Russian Language + European Studies
New for Spring 2024!
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
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
Featured Excursion
Overnight trip to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, which is a modern Scandinavian city just two hours away by boat.
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
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
Academics in Tallinn
Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is a vibrant and dynamic city that attracts students from all over the world. With its rich cultural heritage, modern amenities, and excellent academic... keep reading
Daily life in Tallinn
Opportunities Tallinn offers a high quality of life to its residents, with a great balance between work and leisure. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is home to... keep reading
10 Reasons Why Estonia is the “It” Destination for Tech Students
Estonia is a charming and historic country with tons to offer students, especially those with tech-inclined minds. Sure, the country is known for its rich history, fairytale architecture, and beautiful... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Tallinn offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to student residence buildings, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single room with an Estonian and/or Russian-speaking homestay family to immerse you in the city’s language and culture. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family and are located under 40 minutes from CIEE Tallinn.
Select Housing: Includes a private room in a student residence building located within walking distance of CIEE Tallinn. All rooms boast a kitchen, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tv, as well as bed sheets, blankets, towels, and weekly cleaning included in the fee. Students use self-service laundry facilities with other students/guests in the building. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Note: Housing is on a first-come, first-served basis. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we’ll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Breakfast and dinner are provided in homestays. Meals are not included in student residence buildings.
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.
Course Information
To take Russian courses at 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.
Spring 2024 CIEE courses (syllabi available soon):
- RUSI 3003 TAES - Russian Conversation Advanced I
- COMM 3301 TAES - Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- INSH 3801 TAES - Internship Seminar
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 & 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.
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.
*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 = $19,850Estimated 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 = $3,211Optional 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.
*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 = $19,850Estimated 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 = $1,020†
International Airfare = $1,500
Local Transportation = $75††
Books & Supplies = $75
Visa Fees = $100
Personal expenses = $220†††
Total Costs = $2,990Financial 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.
*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
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
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