Study Abroad in Tallinn
College Study Abroad
Explore Tallinn, Estonia
Widely hailed as the “Silicon Valley” of Europe, Tallinn is home to the largest number of startup unicorns and billionaire founders per capita than any country in the world! The home of Skype, Bolt, Wise (a “decacorn!”), and many other IT and AI startups, Estonia’s capital is the perfect location to study abroad for aspiring entrepreneurs and business-minded students who want to change the world.
Given Estonia’s position as the centerpiece of NATO’s eastern border with Russia, the country serves as an ideal hub for study abroad programs focusing on cybersecurity, defense, diplomacy, peace and conflict resolution, politics, and international relations.
When you study abroad in Tallinn, you will experience firsthand one of history’s most successful economic and political transformations by any country following a period of colonialism. Estonia reclaimed its independence in 1991 after 50 years of oppressive Soviet occupation. In just 25 years, the Estonians dramatically transformed their economy, politics and lifestyle from a half century of stifling communism to a growth-oriented free economic democracy, becoming a global leader in technology and innovation while simultaneously reclaiming their rich cultural roots and traditions.
Today, Tallinn is fondly named the “Gem of the Baltic,” and is renowned as one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities. Formally incorporated in 1219 by the Danes, Tallinn will become your medieval and modern classroom along the Baltic Sea, where you’ll experience the intersection of a booming tech scene and entrepreneurial spirit against the backdrop of cobblestone streets, comfortable cafés, quaint shops, beautiful cathedrals, and hilltop castles.
While in Tallinn, you can study business, technology, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, international politics, hospitality, tourism, transportation, Estonian language and culture, Russian language and culture, and scores of courses for all academic majors. Additionally, you can participate in a for-credit internship in finance or business in placements in government agencies, think tanks, tech companies, various startups, and many other exciting opportunities.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Tallinn, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
No matter which program you choose, your time studying abroad in Tallinn – the world’s most advanced digital society cradled in 800 years of medieval and contemporary history – will be the adventure of a lifetime!
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in Tallinn
Every CIEE semester program offers various cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour designed to complement the program’s academic focus and enhance your cultural immersion.
In Tallinn, study tours and excursions may include:
- Visits to Helsinki on a luxurious fast ferry that takes you to the capital of Finland in just 2 hours
- Visits to Stockholm, Sweden, departing Tallinn on a Friday evening and arriving in Stockholm on Saturday morning for a full day in the city before traveling back to Tallinn in the evening
- Visits to startup companies and incubators where you’ll explore cutting edge ideas in product development, like new AI apps or autonomous vehicles
- Visits to famous local landmarks including Toompea Hill, Tallinn Town Wall, and the Kohtuotsa viewing platform
- Day trips to nearby Estonian cities including Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva
- Visits to hike and explore Estonia’s many national parks, beaches, and two largest islands, Saaremaa, and Hiiumaa
Where Students Study
Tallinn University (TLU)
Founded in 2005, TLU was the result of a parliamentary decision by the Republic of Estonia to consolidate several historic Tallinn universities and institutes to form a single public research institution. Supporting virtually all academic majors with thousands of course offerings, TLU has been represented in world university rankings since 2019, ranking in both the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)
Established in 1918, TalTech is Estonia’s only technical university and rated as one of the world’s 50 best technical colleges. Situated in Estonia’s capital, TalTech is considered the most international university in the country. In this research-based university, students can study technology, applied science, IT, business, and maritime studies.
Study Abroad Programs in Tallinn
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Study Program
Spend your summer improving your knowledge of the Russian language and fast-forward your skills to the next level!
- Host Institution
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Improve your Russian language skills through classroom, lab, and experiential coursework.
- Host Institution
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Full-Time Internship
Spend your summer bolstering your resume with real-world work experience and growing your professional network in the Gem of the Baltic!
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend your summer in Tallinn, the picturesque Baltic capital of Estonia, known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, vibrant cultural scene, and innovative tech industry.
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a full semester studying business and technology in Estonia’s thriving capital and booming tech scene.
- Host Institution
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend your semester living and learning in the Gem of the Baltic! Designed for students from all academic backgrounds.
- Host Institution
- Life by the Sea
- Small City
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Estonian, English, Russian
Available Transportation
Bus, trolly, tram, taxi
Famous Local
Arvo Part -- Renowned composer and performer
Climate
Temperate and mild with warm summers and severe winters; weather is often breezy and humid from the Baltic Sea
Local Attraction
Old Town -- a UNESCO World Hertiage Site with medieval architecture and cobblestone streets
Airport
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL)
Social Norms
Estonians are regarded as socially introverted, so it's common to speak quietly and be reserved in public.
What to Pack
Warm layers, comfortable shoes, sunglasses
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're wondering if you should study abroad in Tallinn, the answer is yes! This incredible Baltic city boasts rustic charm, world-class education, an innovative tech scene, an affordable cost of living, and historic landmarks.
Tallinn is considered a very safe city with relatively low crime rates. As with any study abroad destination, we recommend that students keep their belongings secure, stay aware of their surroundings, and travel in groups when possible.
Situated in northern Europe on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and largest city.
Tallinn is known as the “Gem of the Baltic” and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. This historic city is famed for its historic gates, defensive towers, cobblestone streets, and walls. Additionally, the city is affectionately called the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” as Tallinn is nearly 100% digital. Discover firsthand how many entrepreneurs, tech startups, and students flock here to experience the local commitment to digital innovation and the city’s thriving tech scene.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Tallinn with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants
Apply in 1, 2, 3!
CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Tallinn to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Tallinn Study Abroad Blog
Reflecting on My Experience with CIEE in Tallinn - Peace & Diplomacy Program
Meet Vara: An Alumnus of the Diplomacy and Peace Program in Tallinn Vara, an alumnus of the Diplomacy and Peace program in Tallinn, Estonia, has an inspiring journey to share... keep reading
A Journey of Peace and Diplomacy Program in Tallinn
A Journey of Peace and Diplomacy in Tallinn: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience Greetings from Tallinn, Estonia! As the first session of our Peace and Diplomacy program for high school... keep reading
CIEE Tallinn's First Overnight Trip to Helsinki
Greetings from CIEE Tallinn! This weekend we had our first overnight trip to the beautiful city of Helsinki, Finland. Packed with cultural discoveries, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences, our journey... keep reading