At the end of May, four new educational programmes will begin, aimed at supporting practising Estonian and linking language learning with practical experiences in cultural and sports environments. The educational programmes will take place in Tallinn, Tartu, and Saaremaa.

All programmes are conducted in simple Estonian and last for seven months. The total programme workload consists of 70 academic hours, with sessions held twice a month on weekends. In total, 14 regular meetings plus two days of cooperation with the local community are held. Classes are organised in groups of 16–20 participants and include discussions, independent assignments, as well as group and individual work.

Collaboration days, where learning takes place in real-life contexts together with the local community, form a key part of the programmes. These days give participants the opportunity to use Estonian in direct communication, take part in joint activities, and share what they have learned and experienced.

All educational programmes are prepared and implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the Integration Foundation ‘Educational programmes in simple language for Estonian language learners’, which support the inclusion of people with limited Estonian language skills and help make the learning experience comprehensible and practical.

The programmes are intended for adults living in Estonia from various linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including newly arrived immigrants, returnees, and Estonian citizens who wish to develop their Estonian language skills and gain a better understanding of Estonian culture, history, and society.

You can register for the educational programmes via the self-service portal of the Integration Foundation at https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/login.

Educational programmes

1) Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre (partner: Marim OÜ) – educational programme ‘Exploring Northern Tallinn Step by Step’

This programme takes participants on a journey to explore the diverse urban space and community of Northern Tallinn. Language learning is connected to everyday situations – moving around the city, interacting in shops and service environments, visiting the doctor, discussing work and leisure topics, and using digital services.

Learning takes place through practical activities, trips, and meetings. Participants will meet experts and creative professionals from various fields: Liisu Lass, Ilmar Raag, Eia Uus, Urmo Kübar, Flo Kasearu, Kristjan Kaasik, Maarja-Liisa Soe, Toomas Järvet, Maret Allikas, Andres Reimand, and Risto Vähi.

Community days, where participants can share their experiences and use Estonian in real-life communication, form a key part of the programme.

2) Tallinn City Museum – educational programme ‘Multifaceted Tallinn 2.0’

The programme takes participants to various museums in Tallinn, where the language is learned through the history and culture of the city, as well as through personal stories. Meetings take place at the Photography Museum, the People’s Museum of Tallinn, Children’s Museum Miiamilla, the House of Peter the Great, the Kalamaja Museum, and the Tallinn City Museum.

The educational programme covers a wide range of topics, from the mediaeval city and the development of suburbs to food culture and everyday life. For example, participants will explore the celebrations of the merchants of Reval, learn about the historic suburbs of Tallinn through the example of the wooden houses in Kalamaja, gain knowledge of Estonian traditions (national holidays, lifestyle, urban development) and their depiction in photographs, discuss the mysterious underground tunnels of Tallinn, explore the fascinating history of the house of Peter the Great along with contemporary food culture, etiquette, and traditional dishes, and much more. The course is based on active learning – it makes use of discussions, roleplay, the examination of case studies, and practical tasks.

3) Estonian National Museum and the University of Tartu – joint educational programme ‘Stories of Estonia and Tartu: Places, Events, and People Through Time’

In this programme, participants learn Estonian through the cultural history of Estonia and Tartu. Visits are made to museums and historic sites, and study trips are undertaken, covering a variety of topics from everyday life to national symbols. For example, participants take a trip to the Raadi Manor Park, learn about the life of Kristjan Jaak Peterson, visit exhibitions such as Rural Life and Rural Beauty and Food We Cook, explore the assembly hall of the University of Tartu and the White Hall of Tartu Cathedral, and study the history of the Estonian national flag.

The teaching is interactive and learner-centred, using roleplay, discussions, and creative tasks. Special emphasis is placed on valuing the cultural backgrounds of the learners and practising language in real-life contexts.

4) Kuressaare Cultural Centre (partner: NGO Osilia) – educational programme ‘Our Saaremaa: Estonian Language and an Island Community for Everyone’

This programme focuses on language learning through the life and community of Saaremaa. Participants become familiar with local cultural and recreational opportunities and learn how to use Estonian in everyday situations. For example, they learn vocabulary related to urban spaces, attend various cultural events, and practise language related to food, service, and other daily topics. The teaching is practical and supportive, with an emphasis on the use of simple language, repetition, and communication. During the programme, participants build connections with the local community and find opportunities to continue practising Estonian after the programme ends.

The programmes are co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus under project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 ‘Activities supporting Estonian language learning and civic education’, sub-activity 3.4.4.3 ‘Establishment of educational programmes, including in simple Estonian language, in cultural and sports institutions’.