Tallinn Winter School 2026 becomes the largest in its history

This year marked the largest Tallinn Winter School in the history of the programme. A total of 12 courses were organised, covering topics from language studies and culture to digital innovation, design and marketing. The programme attracted 291 participants from 29 countries, with the largest groups coming from China, Hong Kong, the United States, South Korea, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japn.

Diverse courses across disciplines

The academic programme included courses organised by several institutes of Tallinn University. Participants could choose between language courses, interdisciplinary studies, and practical skills-based courses. Among the most popular courses were languages, Academic Writing in English, and Introduction to Estonia and Finno-Ugric Cultures and Nations, which provided participants with insights into Estonian society, language, and regional cultural heritage. 

In addition, participants could explore creative and technological topics such as Experimental Interaction Design, Design of Digital Services for Health Behaviour Change, Storytelling in Marketing, Data Visualisation with Python and AI, and Basics of Photography and Videography.
Courses were organised in small interactive groups, encouraging discussion, collaborative learning, and active participation.

International participants and academic exchange

The typical Tallinn Winter School participant was an internationally oriented student in their mid-twenties, often at the final stage of bachelor’s studies or at master’s level. Many participants were interested in gaining international academic experience and learning more about Northern and Eastern Europe. On average, participants stayed in the programme for around nine days, combining academic learning with networking and cultural exploration.

Cultural programme introducing Estonia

Alongside the courses, students took part in a cultural programme designed to introduce Estonian history, culture, and everyday life. The programme included excursions, social events, and cultural activities that allowed participants to experience Tallinn and Estonia beyond the classroom. Participants particularly valued the opportunity to explore Estonia as a digital society and to interact with fellow international students in informal settings.

The results confirm that Tallinn Winter School continues to develop as a high-quality and internationally attractive short-term study programme, combining academic learning, cultural experience, and global networking at Tallinn University.