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Firsthand: Tallinn, Estonia

Firsthand Account of School Visits

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by Jennifer Viemont | February 28, 2016October 14, 2020

Though I hadTallinn Streets no knowledge of Estonia a year ago, when I started reading about schools in Tallinn I knew that I had to visit. I was surprised to learn about their technological advances, their focus on internet connectivity (including free wifi throughout Tallinn), e-society, electronic voting and unique cyber-security programs. This from a country that was under Soviet rule until just 1991!

In November 2015, I took the ferry from Helsinki for a day trip to Tallinn. It’s a short two hour ride with several trips offered a day. The ship was surprisingly large and comfortable. With this easy commute, many in Helsinki think of Tallinn as their own suburb. The much lower price tag for shopping, food, and nightlife makes it a popular trip for people in Finland.

The contrast of old and new throughout the city is striking. It is common to see a modern building being constructed right behind, or next to, a beautiful old building. The medieval architecture and character is preserved in the Old Town part of the city, yet right outside of the old town city gates are plenty of modern dining and shopping options, including shopping malls. The streets around the town square in Old Town are filled with costumed restaurant staff trying to lure tourists in to eat, but an exploration of the side streets is a really incredible experience. I found cool architecture features, cafes, shops selling things like handmade felt hats, and really quirky places as well. For example, I happened upon this place DM Barthat is on Lonely Planet’s list of top 10 weird bars, called the DM bar. The DM, of course, stands for “Depeche Mode”. It was opened by Depeche Mode fans in 1999 and has had visits (social, not performing) from the band and other celebrities.

An admissions director in Tallinn told me that, in contrast to the Danes, Estonians don’t smile unless they have a reason to. I get that, and appreciate it. She said that international students often misjudge this reserved behavior for grouchiness and think it means that their professors don’t like them. She told me that, with time, they recognize that this is not the case. However, if you would like to experience true grouchiness from your professor, just arrive late to class. Estonians are known for valuing punctuality!

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Jenn founded Beyond the States in 2015 due to frustrations encountered when exploring European higher education options for her own teens. Jenn now lives in Lisbon, Portugal with her husband and teenage daughter. Her son is attending Erasmus University Rotterdam, in the Netherlands.

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Member Monday! One of the questions on the Best Fi Member Monday! One of the questions on the Best Fit form asks students why they are considering college in Europe. I love reading these responses and thought you might enjoy learning about the reasons students are excited by the prospect of getting their degree from a European university. Beyond the States helps students find information about the affordable English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Europe. Follow the link in our bio or check out our podcast on iTunes (search Beyond the States) to find out how you can get your degree while you see the world!
Yes, you do have to have an idea of your academic Yes, you do have to have an idea of your academic interests when you apply to universities in Europe, but that does not mean that you have to confine yourself to just one area of study or decide on your career at the age of 18! Our most recent post explores the interesting multidisciplinary options in Europe.  https://beyondthestates.com/why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-about-knowing-your-area-of-study/  Beyond the States helps students find information about the affordable English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Europe. Follow the link in our bio or check out our podcast on iTunes (search Beyond the States) to find out how you can get your degree while you see the world!  📸: @henry_do
Member Monday! One of the questions on the Best Fi Member Monday! One of the questions on the Best Fit form asks students why they are considering college in Europe. I love reading these responses and thought you might enjoy learning about the reasons students are excited by the prospect of getting their degree from a European university. Beyond the States helps students find information about the affordable English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Europe. Follow the link in our bio or check out our podcast on iTunes (search Beyond the States) to find out how you can get your degree while you see the world!
Our latest post discussed how pre-master programs Our latest post discussed how pre-master programs can help prospective students change career paths or study an area different than what they majored in as an undergrad.  https://beyondthestates.com/pre-master  Beyond the States helps students find information about the affordable English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Europe. Follow the link in our bio or check out our podcast on iTunes (search Beyond the States) to find out how you can get your degree while you see the world!  📸: @takemyhearteverywhere
The idea of non-selective admissions processes bei The idea of non-selective admissions processes being used-even at universities in the top 100 global rankings-can be hard for those of us accustomed to the American process to understand. In Europe selectivity is not correlated with prestige or quality.  In this podcast, an administrator from the University of Groningen explains this process (and the reasoning behind it) in more depth.  https://beyondthestates.com/transparent-admissions-requirements/  Beyond the States helps students find information about the affordable English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Europe. Follow the link in our bio or check out our podcast on iTunes (search Beyond the States) to find out how you can get your degree while you see the world!  📸: @bodiekreith
I recently read about how demonstrated interest ma I recently read about how demonstrated interest matters when applying to universities in the US. In fact, one in five admissions counselors gave it even more weight than teacher recommendation and class rank. This is yet another example of why I am so glad that we are able to opt out of the US admissions game.  The European process is much more transparent-so much so that in many places you pretty much know whether or not you will get in when you apply! Our latest blog discusses how our daughter, Ellie, is preparing for European admissions. Beyond the States helps students find information about the affordable English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Europe. Follow the link in our bio or check out our podcast on iTunes (search Beyond the States) to find out how you can get your degree while you see the world!  https://beyondthestates.com/ellies-prep-for-european-admissions/
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