From Northern China to pursuing a degree in Estonia Studies: Yijia Chen鈥檚 journey of discovery and growth
Estonia isn鈥檛 a mainstream destination for study or travel, but for Yijia Chen, that was part of the appeal. While researching the country, she realised how little was known about it internationally, and that sense of mystery sparked her curiosity. Drawn to the unfamiliar, she applied for the Estonian Studies program at Tallinn University, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of both Estonia and the Western world. What she found was more than just an education, it was a journey of self-discovery, adaptation, and growth.
While searching about Estonia on the internet, I found that very few people knew about the country, as Estonia was not a mainstream education or travel destination. Yet I was attracted by the unknown and the remoteness, so I applied for the program of Estonian Studies with the aim of having a better understanding of Estonia and even the West. For me, Estonia was not only my official departure from home, but also a gateway to a new world, the western world.
During the two years of study at Tallinn University, I gained a wide knowledge of Estonian history, society, and culture. My Estonian language proficiency also improved significantly. The intensive academic workload during the first two semesters armed me with strong skills, such as academic writing and critical thinking, helping me go this far. I was unconfident about my academic ability in the beginning, but now, I am proud of myself for everything I have accomplished thanks to the training of the university.
LIFE projects and other Estonian studies courses
What I enjoyed the most among all the courses was the 鈥淟IFE鈥 (Learning in Interdisciplinary Focused Environment) project, where I worked with some other students to help Estonian learners notice the linguistic environment by taking photos of Estonian words in daily life. During the process, I learned to adapt to our differences and find solutions to disagreements, communicate effectively, and I eventually led the team toward the achievement of our common goal. Initially, I did not understand why we were required to do the 鈥淟IFE鈥 project, but later I realised that the structure of the project was similar to a mini-MA thesis but with more flexibility. So, working on the project helped to prepare us with a basic understanding of what an MA thesis should look like. Indeed, this was very helpful for thesis writing in the second academic year. For this reason, I am thankful for the project and the preparation it offered.
In addition to LIFE, some other courses in the program, such as Introduction to Estonian Studies, were quite interesting. Of course, there were lectures on various aspects of Estonian culture. I was particularly inspired by Estonian theatre, which plays a significant role in Estonian society. I also had the opportunity to read several great screen scripts, contemplating important topics such as AI and humanity. Not only did my knowledge of Estonia grow, but my understanding of history, environment, technology, and humans also expanded. Overall, the courses in the program of Estonian Studies contained valuable and rich information, which will benefit anyone who is interested in the country and wants to learn more.
Challenges faced
Despite all the gains, what I found the most challenging was academic writing in English. I did not have sufficient training back in China and academic English felt alien to me in the beginning. But practice makes perfect. We grow and become better at what we do through hard work, and with some patience, improvement will be made. Now, I am not afraid of writing in English anymore owing to all the practice..
Apart from academic challenges, connecting with people seemed a bit difficult at first due to the seemingly unfriendly attitude the Estonian people show towards foreigners. Those from countries where people are more open and outgoing may need some time to adapt. I still remember that when I took the bus in Tallinn for the first time, people on the bus all looked angry with pouty faces for some reason.
However, things were different in the second year, because I myself changed. I started to genuinely appreciate the place and also smiled at those walking past me, sometimes on the street and sometimes in the forest. I tried to not judge people based on my assumptions and observations of how they acted or seemed. I just sent my smile without caring how they responded. Surprisingly, most times, they also smiled back. In addition, I received generous help from strangers here and I saw kind people helping others without even being asked. That was when I realised that Estonian people are not what their faces show us. Many have warm hearts, and it is okay for that not to be written across their faces at first glance. It is also great that they are honest about it. So, I believe the key to being happy as a foreigner in Estonia is to stop judging and start accepting the people the way they are. When we change, the world around us changes too!
Tips for current and prospective students
I would like to emphasise four points. Firstly, be clear about your goal of studying in Estonia. Know what you want and prioritise it. Sometimes, life can be chaotic. Knowing your priorities will keep you on track and prevent you from getting lost in the chaos.
Secondly, try to learn the language. Understanding even a bit of Estonia will really help you navigate more easily and it will also help you impress Estonians. Yes, you get to see their smiling faces! Big bonus, if you ask me! Besides, Estonians have websites for nearly everything. So, make use of social media and various internet sources to obtain information. It is super convenient.
I would also recommend travelling outside of Tallinn to the countryside to experience an even more authentic Estonia. The islands including Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are my top recommendations. In the first summer holiday, I volunteered on a sheep farm in Hiiumaa. As a city girl, I was never so close to nature before, and I was deeply amazed by the landscape on the island, the wonder of life, and the traditional rural lifestyle that Estonian people are still living. This experience completely changed my perception of Estonia, my relationship with nature, and my knowledge of myself. It enlightened me in a way that I never imagined. So, for anyone who studies in the program or is curious about the Estonian countryside, I would highly recommend visiting the islands. If possible, live with the locals, eat with them, work with them, go to the sauna with them, or even drink with them. I guarantee you that the sharp contrast between urban and rural Estonia will open your mind and become your unforgettable memory.
The final tip is more of a perspective and it is based on something I learned during these years abroad (I am now back in China). This perspective I am about to share helped me tremendously to be who I want to be and to have some peace of mind. So, what is it? The thing is to let go of the desire to control how things unfold and let go of your expectations. Instead, accept and appreciate every moment and every experience you have, here in Estonia or anywhere else. Everything can be a valuable asset for you, including pain, loss, and loneliness. It merely depends on how you perceive it and how you interpret it. You are the creator of your world, and you experience the world you create. So, fill your world with wild imagination, with self-acceptance and non-judgement, with infinite gratitude and love! Meanwhile, let life happen to you! Be open to all that comes! Learn from all experiences so that you know yourself better! Trust yourself! Trust life! Trust that you have all the wisdom and courage to face whatever comes! Trust that you already have everything you need to be happy!
Reflecting on my overall experience, studying at Tallinn University took me on a journey of profound knowledge and growth. Meanwhile, living in Estonia opened a window to endless possibilities and potentials within myself. I am now a more aware version of myself. I used to be a planner who liked to plan everything and easily got upset when things didn鈥檛 go as planned. But now I am learning to embrace the uncertainties and the flow of life, and to trust that life will eventually lead me to where I belong. For now, I am still unsure about what is next for me, but I am now knowing, learning, and loving myself better. In fact, I have decided to practice these by travelling a little and trying all the things I have always wanted to do. I believe that the process of exploration is my reward, not the result.