More than 20 years of Estonian summer courses

We started in 1998 with nine students forming one group. However, year after year, the interest grew. Now, over 75 students learn Estonian each year at five different levels. 

Who takes part in the summer school?

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People with Estonian roots	People connected to Estonia because of their job	People connected to Estonia because of romantic relationships	People seeking exoticism	Simply eager learners

The summer university is unique because, for a short period, several dozen people from various nationalities and with different backgrounds come together in Tartu to study the Estonian language and culture.

Age ranges over time: 12-73

Some countries of origin: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Peru, Romania, Russia, South-Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela

We divide students into groups based on their language level, age, motivation, etc. Yet in the classroom, a 16-year-old may be deskmates with a 60-year-old learner who may have quite different reasons for studying Estonian. Our teachers use materials that have been specially compiled for the Estonian Summer Courses and that are renewed each year.

The organising team has changed over the years, but the core values of delivering high-quality language lessons in a relaxed, culture-infused environment have remained the same. Since 2002, the Estonian Summer Courses have been part of the UniTartu Summer School.