Tallinn cathedral spires
Tallinn, Estonia

Russian Language + European Studies

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

19 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

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Dates

-

17 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

19 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your semester living and learning in Estonia’s capital and largest city: Tallinn! The Russian Language & European Studies program is designed to give you a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical similarities and differences between Russian cultures and their native cultures while improving your Russian language skills through classroom, lab, and experiential coursework.  

When class is in session, you’ll study at Tallinn University where you’ll learn about Estonian-Russian heritage communities, Estonian/Baltic perspectives of concepts like “democracy” and “freedom,” and interpret performing arts through visits to museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Outside the classroom, you’ll have every opportunity to enjoy Tallinn’s booming tech scene, cobblestone streets, comfortable cafés, lovely shops, beautiful cathedrals, historic defensive towers, and hilltop castles.

Unique Experiences

Join the Tallinn University International Club

and participate in countless events and workshops

Check Out Some of Europe’s Best-Maintained Medieval Architecture

at town hall square, the city wall, St. Olaf’s Church, and more

Try Tallinn’s World-Famous Marzipan

and learn about its history from medicine to a staple in the Russian Imperial Family

2.6 M+

Physical Items in the Tallinn University Library

2nd

Ranked City for Emerging Europe Business-Friendly City Perception for Smart City Development

60 +

Museums and Galleries

Experience
  • Tallinn old town square
  • tallinn harbor view

Your Destination

Situated on the border of Russia and only a short ferry ride away from Finland, Estonia is an incredible Baltic nation known for being a member of the European Union, Eurozone, and NATO. The country boasts a thriving democracy and is highly developed, with exceptionally advanced digital infrastructure in place.  

Estonia’s cultural hub, Tallinn, will be your backdrop while studying abroad in northeastern Europe. Historic gates, defensive towers, cobblestone streets, hilltop castles, and beautiful cathedrals all contribute to Tallinn – also known as the “Gem of the Baltic” – being recognized as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Today, Tallinn is not only famed for being Estonia’s capital and largest city; it’s also renowned for being the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” as the city is nearly 100% digital.  

From Estonia’s 18 exceptional universities – 10 of which teach programs in English – to CIEE’s established partnership with the Tallinn University of Technology (a highly ranked institution known worldwide for its Science & Technology faculty), you’ll have ample opportunities to study emerging academic topics including cyber and energy security, environmental science, entrepreneurship, as well Baltic languages and culture, Russian language, and international public diplomacy.  

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Tallinn.

The Culture

Tallinn Tartu cathedral

Excursions & Activities

  • Interact with the student body via Student Union, Student Council, and other organizations 
  • Participate in university sports activities 
  • Participate in the buddy program 
  • Tour major Estonian cities, such as Pärnu (the summer capital of Estonia) or Tartu (the City of Good Thoughts) 
  • Visit local startups and the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses 
  • Canoe, kayak, hike, or cycle in Estonia’s pristine and unspoiled landscape 
  • Visit the UNESCO world heritage site, known as one of Europe's best-preserved towns from the Medieval Period 
  • Network with the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses and other local startups 
Tallinn girls with tv camera

Projects

Students interested in one of the following Academic Projects must submit additional materials as part of their course selection:  

  • Internships: Build new skills and intercultural competencies through a CIEE academic internship and become an active participant in the local professional environment. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

CIEE Tallinn's First Overnight Trip to Helsinki

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Where to Study Russian Language Abroad: Meet Estonia

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Curious about Russian language study abroad programs? You’re in the right place! CIEE offers several exciting study abroad programs in an incredible location: Estonia . Let’s dive in as we... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Russian Language & European Studies program is designed for students looking to learn or improve their Russian language skills while learning about Estonia, the Baltic region, and their role in European politics and the economy. Students will take classes at Tallinn University, where a strong emphasis will be placed on international cooperation and job preparation. 

Tallinn University is a public university located in Tallinn and is the third-largest university in Estonia. The university has six institutes and Haapsalu College. Their main focus is on the humanities. Tallinn University is a compact campus with state-of-the-art laboratories, a modern library, a business center, an active student house, a sports hall, several cafes, and numerous student organizations. There is always a way to put what you study into practice. 

Fall classes at the University of Tallinn end in December and official exams can take place in January. Spring classes end in May and official exams can take place in early June. Early exams may be possible but must be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor of each course. Students may be able to take their exams early, though only if they request it at the start of the semester. Housing will be covered until all exams are completed. However, as it is impossible to confirm exam schedules prior to arrival, we advise students who wish to take their exams early to book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.  

GPA

2.5

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

Students are required to register for 12-15 semester credits at Tallinn University.

Program Credit

Total Credit: 12-18 U.S. semester/18-27 quarter credits (15 U.S. credits recommended) 

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours 
  • Tallinn University courses: Typically 3-4.5 U.S. semester/4.5-6.75 quarter credits; maximum 32 contact hours per 3 U.S. credits 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

International cooperation, research, and career preparation are the focus of Tallinn University's priority list. Education in Estonia is taken very seriously. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions as well as cultural activities outside of class. 

Class Format

University classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday. CIEE classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments and weekly quizzes. Classes usually consist of 20 students but can sometimes get as large as 50 students. Coursework is centered around learning outcomes and will be divided into lectures, practice time, and exercises. 

Grading

 A final exam will be administered at the end of each course. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and/or Russian

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Students at all language levels may take Russian Language courses. Participants with 0 semesters will be placed in the A1 level and participants with prior Russian language experience will take a placement test to determine language level. To take content courses taught in Russian, students must provide proof of B2-C1 language ability. Otherwise, students may enroll in content courses conducted in English.

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Tallinn University 

0-6 semesters of college-level Russian are required depending on the specific level. Students need to provide proof of B-C1 language level ability. A1 is for beginners. 

Students can take courses from the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School, School of Digital Technologies, School of Educational Sciences, School of Governance, Law and Society, School of Humanities, School of Natural Sciences and Health. The list of courses available in English is available online.

Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are mostly 3 U.S. credits.  

Sample Course List: 

School of Humanities 

  • Slavonic Languages and Cultures  I
    • Russian A1 
    • Russian B1.1 
    • Russian B2.1 
    • Russian C1.1 
  • Phonetics, Lexicology and Word formation of Russian Language (In Russian, minimum B2 required) 
  • Russian Literacy (In Russian, minimum B2 required) 
  • 19th Century Russian Literature (In Russian, minimum B2 required) 
  • Functional Morphology of Russian (In Russian, minimum B2 required) 
  • Russian and Slavonic Cultural Linguistics (In Russian, minimum B2 required) 
  • Textual Criticism and Text Commentary (In Russian, minimum B2 required) 

Baltic Film, Media and Arts School 

  • Intercultural Communication 
  • Introduction to Crossmedia Environments 
  • Introduction to Estonian Culture 
  • Film History I  
  • Introduction to Digital Media and Crossmedia Environments 

School of Digital Technologies  

  • Information Seeking: Sources and Methods 
  • Computer Games 
  • Computer Graphics 

School of Educational Sciences 

  • Forum Theatre as a Method of Non-Formal Learning 
  • Involvement of Parents in Educational Activities and in Support of Child Development in Pre-School Institutions 
  • Supporting Students with Different Cultural and Language Background 
  • Educational Technology in Learning Process 
  • Introduction to Educational Sciences 

School of Governance, Law and Society  

  • Sociology of Gender and Family 
  • Political Sociology 
  • Introduction to Sociology 
  • European Union Competition Law 
  • Law of Business Associations 
  • Private International Law 
  • Society and Law 
  • Law and Economics 
  • International Human Rights 
  • Insurance Law 
  • Comparative Constitutional Law 

School of Natural Sciences and Health 

  • Adapted Physical Education 
  • Ecotourism 
  • Improvement of Physical Fitness I 
  • Methods of Teaching Games 
  • Outdoor Activities 

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 19 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Fall 2024 17 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,850
Program Academic year 2024-2025 Start Date * End Date TBD*
Program Spring 2025 19 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,606**

Housing = $3,750

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,211

International Airfare = $1,500

Local Transportation = $75††

Books & Supplies = $75

Visa Fees = $100

Personal expenses = $250†††

Total Costs = $3,211

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $335 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Student Transportationn Card (13€/month). If nt a student, then 30€/month

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,606**

Housing = $3,750

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $476

International Airfare = $1,500

Local Transportation = $75††

Books & Supplies = $75

Visa Fees = $100

Personal expenses = $220†††

Total Costs = $2,446

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $335 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Student Transportationn Card (13€/month). If nt a student, then 30€/month

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Evelyn Müürsepp

Center Director

Evelyn has 15 years of experience in Estonian Government and two years of experience at CIEE, where she supported the launch of the new CIEE Tallinn Center. Tallinn is Evelyn's...

Mari Prok

Student Life Manager

Mari holds a Master's degree in Social Sciences, blending a multicultural background with over four years of hands-on experience in marketing & IT project management, event planning, and client relations.

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