Why Estonia Should Be Your Next Study Abroad Destination

Authored By:

CIEE Tallinn

Have you ever heard of a place where medieval towers meet paperless government systems, saunas are just as much a part of daily life as time spent studying and locals can vote online in their pajamas? Welcome to Estonia, a country where tradition and technology live side by side. And at the heart of it all is Tallinn, a city made for students with global ambition.

Here are 7 reasons why Estonia should be your next study abroad destination:

A Digital Society
Estonia is famous for its E-Government, where everything from medical records to business registration happens online. As a student, you’ll not only live in one of the most digitally integrated countries in the world, you’ll also learn from it. Whether your focus is public health, business, political science or technology.
Expect guest lectures from local experts and field visits to institutions at the forefront of digital innovation. Previous students have explored AI in healthcare, cyber defense strategies, and sustainable urban planning — and that’s just scratching the surface.

Learning Beyond the Classroom
What makes studying in Estonia truly stand out is the interactive and immersive approach. Site visits could take you to a tech startup in Telliskivi Creative City, a historical walking tour of Old Town, or a national institution like the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia) or Stenbock House (the Prime Minister’s office). You might attend a healthy cooking workshop one day and a deep-dive discussion on EU policy the next. Estonia is small but rich in opportunities to engage directly with experts and institutions.

A City Built for Students
Tallinn is compact, safe, and easy to navigate. Public transport is cheap and simple for visitors, WiFi is available almost everywhere, and the city is bursting with cozy cafes, student-friendly eateries, and cultural festivals and events (many of them are free!). You’ll never be far from a good cup of coffee, a spontaneous open-air concert, or a quiet park bench with sea views. Students also have many discounts when it comes to transportation, museums and events!

Wellness Culture
Estonians take wellness very seriously. Whether you’re relaxing in a smoke sauna, hiking in nearby forests, or taking a moment to enjoy the stillness of a snow-covered street, you’ll find that balance is built into daily life. As one of our student said: “Estonia taught me how to breathe.”

English Is Everywhere
Don’t worry if your Estonian vocabulary doesn’t go beyond "tere" (hello). Most locals, especially younger generations, speak excellent English. Whether you're ordering food, attending a guest lecture, or asking for directions - communication is easy.

Nature
Estonia is one of Europe’s greenest countries, over half of its territory is covered by forest. Whether it's hiking in national parks, kayaking on lakes and rivers, or picking blueberries and mushrooms in the woods, nature is part of everyday life here. Cities are surrounded by green spaces, and public transport makes it easy to escape to the countryside even on a tight student schedule. 

Active Student Life
From vibrant student organizations and cultural events to student-friendly cafés and coworking hubs, Estonia offers a dynamic and supportive student community. Many universities have international student networks that host regular events — think pub quizzes, film nights, excursions, and language exchange clubs. It’s easy to make friends and build connections both locally and globally.

 

Ready to Study in Estonia?
Whether your passion is public health, environmental science, cybersecurity, arts, or international relations, Estonia offers a fresh perspective and a life-changing experience!