Academic language studies abroad
Academic Estonian language studies abroad are intended to promote Estonia and Estonian by bringing educated people from diverse fields of life to the Estonian language and culture.
Estonian language and culture courses are taught in more than 30 higher educational institutions throughout Europe, America and Asia. Although the majority of Estonian language lecturers are either faculty members chosen by inter-university contracts, expatriates or estophiles; a number of posts are also filled by lecturers selected by the Ministry of Education and Research.
Although Estonian cannot be compared to major languages in terms of the numbers of speakers, we should not underestimate the interest shown in the Estonian language and culture abroad. The data available to the Ministry suggest that there were more than 1000 students studying Estonian at universities of other countries in the academic year 2017-2018.
Estonian language studies for children
In addition to academic studies, the Estonian language and culture are also taught at foreign general education schools, Sunday schools and hobby schools, various societies, nurseries, toddler groups and language courses. The aim of teaching Estonian abroad is to provide children of Estonian origin with the opportunity to maintain and develop their native language. The Estonian language skill is an important pre-requisite for returning to Estonia, continuing studies in the Estonian school system and functioning in Estonia.
With the Estonian expatriate communities becoming younger, the number of Estonian children living abroad is increasing, which in turn has led to an increase in the number of Estonian schools established abroad. In-service courses and seminars for tutors teaching Estonian abroad are carried out annually; children are also invited to attend language camps in Estonia; scholarships are awarded for continuing education at Estonian higher and vocational educational institutions and educational institutions are provided with teaching materials in Estonian.
Additional information
- List of educational institutions teaching the Estonian language abroad
- Ministry´s partner organisation in coordinating the Estonian language studies abroad is the Institute of the Estonian Language
Last updated: 15.11.2024