbols and values, significant dates and public holidays;
- the concept and role of a citizen, rights and responsibilities;
- the values of Estonian society and constitutional principles;
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integration, social cohesion and community initiatives.
Register:
27.09 – Meeting and discussion: „Me, the Citizen“. NARVA: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/17973
27.09 - Meeting and discussion: „Me, the Citizen“. TALLINN: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/17974
14.10 – Seminar. „Estonia’s Values and Constitution“. KOHTLA-JÄRVE: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18007
18.10 – Seminar. „Estonian Values and the Constitution“. MAARDU: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18011
07.11 – Simulation Game. „Rights and Responsibilities in Everyday Life“. JÕHVI: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18008
07.11 - Simulation Game. „Rights and Responsibilities in Everyday Life“. TALLINN: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18012
19.11 – Study visit. „Community Initiatives: How Can You Get Involved in Your Community?“ SILLAMÄE: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18009
21.11 - Study visit. „Community Initiatives: How Can You Get Involved in Your Community?“ TALLINN: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18013
28.11 - Study Trip to Tartu. „Estonian Culture, History and Identity“. TALLINN GROUP: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18014
29.11 – Study Trip to Tallinn. “Visiting the Riigikogu and Vabamu“. IDA-VIRU GROUP: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/18010
II module: Safe Estonia
Module dates: 01.12.2026–28.02.2027
This module focuses on Estonia’s security, national defence, and how to cope better in crisis situations. It covers national defence, security, crisis preparedness, and how to act in emergencies. In addition to gaining knowledge, participants take part in practical activities, such as crisis simulations and other forms of experiential learning.
Participants learn about organisations working in the fields of national defence and security and their activities, including the Police and Border Guard Board, the Rescue Board, the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League.
The module also focuses on the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia and the celebration of 24 February.
III. module: Citizen and the State
Module dates: 01.03.2027–31.05.2027
This module takes a closer look at how the Estonian state functions, how decisions are made, and the opportunities people have to participate in society.
The module provides practical opportunities to use e-government services and explore the possibilities of digital identity, as well as to learn how to recognise digital threats encountered in everyday life. The topics are explored through discussions, practical tasks and simulations. European Union-related topics are also addressed throughout the module.
Topics include:
- how the state functions, public institutions, and the relationship between citizens and the state;
- legislation and decision-making processes, including the judicial system;
- democracy, elections and participation in society;
- digital identity, digital signatures and the use of public e-services;
- cyber hygiene, information security, digital threats and their prevention.
Closing event
The event will take place in June 2027.
At the programme’s closing event, we will reflect on the activities of Kodanikuakadeemia, recognise the participants and share experiences with both participants and cooperation partners.
Kodanikuakadeemia is carried out with the support of the European Union’s Cohesion and Internal Security Funds for 2021–2027 and within the framework of project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 “Activities Supporting Estonian Language Learning and Civic Education” under Order No. 80 of the Minister of Culture of 15 March 2023 “Conditions for granting support for the implementation of activities supporting integration, including adaptation, in Estonian society”.
