This blog post was written by our student ambassador Pooja, a PhD student at the Estonian Business School.
This is my fourth year as a Student Ambassador, and even after so many years, every new year feels different. I always meet new people, and many of them become wonderful friends. So when this year’s journey began, I already had that same happy feeling inside me, wondering who I would meet this time and how the weekend would go.
This year, the ambassador meet was special because it was not only Study in Estonia. It was a Study in Estonia program together with TalTech, the University of Tartu, and Tallinn University. All of us came together for a two-day meeting in Rakvere on the 8th and 9th of November.
We travelled from Tallinn to Rakvere. The journey felt short because I sat next to another ambassador and we spoke the whole way. He shared why he moved to Estonia, how his experience has been, and what he hopes for. Listening to him reminded me of my own journey so far. In no time, we reached Rakvere ahead of schedule.
We stayed at the Hotel. We immediately went for lunch because everyone was hungry. My favourite part of these meals is sitting with students from different countries and hearing their stories. Everyone comes to Estonia for a different reason, and hearing them always takes me back to why I came here years ago.
After lunch, we had our seminar. Since many universities were involved, the room felt lively. The first session was led by Eero Loonurm, Head of Higher Education International Marketing at the Education and Youth Board of Estonia (Haridus- ja Noorteamet). He explained the whole journey of studying in Estonia — from the main strategy to the results we reached in 2025. He shared how many international students study here, from which countries they come, and how Estonia continues to support students by creating more programs. Every year, I hear something new, and it always inspires me.
Later, one of the student ambassadors spoke about managing the Study in Estonia Social Media page and shared simple tips about making posts. After that, we checked into our rooms and had a short break.
In the evening, we walked to Rakvere Loovuskeskus. I have been to Rakvere before, but walking through the quiet streets this time felt very peaceful. At Loovuskeskus, we had a fun activity. We had to choose a partner we did not know, spend time talking to them, understand their personality and then make a soap for them as a personalised gift. My partner was a student from the University of Tartu — a very humble person. Making the soap for him felt very meaningful, and receiving the same from him was just WOW.
We also had a group game with a big sheet that had hobbies written on it — winter swimming, cycling, dancing, cooking and many more. We had to walk around, talk to everyone and fill in the names of people who do these activities. I spoke a lot, and somehow I won this game by collecting the most names, Yipee.
The team also gave us a kama drink mixed with kohupiim. It had a different taste, but I enjoyed trying something new.
When we returned to the hotel, the schedule said “free time,” but honestly, when so many students are together, there is no free time. We all simply gathered in one ambassador’s room — new ambassadors, old ambassadors, all sitting together. We played games, talked, laughed, and enjoyed the moment. It reminded me of school days, where the simplest things give the most joy.
Later, we went for dinner. A long table was arranged for all of us, and seeing everyone in their colourful hoodies made the whole room look lively. The food was good, but the conversations were even better. Students from different countries, studying different programs, speaking different languages — all sitting together and sharing stories. It felt very warm and friendly.
After dinner, none of us felt like sleeping. So again we gathered in another room and played games with some international students who were also staying in the hotel. I met so many new people that evening. It felt like I already knew them from before. We slept late, but it was worth it.
The next morning we woke up early, had breakfast and checked out. Then we walked to Rakvere Castle. I have visited the castle before, but this guided tour was completely different. Listening to a local guide made a huge difference. He told us how the castle was built, how people lived there, what kind of battles took place, and so many small stories that you never notice on your own.
We tried archery, saw different rooms and even learned how gunpowder was invented. The torture room was very shocking. I had seen it before with my family, but this time the guide explained why and how these tools were used in old times. It gave a very new understanding.
Then we entered the haunted trail — the escape game. Our group got lost inside the maze, and we kept laughing because we really could not figure out the right way. But finally, we escaped, and it felt so good.
After the tour, we walked for lunch. By then, we were tired from walking, but the food felt comforting. After lunch, we walked back to the bus and returned to Tallinn.
This Rakvere trip gave me so much — new friends, new stories, new memories. Every student comes to Estonia with a different background and dream, and listening to them makes me appreciate our community even more. And every year, Study in Estonia makes sure that all students feel included and never left out. I have been part of this group for three years, and I have always felt supported, heard and welcomed.
These two days were full of talking, laughing, learning, exploring and connecting. It was the perfect start to another ambassador year, and I am truly looking forward to what this year will bring.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
Read more blog posts:
- Get to know Estonian universities through virtual tours!
- 7 benefits of studying abroad
- Studying in Estonia: Frequently Asked Questions