Romanticizing My Estonian Learning Era

Submitted by Triinu on Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:00

This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.

Learning is hard. Learning a new language? It feels like I’ve signed up for an extreme sport. But here I am, and I have even challenged myself to reach B1 by the end of 2025. I can hear the laughter. Sure, the language has 14 cases, and grammar rules that make my brain short-circuit. But if people can run marathons, climb mountains, and willingly jump out of airplanes, I can willingly do this. Yes, it’s daunting, but it’s all about breaking it down into bite-sized chunks. In this blog I would like to share what I plan to use to achieve my goals. I’m here to romanticize this process, embrace the beauty of the language, and just maybe, fall in love with Estonian. Hopefully I can inspire others to get the b1 by the end of the year.

Why I’m Learning Estonian

I believe people connect more deeply when they speak in their native tongue, and I want to connect with Estonians and not just the version of themselves they present in English, but their true Estonian selves. Some say that every language comes with its own personality, and I’ve seen glimpses of Estonia’s English-speaking personality. But what about the one hidden behind their mother tongue? When I lived in South America, I experienced this firsthand. Even though I could somewhat speak the local language fluently, something always felt different. I was more reserved, less expressive. But with someone who spoke my native language, I felt free. I joked more, laughed more, and connected on a deeper level. I wonder if Estonians feel the same way.

With learning Estonian I wish to understand more about the culture. Every language has words and expressions that don’t quite translate into English, carrying meanings that can only be fully understood by those who live within that language. I’m excited to discover what those are for Estonian. Maybe it’s the way they say certain things, or the emotions embedded in their words. Whatever it is, Estonian is as unique as the country itself and I’m ready to embrace every moment of learning it.

What I’m Using to Learn Estonian

1. Estonian Class at University

I started my Estonian learning journey with formal classes at the University of Tartu. With these classes I was able to understand the structure of the language and I had a dedicated space to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. The structured lessons made everything seem less overwhelming. The university also offers Estonian language summer schools, which are a great way to continue learning in an immersive environment. Plus, there are scholarships available through Studyinestonia.

2. Translating Songs

One of the most enjoyable ways I’ve immersed myself in the language is by translating songs. A song I have on repeat right now is Sekundiga by Traffic. There’s something magical about singing along to it and suddenly realizing you understand the lyrics.

3. Podcasts

Podcasts have become a part of my daily routine. Whether I’m cooking dinner, walking around town, or just relaxing at home, I try to have an Estonian podcast playing in the background. The best part? It’s conversational Estonian. I’ve been listening to podcasts like Eesti Keele Instituut and Ööülikool. Right now, distinguishing individual words is still tricky, but just getting used to the rhythm and sound of the language is already helping. Podcasts expose me to slang, expressions, and colloquialisms I’d never learn from a textbook. Plus, they’re a great way to hear how the language flows naturally.

4. Watching the Estonian Netflix (TV Jupiter)

I know it sounds a little silly, but watching Estonian cartoons has been a surprisingly effective way to learn. Whether it’s a kids’ show or a more serious series, these programs let me hear Estonian in a fun way. TV Jupiter has been a great source for this, offering a variety of Estonian-language content for free.

5. Estonian Website (Keelelikk)

I like to use the Keeleklikk website. It is an interactive site that helps me understand situational context. The clear explanations and interactive exercises make it feel less like a chore and more like I’m solving a mystery every time I get a new rule down. I’ve found that a little bit of detective work each day can really help solidify the language’s more complex aspects.

6. Dictionary (sonaveeb)

I use this online dictionary to help me see the different forms of the verb. Of course, no learning journey would be complete without a trusty dictionary.

7. ChatGPT

ChatGPT has a voice-interactive feature where you can ask it to help with your language learning. The free version has a limited time, but it's good for practice if you’re not ready to speak with an Estonian just yet. I also use ChatGPT to practice writing in Estonian and get sentence structures right. It’s like having a friendly, non-judgmental tutor who helps me make sense of everything.

8. Events

I've attended a few Estonian events, including a recent play that was performed entirely in Estonian. It was a bit hard to follow, but they provided an English translation to help. Still, it was great to see the expressions and hear the words being used in context. The real magic happened in those moments when I could piece together enough to follow along and connect with the emotions being conveyed. Even if I don’t fully understand everything, just being in that environment makes me feel more connected to the language.

Language exchanges and attending language cafés have also been fantastic ways to practice speaking.

9. SettleinEstonia

Settle in Estonia also provides Estonian language classes if you don’t want to take them at the university. They offer various language events for immersion. These events are a great way to meet other learners and native speakers while getting comfortable with the language in real-life situations.

10. Learning New Words Every Day

I’ve made it a point to learn a new word every day, and even though it might sound small, it adds up. It’s one more step closer to mastering this beautiful language.

Some days, it feels like I’m making real progress in the language learning process. Other days, I’m convinced the language is just playing tricks on me. But every new word I learn, every conversation I attempt, and every small victory along the way makes the journey worthwhile.

Will I reach B1 by the end of 2025? Time will tell. And if you’re on a similar journey, I hope this inspires you to romanticize your own language learning adventure. Let’s conquer Estonian, one case at a time.

Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.