How do international students thrive in a new country?

Often, the answer is simple: community. But behind every strong community, there is also thoughtful planning, shared learning and a clear understanding of why student stories matter. 

On 6-7 June, the Study in Estonia Student Ambassadors gathered in Viljandi for a two-day meeting dedicated to reviewing the past season, preparing for the new one and spending time together outside the usual study environment. The weekend brought together international students who have been sharing their stories about studying and living in Estonia, helping future students understand what life here is really like.

The meeting also marked the end of the season: a moment to look back, say thank you and reflect on the people behind the stories. For some ambassadors, it was also the closing of a meaningful chapter.

Estonia becomes more than a study destination

Many international students arrive in Estonia with hopes, questions and curiosity about what this new chapter will bring. Over time, Estonia often becomes much more than a place to study. 

It becomes a place where students grow, challenge themselves, build friendships and discover opportunities they may not have expected. For many, becoming a Study in Estonia Student Ambassador is one such opportunity.

At first, it may seem like a chance to share student experiences. But along the way, it becomes something more: a journey of storytelling, meeting new people, creating content, exploring different corners of Estonia and helping future students imagine what life here can look like. 

That is what makes the Student Ambassador programme valuable. It is not only about communication. It is about connection, trust and practical support for future students.

A practical meeting with a wider purpose  

The Viljandi meeting was not only a get-together. It was also a working meeting.

Together with the ambassadors, the Study in Estonia team reflected on the past season, discussed what had worked well and looked at how student-created content can be even more useful for future applicants. The meeting also helped prepare for the next season of the Student Ambassador programme: what kind of stories are needed, which questions future students are asking and how ambassadors can support them through honest, practical and relevant content.

Estonia is more than one city  

The weekend started with a train journey from Tallinn to Viljandi. For many international students, travelling across Estonia is part of the experience. Distances are manageable, nature is always close, and every town has its own character.

Choosing Viljandi for the meeting also had a wider purpose. It gave international students the opportunity to experience Estonia beyond the main university cities and helped introduce them to another important region of the country.

In this way, the meeting also supported regional engagement: showing that Estonia’s international student experience is not limited to Tallinn or Tartu. Smaller towns also carry an important part of Estonia’s story, identity and cultural life.

Learning what kind of stories matter  

After arriving in Viljandi, the ambassadors gathered at the opening seminar. The programme included a session with Kristiina Alliksaar, Director for Academic Affairs at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, followed by a workshop by Student Ambassador Anna Didyk. 

Kristiina introduced the ambassadors to the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy and its role in Estonian cultural education. The academy’s history reaches back to 1952, and today it brings together cultural heritage, music, performing arts, community development and creative entrepreneurship.

Her session also helped place the meeting in a wider regional context. Viljandi is not only known for its lake views and calm atmosphere, but also for its strong cultural identity, historic old town, castle park and long-standing role in Estonia’s cultural life. As part of the European Hanseatic cities and the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Viljandi offered the ambassadors a meaningful example of how Estonia’s regions contribute to the country’s story.

Anna’s workshop, “Metrics That Matter: Why Views and Followers Are Not the Full Story”, focused on an important question for anyone creating content: how do we know whether a story actually helps someone?

During the practical exercise, ambassadors worked in teams to generate content ideas, define their goals and connect them to the metrics that actually matter for promoting studies in Estonia.

Discovering Viljandi and its history  

After the seminar, the ambassadors joined a guided tour of Viljandi, giving the group a chance to experience the town together and learn more about its history.

This was an important part of the programme. Introducing international students to Estonia also means introducing them to the places, stories and cultural layers that shape the country.

Moments like these are an important part of the international student experience. Studying abroad is not only about choosing a university or a degree programme. It is also about discovering a new country, meeting people, building confidence and creating memories along the way. 

A chapter of growth  

Completing the Study in Estonia Student Ambassador programme is more than finishing a role. For many ambassadors, it is a chapter of personal and professional growth. It is a chance to look back and see how much has changed since arriving in Estonia: new skills, new confidence, new friendships and new opportunities.

The programme gives students a platform to speak, create, learn and represent their experience. But it also gives them something deeper - a sense of belonging. 

Through their work, Student Ambassadors help tell the story of Estonia as seen through the eyes of international students. They show what it means to study here, live here and grow here. And by doing so, they help future students take their first step with more confidence.

Thank you, Student Ambassadors  

The Study in Estonia Student Ambassadors play an important role in helping future students make informed decisions. They share practical information, honest experiences and personal stories about studying and living in Estonia. Their work builds trust. 

They show that Estonia is not just a place on the map or a list of study programmes. It is a place where students can learn, explore, contribute and grow.

Thank you to all Student Ambassadors for sharing your stories, supporting future students and inspiring others to start their own journey in Estonia.