This blog post was written by our student ambassador Sadik Hossain, who is a student at TalTech.
Tere!
When I first arrived in Estonia from Bangladesh, I didn’t know that this small, quiet country in Northern Europe would become such a powerful turning point in my life. I came here for education, but I stayed and grew because Estonia gave me something more: a space where ideas, skills, and dreams could become a reality.
From a Bachelor’s Degree to a Master’s at TalTech
My journey began at Tallinn University, where I completed my Bachelor’s studies. Moving from Bangladesh to Tallinn was a big leap. Everything was different: the weather, the language (not so much as everyone speaks English), and the people. But Estonia made it easy to adapt. The education system was structured, modern, and practical. Professors were accessible. Classrooms were multicultural. I felt like my voice mattered.
After finishing my Bachelor’s, I didn’t hesitate to continue with a Master’s degree at TalTech, one of the most innovative tech-focused universities in the region. My thesis focused on how banks can support digital platform businesses. It wasn’t just theoretical. I interviewed founders, analysed case studies, and built something meaningful. That’s what Estonian education offers: it pushes you to connect learning with real-world impact.
Estonia Made Me More Than Just a Student
Studying here never felt like just sitting in a classroom and passing exams. Estonia encourages students to be doers. To create. To collaborate.
During my studies, I also joined Wise, one of Estonia’s most successful fintech companies. I worked in the Workforce Management team. It was not just a job. It was a window into the Estonian startup culture, lean, focused, and always moving fast. At Wise, I am part of a team that has built global solutions.
Balancing work and study wasn’t easy, but Estonia made it manageable. Public transport was reliable, the digital ID system saved hours of paperwork, and the work culture respected education and personal time. Estonia knows how to value talent, no matter where you come from.
A Place Where Ideas Can Actually Happen
Many international students dream of building their own thing, such as launching a startup, solving problems, or simply doing something on their own terms. In many countries, that dream feels far away. In Estonia, it feels doable.
I started working on my own side hustle, which is my own SaaS product, during the final stretch of my Master’s. Estonia gave me the freedom to experiment and the tools to act. You don’t have to wait for permission here. You have access to digital services, startup accelerators, and mentors. People respond to your emails. Even government offices are fast and paperless.
There’s something deeply empowering about building a business in a country where entrepreneurship is not only supported, but it's expected.
Life Outside the Classroom (and the Office)
Living in Estonia isn’t just about work and study. There’s something peaceful and healing about Estonian nature. I’ve gone from sprinting through the chaos of Dhaka traffic to walking in the forests of Nõmme (a town in Tallinn) or enjoying a quiet coffee on a snowy Tallinn evening. The calmness helps you think.
Sure, the winters are long and the sunlight is rare, but you learn to find rhythm in the quiet. You learn resilience. Estonia teaches you to focus without distractions, to build without noise.
Advice for Students Thinking About Estonia
If you’re considering Estonia for your studies or startup dream, here’s my honest advice:
- Use your time wisely: Education here is flexible. You can work, build, and learn at the same time.
- Build relationships: People may seem quiet at first, but once you connect, they’re deeply supportive.
- Explore the startup scene: Attend events, pitch your ideas. Even small ones.
- Embrace the digital life: From signing contracts online to managing your taxes, Estonia makes things smooth.
- Give yourself time: It takes a few months to adjust, but once you do, you’ll feel grounded.
Final Thoughts
Estonia didn’t just give me a degree. It gave me direction. I came here with questions, and I’m leaving with something better in the sense of who I am and what I can do now. Whether you’re a student, a dreamer, or someone who wants to turn an idea into a product, Estonia might just be the place you’ve been looking for. I’m living proof that this small country can make a big impact on your life. If you’re still deciding, don’t just ask, “Will I fit in?” Instead, ask: “What can I grow here?” For me, the answer was: everything.
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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