Studying Liberal Arts in Social Sciences: Tal's Experience in Estonia

The hardest part about studying abroad isn't necessarily the studying. It's saying goodbye to the friends you've made, the place you've grown used to and the routines you've built over the past three years.

I always knew I wanted to experience life beyond my home country. One conversation about my future led me to Tallinn University, and I had no idea just how much that decision would change me.

I arrived as a young, inexperienced student, excited to explore a new place and earn a degree. What I didn't expect was how much the experience would change the way I see the world. Now, three years later, I can see myself staying in Estonia long-term.

Tallinn University offers plenty of events that help international students meet people and feel more at home. Estonia also has a programme called Settle in Estonia, which helps newcomers adjust to life here. Both can make a real difference when you're starting out somewhere new.

How did studying abroad help me grow?

When I started the Liberal Arts in Social Sciences programme, my view of the world was quite limited. I didn't realise how much being part of an international student community would change that.

Meeting people from all over the world helped me become more confident, especially when entering new communities where I didn't know anyone. I learned to put myself out there, improve my social skills and build friendships that I know will last.

Studying social sciences has also taught me to question things and look at society from different perspectives. If you're someone who enjoys understanding how people and societies work, there's a lot to explore.

What do I love about living in Estonia?

I've become fascinated by the Estonian language. The fact that it's so difficult only makes me want to learn it more.

Tallinn University has provided great teachers and learning opportunities, but nothing beats actually speaking the language with people around me. It can be frustrating at times, but seeing the look on my loved ones' faces when I manage to speak to them in their own language makes it worth it.

Another thing I've noticed is how hardworking Estonians can be. My Estonian partner once joked, "In the countryside, an Estonian's dream day off is a day of work." And honestly, I rarely see them resting at home!

Then there's the weather. Estonians often ask me how I survive the winters here, especially since I'd never even seen snow before my first winter in Estonia. But I actually love it. Seeing the streets light up with Christmas decorations, fairy lights hanging from evergreen trees and everything becoming quiet as the snow falls brings me a kind of joy that's hard to describe.

(And it's not even THAT cold... right?)

What are my plans for the future?

As university students, we're asked this question all the time, usually when we don't even know what we're having for dinner that evening. I know how stressful it can be to think about careers, internships or master's studies when you're still figuring things out. Personally, I prefer to take things one day at a time, do my best and stay open to opportunities. I've learned that sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and see what happens.

I've built a life that my 10-year-old self could only have dreamed of. I've made lifelong friends, learned to live independently and fallen in love with a country that now feels like home.

And as a third-year student, I already find myself using what I've learned during my degree to make sense of the complicated world around me.

Learn more about Liberal Arts in Social Sciences BA programme here