Host Siblings: Bridging Cultures Through Friendship

Homestays are a pillar of the Tallinn high school summer abroad experience, offering students a deeply immersive and authentic way to engage with Estonian life. Host families not only provide a warm home environment but also go above and beyond—accommodating dietary needs, engaging in open discussions about culture and current events, and even sponsoring trips around Estonia. Some students have the major added benefit of a host family with other young people. Host siblings provide easy access to interact with Estonian youth, contribute to a welcoming family dynamic, and offer a relatable perspective on Estonian culture.

Host siblings create an instant bridge into Estonian youth culture. Whether playing games with younger kids, joining teenagers at local hangouts, or bonding over music and fashion, students find themselves forming deep connections. Trips to Tallinn’s beautiful beaches, spontaneous volleyball matches, and shared ice cream outings give way to deeper conversations about language, education, politics, and daily life. Once trust builds, these exchanges help reshape both American and Estonian students’ worldviews.

While Estonians are often seen as reserved, the family dynamic helps foster open dialogue and genuine connection. Jamie (17) from New Jersey, for instance, lived with two sisters—one her age (Sarah) and one in elementary school (Sofia). She and Sarah bonded quickly, sharing not just laughs but real conversations about identity and culture. Sarah even introduced Jamie to her friend group, where Jamie found herself engaging in more thoughtful conversations than she’s used to back home.

Roommates Jillian (15) and Kathryn (17) from Texas also connected with their two high school-aged host sisters. Jillian reflected on how different perspectives challenged her thinking, especially coming from a more like-minded community in Texas. One of their sisters even organized a larger hangout, giving students without host siblings a chance to form connections with local teens—many of which grew into lasting friendships.

These relationships aren’t just social—they’re key to cultural understanding. As students practice Estonian or Russian with their hosts, navigate translation challenges, or pick up phrases from siblings, they see how language reflects identity and social norms. Just as importantly, spending time with Estonian teens—at home, in public, and with friend groups—they observe local customs, body language, and unwritten rules in action. Witnessing social customs in practice is one of the most effective ways to understand and respect them. Learning to communicate across cultures is vital to diplomacy, and these everyday moments give students a strong foundation for that skill.

These cross-cultural experiences also highlight key differences between Estonian and American life. Many students are surprised to hear how Estonian youth view and interact with their government—often with more trust and involvement than what they’re familiar with in the U.S. Another major takeaway is the level of independence Estonian teens have. For some HSSA participants, this is their first time out of the country or navigating a city alone without adult supervision. Tallinn offers a safe and supportive space for students to grow more confident and self-reliant, all while gaining insight into how differently young people live around the world.

In the end, homestays offer far more than a place to sleep. The host sibling experience leaves a lifelong impact on both the American and Estonian youth. Through mealtime conversations, shared routines, and late-night talks, students don’t just learn about Estonia—they become part of it.

Ready to experience Estonia not as a tourist, but as part of a family? Apply today to see how a summer abroad in Tallinn can change the way you see the world!