Combining creativity with scientific thinking, the programme gave her the opportunity to deepen her knowledge through hands-on experiments, industry visits, and research projects. Now, after graduating with honours and preparing to continue her studies as a doctoral candidate at TalTech, Viltė reflects on her experience, student life in Tallinn, and why she believes the university is an excellent choice for aspiring engineers.  

Please introduce yourself

My name is Viltė, and I am an international student from Vilnius, Lithuania. I have previously studied interior Architecture in the United Kingdom, where I had a subject covering material selection and technologies. This inspired me to pursue further education in material technology.

Where did you first hear about TalTech and why did you decide to study here? Have you thought of studying elsewhere too?

I moved to Estonia before starting my studies in TalTech as my partner (boyfriend) is from here. Therefore, I had already been aware of the university due to its positive reputation of engineering study programmes. I happened to find and advertisement of the study programme while browsing online. The name of it intrigued me, so I clicked the ad, read about the programme, and decided to study apply for it due to its curriculum that seemed to align perfectly with my experience and interests. I did not consider other universities or study programmes.

Tell us more about Technology of Wood, Plastics and Textiles MSc study programme.  

The programme focuses on wood-, textile-, and plastic-based materials, which I familiarized myself with during my bachelor’s studies. When I was still in high school, I really enjoyed chemistry lessons, but unfortunately, I did not pursue a path related to as I changed my mind several times on what I want to study. After finishing my bachelor’s studies, I thought that this path would never be an option for me, but this study programme was exactly what I was looking for, and after an intense summer of revising chemistry and physics, I was able to keep up with the other students and graduate with honours from this study programme. What I liked about the programme most was that it involved a lot of practical activities, experimental work, and industry visits.

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

They can pursue a PhD in a similar field or go on to work as designers, technologists, engineers or managers in industries related to wood, textiles or plastic. There is also an option to create your own start-up as TalTech has a centre that offers support for this. I think the options are quite unlimited as engineering skills can be applied in many areas, you just need to figure out which one is the right one for you.

How would you compare studying in another university for bachelor’s to your master’s studies at TalTech?  

Compared to my bachelor’s studies in the UK, my master’s studies at TalTech were far more superior. Here, we had a lot more practical activities, the teaching staff is a lot more approachable and supportive, and the exams or evaluative activities felt purposeful. TalTech also has a modern and beautiful campus that makes you want to stay longer and inspires you to study.

How is a student life at TalTech and in Tallinn overall? Are there extracurricular activities, internships, student clubs or professional networking possibilities?  

It is rich and variable. There are tons of different student organizations that organize events. I think everyone will find at least one that they want to go to over the school year. There are also events organized by the university that focus on networking or career opportunities, which are crucial to everyone getting ready to graduate. I was able to participate in an international conference and present my research results there.

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

From my experience, Estonians are very kind and welcoming people. As an introverted person myself, it can feel daunting to approach a new group of people who do not share your native language, but I always had only positive experiences. And this actually helped me a lot to come out of my shell more and not be as shy. Suur aitäh, eestlased!

What do you miss the most in Lithuania? Is it easy to travel home from Tallinn?  

The two countries are quite similar, in my opinion, so I do not feel homesick too often. I only wish I could see my mom more often, but it is good that flights between Vilnius and Tallinn are frequent and are only an hour long.

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

I would! It is the perfect choice for first time international students, as the distance is not too far and the culture is quite similar to ours. TalTech has a lot of international students so you will not feel like you do not fit in. If you prefer hands on experience to sitting in lectures, this is a university for you.

What would you like to do after graduating?  

I have just graduated from my master’s studies and plan on continuing my journey in TalTech to pursue a PhD in Chemical and Materials Technology.