Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Tallinn lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Estonia's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Tallinn while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Tallinn!
Unique Experiences
Volunteer at a local foodbank
to gain hands-on experience in reducing food waste while helping those in need
Visit the Ministry of Climate
to observe how policymakers shape sustainability strategies, providing valuable insights into the process that drives environmental change
Visit the Futuristic Telliskivi Creative City and the Smart City Lab
to explore innovative urban solutions and experience how creativity and technology are transforming sustainable city living
Your Destination
Tallinn is Estonia’s forward-thinking capital, renowned for its digital innovation, sustainable infrastructure, and rapidly growing tech sector. As a pioneer in e-governance and smart city solutions, Tallinn offers students firsthand insight into cutting-edge developments in digital society, green technology, and entrepreneurship. From its medieval Old Town to its buzzing startup hubs and scenic coastal views, Tallinn blends historical charm with future-focused energy. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Tallinn is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Tallinn will open doors for you to explore Estonia’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Visit the e-Estonia Briefing Centre to gain insights into Estonia's digital transformation and discover how innovative e-governance and digital solutions are shaping the future of sustainable cities and global policy
- Tour Mustjoe Tavern to experience a blend of history and sustainability through its ancient buildings, authentic smoke sauna, and locally sourced farm cuisine, all set in the eco-conscious Korvemaa region
- Network with local sustainability initiatives like "Let's Do It World" and Mondo NGO, Estonian organizations dedicated to promoting sustainability, environmental protection, and equal rights
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
Studying and Interning Abroad in Tallinn: A Reflection on International Cooperation
This blog post comes from our Spring 2025 student, Chloe who had the opportunity to intern at the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country's largest business network dedicated... keep reading
No Crowds, No Small Talk, No Regrets: Studying in Estonia
This blog post comes from Caleb, our Spring 2025 student. During his semester abroad, Caleb interned at the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS), Estonia’s leading think tank focused... keep reading
Chasing the Sun: My Journey in Tallinn, Estonia
This blog post comes from our Spring 2025 student, Caroline who had the opportunity to intern at Mondo, an Estonian NGO focused on global education, development cooperation, and humanitarian aid... 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 single accommodation, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
Standard Housing: Includes a room in a homestay, residence hotel, or shared apartment.
- Homestay: Includes a single room in a homestay with an Estonian and/or Russian-speaking host family to immerse you in the city’s language and culture. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with the host family and are located within 30 minutes of the city center by public transportation.
- Residence Hotel (single accommodation): Includes a private room with modern amenities. All rooms boast a small kitchen area, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, bed sheets, blankets, towels, and a washing machine. The building also features common areas and event spaces. Travel times by public transport are around 30–35 minutes.
- Shared Apartment (double accommodation): Includes a private bedroom in a fully furnished apartment shared with other students. Apartments feature a shared kitchen, bathroom, and living area. Students use self-service laundry facilities with other students/guests in the building. Located within walking distance of the city center, with universities accessible in about 25 minutes by public transport.
Select Housing: Includes a room in a modern studio apartment. Apartments are located near Tallinn University and feature a kitchen area, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, TV, as well as bed sheets, blankets, towels, and access to a fitness club. Weekly cleaning is included. Students use self-service laundry facilities with other students/guests in the building. Located within 10-minute walking distance of the city center and Tallinn University. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
- Homestays: Breakfast and dinner are provided
- Residence Hotels and Apartments: Meals are not included
Academics
CIEE Tallinn: Study in Tallinn’s city center at Tallinn University, CIEE’s partner institution, just a 10-minute tram ride from the historic Old Town and within walking distance of Kadriorg Park, Estonia’s largest urban park, as well as the harbor and key cultural landmarks. CIEE Tallinn offers a modern learning environment with a library, study areas, and student lounges.
Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech): Founded in 1918, TalTech is the only technological university in Estonia. It is a research-based university offering renewed study programs that target labor market needs to make TalTech graduates more marketable. As a leader in science, technology, and innovation, the school maintains constant interaction with universities around the world, bringing together scientists, students, and entrepreneurs. TalTech strengths include STEM and business areas of study. Focus is placed not only on the theoretical field of STEM but also on putting this knowledge into practice and into business, like startups.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | Tallinn University of Technology (Taltech) | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Digital Systems Design Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering Industrial Design Basics Introduction to Entrepreneurship Machine Engineering – project
| Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Tallinn University of Technology (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.
Course offerings may vary from semester to semester. Courses are taught in English and are mostly 3 U.S. credits.
Sample sustainability course list:
- Introduction to Sustainable Energy Engineering is a course to gain a solid foundation in sustainable energy solutions, exploring innovative technologies and strategies that play a key role in addressing global environmental challenges.
- Digital Systems Design is a course to explore how digital technologies and smart systems can be integrated into sustainable solutions, improving efficiency and environmental impact across industries and urban environments.
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship is a course to learn how to create and manage sustainable businesses, developing the skills needed to launch eco-friendly ventures that drive positive environmental and social change.
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Tallinn's work scene thrives on tech innovation, e-governance, and diverse industries like finance, engineering, and international relations. Known for the highest startups per capita in Europe, the city emphasizes sustainability, with growing sectors in manufacturing and renewable energy, fostering a forward-looking ecosystem.
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Government and Public Administration
Gain insight into global policy-making, diplomatic relations, and governance practices in agencies, nonprofits, and firms.
Information Technology
Explore diverse tech environments, cutting-edge innovation, and emerging technologies in South Korea, Spain, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- 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 Spring 2026 19 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $14,950 | |
| Program Fall 2026 17 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 | $9,956 ** |
| Housing | $4,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $14,950 |
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.
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 | $565 † |
| International Airfare | $1,500 |
| Local Transportation | $100 †† |
| Books & Supplies | $75 |
| Visa Fees | $100 |
| Personal expenses | $245 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,585 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals a day and students typically purchase lunch. 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.
††Public transportation card 30 EUR ($33), per 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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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 had 15 years of experience in Estonian Government before joining CIEE, where she supported the launch of the CIEE Tallinn Center. Tallinn is Evelyn's hometown, and she enjoys the...
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.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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