In this interview, Katherine reflects on the decisions that led her to Estonia, her experiences adapting to a new academic and cultural environment, and how her studies are helping her navigate the evolving intersection of technology, governance, and sustainability.

Please introduce yourself

Hello! My name is Katherine Fitch, and I am a first-year master's student studying Technology Governance and Sustainability. I am from the United States, originally from New Jersey, but I most recently lived in Washington, D.C., before coming to Tallinn. As a very transient person, I have lived in four states and three countries. After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I became a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer and worked in Ukraine for four years as a youth development specialist. 

Where did you first hear about TalTech and why did you decide to study here? Have you thought of studying elsewhere too? Why did you decide to study Technology Governance and Sustainability and what do you think about the study programme today?
 

In February 2025, I was at an unexpected crossroads. In 2024, I finished my first master’s degree at the University of Wyoming in International Studies and moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue a career in international development. Like many others, my job was at risk when the presidential administration changed in January 2025.

At the beginning of March, I was without a job and looking for new opportunities that not only align with my background in international development but also provides new pathways to other fields within both the private and public sectors. In 2023, I came to Tallinn for a writing retreat to finish my master’s thesis. I fell in love with the city, with running along the sea, with all the cinnamon buns, and with Estonia. One of my friends that I made told me that her friend suggested that I look at graduate programs at TalTech because there may be something there that I would be interested in. I was reluctant at first. Initially, I thought, I already have a master’s degree. Do I really want to write another thesis? My life is in D.C. Finally, I looked at the graduate programs and began to think about possibilities. 

When I read the description of the master’s program in Technology Governance and Sustainability, I knew I wanted to study this program. The program’s focus on the relationship between technology and progress was something that I had wanted to learn more about, especially in the current world of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The program also aligned with a career idea that I had when I was a sophomore in high school taking an environmental science course. I wanted to investigate the role of civil society, governance, and citizens in becoming more environmentally sustainable and to actively combat the climate crisis. After years of working with civil society in Ukraine, I recognize that an area of need is trying to investigate the role of civil society in digital governance. 

Choosing to do a master’s program is a serious decision, and I decided to wait and to consider if this was the right step for me. I considered up to four hours before the deadline of the application and completed the entire application with 30 minutes to spare.

What were your expectations about studying in Estonia? Have they been met?

In August, I packed up my suitcase and came to Tallinn. Because I had previously been to Estonia, I knew what to expect in terms of the cuisine and the culture. However, I did not know what to expect regarding studying in Estonia. My initial challenge was selecting and scheduling my courses. In the United States, you know your courses several months before the semester starts. We had a program meeting on the first day of classes, and then, my graduate cohort and I registered for our classes. This was a stressor that I did not expect to have. 
As a student who enjoys participating in class and in-class discussions, I learned that professors do not always affirm your participation. There would be classes where I would ask questions or answer a question, and the professor would just nod their head or emotionlessly look at me. In these moments, I questioned if my participation was helpful or a class distraction. Once I recognized that this is a cultural difference, I did not take this personally.  
 

Have you ever regretted your choices? Where could a graduate of this study programme work in future? How is student life at TalTech? Are there extracurricular activities, internships or student clubs available that you could take part in?

I am grateful that I chose to study in Estonia and TalTech. Since the pandemic, I have been looking for opportunities to “return” to myself. While working in Ukraine, I was able to fully utilize my creativity in many different projects. While studying here at TalTech, I have participated in multiple opportunities that have enabled me to express my creativity, to gain new skills, and to unlock skills that I have not gotten to use. The program and the opportunities have allowed me to network with professionals in digital governance, public administration, and contracting work. 

Because student life at TalTech is not just for undergraduates, there are plenty of student organizations that anyone can join. I joined ESN Tallinn early in my first semester. This has been an amazing experience to connect with students across the different universities here in Tallinn and to meet international students from all over the world. I am also involved as a student ambassador and create Instagram reels for TalTech’s English Instagram page. There is always something to do at TalTech, and I found that even going to events that are advertised in Estonian are worthwhile.

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

One of the events that I participated in was an open mic stand-up comedy event with TalTech Turundusklubi (Marketing Club). I performed stand-up during my undergrad and several times in Ukraine, in both Ukrainian and English. Because my Estonian language is not ready for stand-up, I wrote the organizers and asked if I could perform in English. I was accepted and gave a ten-minute set talking about my experience in Estonia so far. I am excited to state that all my punchlines were executed perfectly, and people laughed. 

What do you miss the most back in the States? Would you recommend other students from the USA taking a similar step to study at TalTech? Why?

My time at TalTech has been more than I expected in all the best ways. I am so grateful that I have an excellent cohort, and I have made friends through a variety of additional activities. I still get regularly asked about what I miss in the United States. People always assume that I am going to talk about food, in particular Starbucks, but I mostly miss friends. Also, Estonia has much better coffee than Starbucks. Two of my friends have been able to visit me here in Estonia, and it has been great to show them around, introduce them to people here, and to share a new part of me. I am also in a long-distance relationship with my fiancé, and I wish that he was here while we’re planning a wedding. However, I found that the beauty of long-distance friendships is having friends in various corners of the planet to share how a particular place has shaped you. 

While getting a second masters was indeed an unexpected turn, I believe that it was the right decision for me. The masers programs at TalTech are excellent, and because the program is in English, you can meet with students from all over the world who share in your academic interests but bring a diverse background of professional experiences. TalTech is focused on preparing students for excellence in their area of interest. 

What are your future plans?

After I finish my master’s program, I am looking for a career, either in Estonia or anywhere, that empowers companies or organizations to navigate the changing dynamics due to generative AI and to move towards more sustainable methodologies. This may be a consulting position, or I may return to the pro-democracy and international development field. However, I am open to whatever the next chapter will be, as TalTech was something that I did not anticipate. My time at TalTech is continuing to show me the value of unexpected opportunities.