When I was a child, bedtime stories weren’t just about fairytales or princesses, they were about distant cities, runways, and endless skies. As the daughter of a pilot, those stories were more than just tales, they were windows into the wider world. For me, travel became a promise of freedom, curiosity, and endless possibilities. Each time my father shared a glimpse of a new place, I dreamed of the moment I would also pack my suitcase and see the world through my own eyes.

Making the decision to leave your home, your comfort zone, and start a new life abroad can be one of the hardest choices you’ll ever face. It’s exciting, but also terrifying. You imagine late-night talks with new friends, countless challenges, and amazing adventures -yet the hardest part is actually taking the first step.

There are endless books and podcasts about decision-making, and from a distance, it seems simple: just decide, pack your bags, and start creating a new life. But in reality, it’s far from easy. You question everything, your readiness, your goals, your ability to adapt. Still, once you evaluate your options and make the choice to study abroad, something shifts inside you. You begin to figure things out, step by step, and gradually start creating a new version of yourself.

If you’re standing on the edge of that big decision right now, wondering whether to start your journey in a new country, here’s something I’ve learned: doubt is normal. In fact, it’s a good sign. Feeling nervous, emotional, or unsure means you understand the weight of the choice. It means a person cares.

Sometimes, the scariest moments are the ones that push us toward growth. Without them, we’d never leave our comfort zones or discover who we’re truly capable of becoming.

Moving abroad isn’t only about studying IT, engineering, or social sciences. It’s about exploring yourself, learning how to adapt, connect, and grow. It’s about realizing that education isn’t just about subjects or credits; it’s about becoming a better person and a more open-minded professional who believes that change can be positive , and that everyone can be a part of it. In fact, you can be the one who starts the change.

If you’re searching for a new home, maybe it’s somewhere in Estonia, in a cozy, innovative, sea-breezed city called Tallinn. Yes, winters are cold, but they’re also full of warmth if you know where to look. You’ll never get lost in translation here, most people speak English fluently, and you’ll feel safe and welcome from the very beginning.

And at TalTech, you’ll meet people from all around the world, people who, just like you, once faced the same decision and chose courage over comfort. TalTech’s international community makes you feel that you belong here, that you’re part of something meaningful. From the very first emails during your admission process to your first lectures and interactions with professors, you’ll notice one thing: everyone here genuinely wants you to grow, explore, and succeed.

So if you’re still hesitating, wondering if it’s the right time, remember this: there’s never a perfect moment to start something new.

But once you take that first step, you’ll realize that every fear was just part of the journey toward becoming who you’re meant to be.

Maybe your next chapter begins right here, at TalTech, in Tallinn, where a cold morning can lead to a new idea, a morning pilates class, or even a completely different version of yourself.

All the photos in this publication were taken by Nino Panjakidze.

The article was first published in TalTech blog.