77 people from 20 countries - a record Winter School!
Tallinn University’s sixth international winter school took place from January 5th to 23rd and set another record in the number of participants. When last year there were 50 students, then in 2015 there were 77 participants from 20 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and USA).
The programme included 3 courses: Estonian and Russian language courses and a workshop in communication. In addition to the courses, Tallinn Winter School’s cultural programme offered the participants a chance to take part in an international evening, museum visits, lectures, movie nights and a trip to Lahemaa National Park.
For many, the snowy Tallinn and the winter school’s atmosphere are unforgettable and they intend to return in summer. As one of the Russian course participants Jacob Hensh from the USA said: "It was a phenomenal experience with amazing instructors."
The next similar event will be the 10th Tallinn Summer School in July, with 25 courses and around 350 participants.
Here are some thoughts from the participants:
Georges Drouet (a French-Mexican living in Belgium):
I've been going to Estonia for the last 10 years but each time I learn something new
My first experience with the school was the summer 2012. I think the reason that made me come back is the ambiance, so much people from so many countries, the teachers are really good (considering how difficult is the Estonian language ).
I also wanted to see how was the ambiance in Tallinn during winter. I think that TU Winter helps you throughout the lack of sun with the cultural program I really love it. It allows you to do more things, keep active and meet more people.
I've been going to Estonia for the last 10 years but each time I learn something new and definitely feel that my language skills have improved. I think in the near future would love love to come back to the TU because you can't really never finish learning Estonian
Yulia Miroscnichenko from Russia
Was this your first time in Estonia/TU/TU Winter/Summer School or is there some magic force that keeps bringing you back?
Yes, that was my first time both in Tallinn and Winter School, as well as at the TU. But Tallinn and University derived such unsurpassable feelings in me so I urge to come back as soon as possible.
Did you come here for the programme, the people, the university or some other reason?
First of all, I came here go get more familiar with both the country and University itself as Im enrolling it now. Moreover, I wanted to talk to the people Im going to cooperate with if Im Tallinn University student and, of course, for cultural exchange and making lots of foreign friends. I also hoped that the program would help me in comprehending as difficult and beautiful language as Estonian Im into and I wasn't mistaken.
Did the TU Winter School help survive the Estonian winter?
It more than helped! Moreover, just three days after beginning of the program I felt pretty good to make orders in some public places in Estonian and communicate a little.
What did you know about Estonia before coming here?
Ive been interested in Estonia for a couple of years already. So till my coming to Tallinn itself, Ive already learnt a lot about Estonian history (and the Danish invasion interested me the most for some reasons), about its contemporary life and, of course, Estonian music! It was nice to discuss it with native Estonians and be understood!
Has that knowledge changed?
I think that it didn't change, but got stronger, the dame as my feelings for this country and desire to come back.
Would you like to come back to Estonia/TU? Why/why not?
No doubts. I do want to come back and now Im struggling as much as I can to enroll the Tallinn University and become a member of Estonian nothern life.