The Ambassador of Colombia and the Estonian Ambassador to Colombia visited Tallinn University
The School of Humanities at Tallinn University and the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have signed a cooperation agreement, under which Spanish language courses will be taught by a visiting lecturer who has come to Estonia with the support of the Colombian government. On 8 September, the Colombian Ambassador based in Poland, Mr. Assad José Jater Peña, and the Estonian Ambassador to Colombia, Ms. Marin Mõttus, visited Tallinn University and briefly met with Spanish language students.
The School of Humanities at Tallinn University and the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have concluded a cooperation agreement, under which Spanish language courses will be offered during the autumn semester of the 2025/2026 academic year by visiting lecturer José Luis Rodríguez Duarte. Mr. Duarte works at the Caro y Cuervo Institute in Colombia and has been sent to Estonia with the support of the Colombian government.
Under his guidance, both complete beginners and more advanced learners will be able to study Spanish. In addition to Tallinn University students, the courses are also attended by employees of various public institutions who are learning the language as part of continuing education. This diverse learning environment provides a solid foundation for cultural dialogue and the practical use of the Spanish language.
8 September 2025 was a special occasion for the Spanish language course – the School of Humanities was visited by the Colombian Ambassador based in Poland, Mr. Assad José Jater Peña, and the Estonian Ambassador to Colombia, Ms. Marin Mõttus. Both ambassadors greeted the students and emphasized the importance of language learning and understanding different cultures.
In addition, the ambassadors met with Katrin Saks, Vice-Rector of Tallinn University; Head of the Academic Field of Western European Studies and Associate Professor of German Cultural History and Literature Maris Saagpakk; Lecturer in Hispanic Studies Guillem Castañar Rubio; and Maris Peters, Internationalisation Coordinator at the School of Humanities. The discussion focused on identifying potential areas for future cooperation.
"It is wonderful that the Republic of Colombia is supporting Spanish language studies at Tallinn University this semester through the contribution of a lecturer. Spanish is becoming increasingly popular in Estonia. Until now, our relations with Colombia have been rather sporadic – a few student and occasional faculty visits. Hopefully, Ambassador Assad José Jater Peña’s visit to Tallinn University will mark the beginning of a closer collaboration with this culturally fascinating country," said Vice-Rector Katrin Saks.