Please introduce yourself

Hi! My name is Natalia Kallio, and I am a 22-year-old student from Finland who just graduated from TalTech’s BA Law programme (full programme: Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences). I’ve been living in Estonia for three years now, and I’m planning on continuing for master's degree.

Where did you first hear about TalTech and why did you decide to study here? 

I heard about TalTech through my parent’s mutual friend, whose daughter also went to this school. After contacting her, she shared a lot of positive information about TalTech highlighting its highly international environment – perfect for a student who’s looking for International Law studies in English. That was exactly what I was looking for. Since Finnish government support system ‘’KELA’’ also provides monetary support for students studying abroad, this was a great opportunity.

How important is it to study abroad while staying close to home?

I was looking for an international experience but close to my home. At 19 years old, I was not ready to move too far away from my family. TalTech was the perfect option, since it also offered multiple courses related to international relations, such as Public Speaking & International Communication by Ulvi Renser. I was able to make new friends from the United States, India, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Philippines, Estonia, Ukraine and Georgia. And at the same time, my home country was just 84 kilometres away from me. How awesome?

Why did you decide to study Law? Tell us more about the study programme. 

My passion for law began early. My parents were highly supportive of this career choice, and I began studying more law topics already in high school. I was always interested in true crime videos as well, they were always available on YouTube. TalTech’s law programme covers the main areas of law: criminal law, civil law, administrative law, contract law, corporate law and international / EU law. The programme also brings a lot of opportunities to participate in various study related events, competitions, visits and more. For example, I was able to join the European Ethics Bowl competition in Ljubljana, Slovenia. TalTech’s courses don’t only include theoretical learning and reading, but also practical work and learning through actions and works. Some classes might include group works, some personal essays on the topics you personally want to choose. You’re also able to pick additional classes that you’re interested in - more technology law, medical law or more human rights law. You name it! TalTech has a heavy basis on technology, but it doesn’t mean you will become specifically a tech lawyer.

Where could a graduate of this study programme continue studying or work in future?

A graduate from this programme can continue for Master’s studies in TalTech or other universities in Europe. Graduates can begin careers in legal support or junior legal positions. For example, where technology and business intersect, working as paralegals, junior case managers, legal assistants, compliance officers, contract administrators, legal operations specialists, LegalTech professionals, data protection or privacy assistants, intellectual property assistants, or corporate legal support staff. By continuing to a master's degree and meeting the professional qualification requirements, graduates can pursue careers as lawyers, prosecutors, notaries, or judges, depending on the legal regulations and appointment procedures in their country.

How is a student life at TalTech and in Tallinn? 

The student life is great! There are a bunch of after school clubs and activities that can be found on the TalTech website & social media. For example: video-, tech-, chess-, debate- and law student-clubs and much more. There are parties very often too, my favourite one being the annual Halloween ‘’Melloween’’ party! It's a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends. After school activities can also be related to your field of study: I have participated in multiple Ministry and Law firm visits to TalTech’s international law student organizations. TalTech has currently two of them: MTU Õigus and ILSA, they’re organizing new events every semester, and I was part of MTÜ Õigus for the whole time while studying in TalTech.

Is there a large Finnish community of students? Is it easy to make friends, meet new people?

There are a lot of Finnish students studying at TalTech and it was easy to make new Finnish friends from my class. International classes are great, but sometimes you really need a supportive group from your own hometown. Together we helped each other with study documents, applications, and other class related work. Of course, we also explored the old town during our free time! It’s easy to make friends at TalTech: a lot of people are friendly and outgoing. Many people in your class might have the same interests and hobbies as you.

What has been the most unexpected, positive, or funny experience you’ve had with Estonians while living here so far?

The most unexpected and positive experience has been the loyalty and dedication of Estonians. Also, Tallinn has a lot of interesting experiences, activities and cool stores for you to explore during your free time!

Would you recommend other students from Finland to take a similar step and study at TalTech? 

There is a high demand for international English-speaking lawyers who specialize in International & EU law. With a rising number of immigrants and high rise of international business relations across different countries, I highly recommend this path to anyone who’s debating whether they should go. You are always able to go back to Finland, and for example continue your studies in Finnish (OTM). Since Finnish monetary support is also great, there were no issues in funding my studies. I did also take the Finnish study loan that was offered with the package. It’s not that hard to find an apartment to rent here either and a lot of homeowners speak English very well.

What are your plans now that you have successfully graduated? 

I would like to continue my studies and go for master's degree. I’m highly interested in general data protection, international studies and working with different international companies. It’s wonderful to be part of TalTech’s alumni network as well.