Student exchange to Estonia
If you are set on a European exchange but want a cool alternative to the ever-popular Italy, France or Germany, consider Estonia.
Tere!
This small Baltic nation is clean, safe, tech-savvy, and culturally vibrant. Estonia will capture your heart with its natural beauty, medieval architecture, and rich cultural traditions.
Estonia’s natural beauty, nature reserves, hiking trails, and unique activities like bog-walking complement its progressive tech industry and stunning medieval towns like Tallinn, with cobblestone town squares and ancient walls built around the city.
Our Estonian program includes multiple orientations to support you throughout your exchange. You’ll start with an arrival orientation, which includes a crash course in Estonian, supplemented by online tuition at the start of your program. Additionally, exchange students enjoy two field trips within Estonia, providing opportunities to explore more of the country outside your host community and connect with other exchange students from around the world.
Family life
Estonian families are typically small and hospitable, making it easy to form deep, lasting connections.
Your host family will be just as interested to learn about your life in Australia as you are interested in immersing yourself in this wonderful country.
Mealtimes are very important to Estonian families. Everyone comes together to eat and discuss their day and other topics. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other and share experiences.
On the weekends or school holidays, there may be opportunities to travel with your host family to discover Estonia’s natural beauty and captivating cities and towns.
“My host family were really lovely and showed me a lot of the country. I especially loved Talin with its medieval influence.” Katie
School
Estonian schools are renowned for their high standards and top-tier education system that emphasises technology and equity.
Students find school in Estonia very different from Australia, with frequent short breaks and often the same peers and teachers across subjects. School runs Monday to Friday, and you finish at different times depending on your year level and schedule. Uniforms are generally not required. Instruction will likely be in Estonian, a language closely related to Finnish. Students and teachers will help you adapt, and you’ll learn the basics in no time! Music is a compulsory subject in Estonian schools, reflecting the country’s long tradition of singing. Joining the school choir is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture and language. Estonian schools highly value extracurricular activities, offering numerous school-based hobby groups for you to join.
“I’m really into IT, so it was great to stay in a country that loves tech as much as I do.” Jack
Teenage life
Estonian teenagers lead active and socially engaged lives, balancing school, hobbies, and time with friends.
Many Estonian teens play basketball, volleyball, soccer (football), and cross-country skiing. Socialising with friends is an essential aspect of Estonian teenage life, and many enjoy spending time with friends in cafes, the cinema, attending concerts, or participating in local festivals.
Food
Wait till you try Kringle - Estonian cinnamon braid bread!
Rooted in traditional flavours, staples like mashed potatoes with blood sausages or ‘bors’ (Borsh), a beetroot soup can be enjoyed throughout the year, showcasing the influence of the Baltic region’s agricultural heritage. Unique dishes like ‘kama’, a blend of roasted barley, rye, oat, and pea flour, add a distinctive touch to Estonian gastronomy. You will enjoy the comforting warmth of ‘karask’ bread in winter, and the fluffy Estonian pancakes will be a hit. A popular snack is ‘Kohuke’ – a curd that is not quite milk and not quite cheese, mixed with vanilla and encased in chocolate – yum!
Pricing & details
Programs, important dates, pricing and inclusions.
Classic
Our Classic student exchange programs are designed to promote cultural understanding. They allow students to learn a new language, experience a new education system, and gain insights into local customs, traditions, and family dynamics.
Important Info
- Must be between 14 and 18 years of age on departure
- No language prerequisite, but it’s recommended to do an online course if no prior learning
- Late applications may be accepted
- Departure dates are flexible and subject to approval. Additional costs may apply for pick-up and drop-off
- An Estonian resident permit is required for Semester and Year students
- All prices are in $AUD
Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Domestic flights within Australia to the departing city (Melbourne or Sydney)
- Domestic travel from the arrival airport in Estonia to your Host Family location, if required
- Comprehensive Travel insurance with unlimited medical and health coverage
- 24/7 emergency support in Estonia
- Pre-Departure Meeting
- Orientation August departure
- Field Trips
- Half Board in a fully screened host family
- Enrolment at your host school
Exclusions
- Estonia consulate VISA processing fees. All required documentation will be provided to you
- Personal spending money
Duration
Travel Dates
Application Deadline
Notes
Pricing
Want more info?
Submit your expression of interest and a Students of the World team-member will provide you with more!
FAQs
Can I choose a specific city or region for my high school student exchange placement?
You can tell us your preferred city or region for your high school exchange program, and some destinations offer a Select Program that allows you to choose a specific area.
We will always do our best to consider your preference, but placements depend on host family availability and suitability, so the location cannot be guaranteed.
Students are matched and placed with families from across the destination country.
We prioritise the things you and the host family have in common over the specific location. To make the most of your program, it’s important to be flexible and open-minded.
Will I need a visa for my high school student exchange program, and who organises it?
Visa requirements depend on your destination and the length of your high school exchange program, and if a visa is required, we guide you to start the application process.
In many European Union countries, a visa is not required for short programs under 90 days. For programs longer than three months, a visa may be necessary. If you do need a visa, we will help you begin the application process and ensure you understand the steps involved. Visa costs are not included in the program fee.
Learn more about program lengths and destinations on our Student Exchange Programs page.
For general visa and entry information, visit Smartraveller’s visa guidance page.
How much pocket money should I bring for my high school exchange?
Students typically need around $500–$600 per month during their high school student exchange to cover personal expenses, local transport, school lunches and social activities.