A recommendation that changed my future

For my entire life, I called Riga my home. Today, that home is Tallinn.

The first time I heard about TalTech was years ago at an education fair in Riga, when I was considering bachelor's studies. At the time, I didn't end up choosing the university. Later, while thinking about my master's degree, TalTech came up again—this time through colleagues at work, who spoke highly of the university.

The person who ultimately convinced me to make the move, however, was my girlfriend. She was already studying for her master's degree in Tallinn, and thanks to her encouragement, I decided to take the same step. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Learning business in a digital world

The International Business in the Digital Era programme offers much more than traditional business education. During the two-year programme, we explored everything from accounting and marketing to supply chains and the impact digital technologies have on modern businesses.

One of the biggest strengths of the programme is its practical approach. Companies regularly visit classes to share real-life challenges, and many assignments focus on solving actual business problems rather than simply learning theory.

The international environment also made a lasting impression on me. My classmates came from countries including Nigeria, the United States, Finland and Bangladesh, bringing different perspectives into every discussion.

One opportunity I would recommend to every student is taking courses through EuroTeQ. I attended a course offered by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and it was fascinating to experience what studying at another leading European university feels like without leaving TalTech.

Most importantly, the programme taught me to see business and economic processes from a much broader perspective.

Balancing work and studies

One aspect that makes TalTech particularly attractive is how well it accommodates working students. Since most classes begin in the evening, around 6 p.m., it is entirely possible to study while working either part-time or full-time.

For me, combining work and studies actually enhanced both experiences. I could immediately connect classroom discussions with real situations at work, while conversations with professors and classmates helped me approach business challenges from new angles.

I'm especially grateful to my manager, Ilze, who made it possible to relocate within the same company from our Riga office to Tallinn. That move allowed me to continue my career while adapting smoothly to life in Estonia. My colleagues in the Tallinn office also gave me an incredibly warm welcome, making the transition much easier than I had expected.

Discovering Estonia beyond the classroom

Although Latvia and Estonia are neighbouring countries with many similarities, living here has revealed plenty of cultural differences—and some amusing moments.

One of my favourite memories happened during the examination period, when my Estonian friends invited me to a traditional sauna evening. After that experience, everything somehow felt easier. There really is something special about an Estonian sauna.

Another unforgettable moment came when I appeared on the television game show Õhtu Sõpradega together with other international TalTech students. The host immediately guessed I was Latvian by asking whether I had six toes—a classic joke shared between Estonians and Latvians.

What surprised me most, though, was how much Estonians know about Latvia. Whether it's our traditions, music, language or culture, people here are genuinely interested in their southern neighbours. That curiosity, together with the warmth and openness I've experienced, has made Estonia feel like home. 

Two unforgettable years

Looking back, my master's studies were something of a rollercoaster.

There were late nights on campus, assignments submitted just seconds before deadlines, countless group projects, and presentations for real companies. Through it all, our close-knit group supported one another until graduation.

Professionally, one unexpected highlight has been seeing how much my international degree is valued at work. My colleagues appreciate the fact that I chose to study outside Latvia, and they often ask about my experience at TalTech.

The defining moment, however, was defending my master's thesis. Walking out of the defence room, I realised that I had truly achieved something I could be proud of. I owe special thanks to my supervisor, whose encouragement and guidance helped me reach the finish line.

Today, I'm proud to call myself a TalTech alumnus.

Missing home—and discovering a second one

Of course, there are still things I miss from Latvia.

Whenever I return home, one of my first stops is for Latvian curd cheesecake. It's sweeter than the Estonian version and instantly reminds me of childhood.

Language has also been an interesting experience. In Tallinn, you often hear tourists or English-speaking students, which makes learning Estonian a little more difficult. Back home, people tend to speak more loudly, making it easier to pick up new words simply by listening.

Why I'd recommend TalTech to other Latvian students

Moving to another country can feel intimidating at first. Questions about accommodation, language and meeting new people naturally come to mind.

But in my experience, those worries disappear surprisingly quickly. From the moment you walk through TalTech's doors, the university begins to feel like home.

What makes TalTech stand out is not only its modern approach to education but also the opportunities beyond lectures. Whether your interests lie in business, engineering, IT or entrepreneurship, there are countless extracurricular activities, projects and initiatives where you can challenge yourself and meet like-minded people.

Earlier this year, I even had the opportunity to represent TalTech at the SKOLA education fair in Riga. Many visitors were pleasantly surprised to be greeted in Latvian by someone studying in Tallinn. It reminded me that many young people in Latvia simply don't realise how many excellent opportunities exist just across the border.

Looking ahead

For now, I'm planning to stay in Estonia. Tallinn is one of Europe's leading startup hubs, and I want to continue building both my professional network and my career here.

At the same time, I already feel another academic adventure calling. After two years of learning, I've gained a great deal of knowledge—and now it's time to put it into practice while continuing to grow.

One thing is certain: choosing TalTech didn't just give me a master's degree. It gave me a new perspective, lifelong friendships, and a place that now feels like home.