Gabriel Anderson: Why I Chose Estonian Studies — and Why You Might Too

What motivated you to choose Estonian Studies as your major?

I chose Estonian Studies as I had been living in Estonia beforehand, and wanted to gain an academically driven and more in-depth understanding of this country and its place in Europe and the wider world.

Did you have any prior connection to Estonia (language, culture, history) before starting your studies?

I first came to Estonia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Governance, and spent roughly two years living here as a result. I made both Estonian and international friends, and used the opportunity living here to travel and see more of the country.

Which courses or topics have stood out to you the most so far, and why?

I have been particularly interested in medieval Estonian history, which is what I am writing my thesis on. Courses on Estonian politics, history, and society within the last century have also interested me greatly, and sociolinguistics courses taught by Anna Verschik or political analysis courses led by Tõnis Saarts have been incredibly insightful into Estonia’s development as a nation.

Has there been a particular course or moment that changed how you see Estonia or the region?

The course Special Seminar in Applied Linguistics, taught by Anna Verschik and Kapitolina Fedorova, really helped put Estonia into perspective in the larger idea of individual cultures and societies existing under Soviet rule, and how it responded to methods of suppression employed by the state. This course really helped to break apart the myth that the Soviet Union was a homogenous Russian entity that I feel is a core misconception among a lot of people looking at this topic from the outside. It was very enlightening to see how the different people groups, including Estonians, were able to resist and persist in their own way in times of authoritarianism.

How would you describe the learning environment and the interaction with lecturers and fellow students?

One of Tallinn University’s strengths is the approachability of its professors and lecturers, and the ability to form strong connections with them as a result. I feel as though students can easily bring their questions or concerns to a lecture, and this also translates to a learning environment which feels student-driven. I have found it very easy to make friends within my course, and people are eager to get out into the city and have fun on weekends and breaks.

What skills or knowledge do you feel you have developed most during your studies?

My research skills have definitely improved over the course of both of my degrees, as well as my knowledge on civil society and how people interact with their social and political institutions on an individual level.

How has studying Estonian Studies influenced your future plans, whether academic, professional, or personal?

Studying Estonian Studies has influenced my desire to pursue academia in history even further, and living in Estonia has provided me with opportunities and the interest to explore potential career options here, as my wife and I have felt very welcomed and encouraged to consider remaining in Estonia.

Who would you especially recommend the Estonian Studies major to, and why?

I would recommend Estonian Studies to anyone interested in gaining a greater understanding of Estonian history and culture from an Estonian perspective, and to those looking for flexibility in a liberal arts study topic which is related to Estonia as a whole.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a student considering this programme? 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your professors for advice, and take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities offered by professors connected to your programme or by coursemates you meet from other departments. I have attended symposiums hosted by Tallinn University featuring guest speakers such as Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO, and Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Through a coursemate, I was also able to volunteer with an organisation that got me into the Estonian Song and Dance Festival for free. I feel that the small academic community here makes it much easier to participate in opportunities that would be overcrowded or highly competitive elsewhere.

If you had to summarize your Estonian Studies experience in one sentence or key thought, what would it be?

My time during my studies here has been one of community and memorable experiences that I will take with me wherever I go in life.

Read more about the Estonian Studies programme HERE.