Did you ever have that feeling where you have this daunting challenge ahead and could not shake off the feeling that you’re worried about what’s to come next? You have practiced your lines or performance several times yet it feels as if you’re still not prepared? That same feeling is the same i had when i first landed in Estonia, A new country filled with new experiences and new adventures ahead.
As I step foot in new territories I was reminded of the 8 grueling weeks in high schools where I had no weekends (7 days straight no breaks!) that have built up to this moment. The sacrifices I made back then we’re finally paying off. I have made it to a new chapter in my life. Come with me as I take you along the experiences I had so far, and by the end of the blog hopefully you can relate with me behind the screens or find some expectations that you might be looking for and take in what it’s like to be an international student in Estonia.
Let me start off with my personal experiences, so far it has been great and I have definitely enjoyed every moment so far in TalTech. Allowing me to do multiple activities that I was not able to fully enjoy (such as Badminton and Digital art) back in high school due to the busy schedule or not even do at all because of the heavy workload. But TalTech’s way of classes and studies changed that, allowing room and focusing on the pacing that are comfortable with the students making it easier to balance studies and personal life, And thanks to this system I was even able to participate in events that have a significant memory in my first year here. Such as TalTech’s first ever fashion show and the annual International dinner which are both held by ESN (an organization that I highly recommend you guys join). And slowly but surely I was exposed to different kinds of people and had a great diversity of friends to hangout around with.
I mentioned earlier TalTech’s way of studies and classes and would like to elaborate on that. Based on what I have experienced so far in my 1st Semester here, they really care about the student and want to focus on the fact that different students learn at their own pace. And thus created this unique atmosphere where you do not feel stressed nor pressured because you are encouraged to learn at your own pace. Every professor and instructor and even the consultants so far have been helpful and are always happy to aid you if you do not understand anything, may it be the topic for a lesson, general questions related to the school, or even if you need somebody to talk to, a great environment with great people behind it.
This even passes on the exam month where you could take the exam at the week you’re comfortable with. This really helped me especially since during the semester break (late December to 1st week of January) I had to extend because of personal matters I had to deal with in the middle east before going back to Estonia. And because of this system I was able to take my exam in the 2nd week of exam month while being focused on my studies without worrying about the pressure of leftover tasks I forgot to finish in my vacation. When compared to my old education system it is really a day and night difference between the two and I have no regrets choosing this university over the other options I had back then.
Having an international class with a multitude of different nationalities representing different countries is also a fun experience. You get to share a variety of cultures and you get to learn more about each other that way as well. This was also emphasized heavily in one of my classes I took in the earlier semester and it was intriguing finding different norms, some may be very similar and some may be very different but the most important thing is you are able to appreciate one another’s differences and accept each other for being the version you are that you present to them. Knowing each other’s boundaries and creating trust and memories that will last and make your college life amazing.
Looking back as I head into my 2nd semester as of writing this blog, it’s a decision that I definitely do not regret. If you’re still having doubts about studying abroad and perhaps far away from your country, let me just say that you will only appreciate it once you’re in this environment that’s different from your local country/region. It’s always hard to take the first step, even I have to admit that it took me a while to fully finalize my decision to study here, but once you do, You will be entered into an environment that opens you to amazing people and great opportunities that will really solidify your future. And I’m realizing now why people who are even at the other side of the planet (From the regions of America and Asia) take the sacrifice of leaving their home country to study here, You will gain experiences that will truly benefit your future and I’m not just talking about the studies, but the individual achievements, struggles and alliances you will form during the course of your time here at TalTech.
And that’s all from me. Have a nice day ahead everyone.
The article was first published in TalTech Blog.