Semester in Tallinn
Unique Experiences
Visit Tallinn’s Old Town
one of the best-preserved medieval cities
Explore Tallinn’s Natural Beauty
by canoeing or kayaking in thousands of rivers and lakes
Take a Moment To Relax
at one of Estonia’s saunas
50% +
Of Estonian Land Is Covered by Forest
318 M
Height of Suur Munamägi (Big Egg Hill)
450 K
Population of Tallinn
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, CIEE established partnership with the Tallinn University of Technology (a highly ranked institution known worldwide for its Science & Technology faculty) and Tallinn University (a relatively new, but also highly ranked institution with a focus on innovation, academic excellence, and societal impact). Therefore, 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
Excursions & Activities
- Visit famous landmarks including Toompea Hill, Tallinn Town Wall, and the Kohtuotsa viewing platform
- Take day trips to nearby Estonian cities including Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva
- Enjoy a ferry ride to Estonia’s largest islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa
- Try canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and cycling tours
Projects
Internship: For-credit, English-speaking internships at businesses in a variety of industry sectors allow students to gain practical real-world work experience. In addition to on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program have a weekly classroom component, which provides academic support to supplement their practical experience.
Program Blogs
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
Welcome to E-Estonia!
As you gear up for your study abroad adventure in Estonia, get ready to dive into a world where the 'E' stands for electronic, and the possibilities are boundless. The... keep reading
10 Best Foreign Language Programs
Itching to take your foreign language skills to the next level? One of the best ways to fast-track your language learning is to immerse yourself in a foreign language study... 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, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing:
- Homestay: 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
Residence Hall: 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.
Meal
Homestay: Breakfast and dinner are provided
Residence Halls: Meals are not included in student residence buildings.
Academics
The Semester in Tallinn program offers students the opportunity to combine CIEE classes with classes taught at one of two universities in Tallinn: TalTech or TLU. Each university offers a range of courses with an interdisciplinary approach. Students are encouraged to actively participate in activities, seminars, and projects.
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) is the only technological university in Estonia. It is a research-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in technology, applied science, information technology, business, and maritime studies.
Tallinn University (TLU) 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 so 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
For students who want to take Russian language courses, previous coursework or placement testing appropriate to the level of course selected is required.
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech)
At TalTech, students may take courses from the School of Business and Governance, School of Information Technologies, School of Engineering, and the School of Science. There is an extensive list of courses available in English. The list is updated regularly. Currently, the list for 2023 Spring semester and 2024 Fall semester is available.
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are mostly 3 U.S. credits.
Some examples of English language courses at TalTech:
School of Business and Governance
- Personal Finance
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Statistics
- Money, Financial Institutions and Markets
- Financial Modelling
- International Humanitarian Law and Cyber Conflicts
- Industrial Property
School of Information Technologies
- Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- Social, Professional and Ethical Aspects of IT
- Algorithms and Data Structures
School of Engineering
- Industrial Design Basics
- Machine Engineering
- Machine Engineering-Project
- Digital Manufacturing
- Basics of Mechatronics
- Statics and Dynamics
- Supply Converters and Control of Machines
School of Science
- Fundamentals of Life
- Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics
- Scientific Computing
- Physics II
University of Tallinn (TLU)
At TLU, 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.
The description for language levels:
- A1 - Beginning
- A2 - Elementary
- B1 - Intermediate
- B2 - Upper-intermediate
- C1 - Advanced
- C2 – Proficiency
Baltic Film School
- Intercultural Communication
- Introduction to Crossmedia Environments
- Introduction to Estonian Culture
- Film History I
- Introduction to Digital Media and Crossmedia Environments
Humanities Department
- British Literature from the Renaissance to the Present Day
- Estonian B1.2
- Estonian B2.2
- Academic Estonian C1.2
- Practical Estonian A1
- Practical Estonian A2
- Finnish B2.2
- Finnish C1.2
- Introduction to Academic French II
- German B2.2
- German C1.2
- Portuguese A1
- Spanish B2.2
- Spanish C1.2
- Russian A2
- Russian B1.2
- Russian B2.2
- Russian C1.2
- Chinese Language A2
- Chinese Language B1.2
- Chinese Language B2.2
- Chinese Language C1.1
- Turkish A2
- Turkish B1.2
Governance, Law and Society
- Social Enterprises and Vocational Rehabilitation
- International Commercial Law
- European Union Law
- International Courts
- International Political Economy
School of Educational Sciences
- Supporting Trauma Children
- Multicultural Learning Environment
- Multimedia Production and Media Education in Learning Process
- Educational Technology in Learning Process
- Lifelong Education and Social Changes
School of Digital Technologies
- Information Seeking: Sources and Methods
- Computer Games
- Computer Graphics
Nature Science and Sports Department
- Basic Course of Skiing
- Improvement of physical fitness II
- Basic Course in Volleyball II
- Outdoor Activities II
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2024 17 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,850 |
| Program Academic year 2024-2025 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 2025 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Spring 2024 19 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,850 |
*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 = $476†
International Airfare = $1,500
Local Transportation = $75††
Books & Supplies = $75
Visa Fees = $100
Personal expenses = $220†††
Total Costs = $2,446Financial 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, 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.
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.
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
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
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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