Curious about studying and living in Estonia? Study in Estonia Student Ambassadors represent their universities, home countries, and student life in Estonia to international students considering higher education in Estonia. Get a glimpse of what it's like being a foreign student in Estonia and receive the latest student advice based on hands-on experience.
Pooja
Nationality: Indian
University:Estonian Business School
Programme: Management (PhD)
The land of Unicorns made Pooja decide that this is the place where she wants to be. Completing that dream, she became a part of the MBA program at Estonian Business School and after that PhD. She is very social and active when it comes down to helping international students settle in Estonia. Being a student ambassador allows her to share her experience related to Estonian education system with the world.
Ramas Ramales
Nationality: Mexican
University: Estonian Academy of Arts Programme: Animation (MA)
Drawn by Estonia’s remarkable tradition in animation and the global recognition of EKA’s professors, Ramas knew this was the place where she wanted to grow as an artist. Inspired by the long list of successful EKA animation graduates, she joined the MA programme with the dream of contributing to that legacy. She is very social, curious, and always eager to learn and help others. With experience in language diffusion and preservation, she brings a deep cultural perspective to her creative work. As a Student Ambassador, she hopes to share her journey and help others discover the inspiring world of Estonian art and animation.
Allyjah Viene
Nationality: Filipino
University: Estonian Academy of Arts Programme: Interaction Design
My search for a safe place to learn and grow as an individual and professional led me to Estonia. In my first few months here, I can say that I made the right choice. Each new day brings me challenges, opportunities, and surprises; all of which are helping me discover myself and push my limits. I’m excited to flourish as a designer and help aspiring international students get to Estonia along the way!
Avneet
Nationality: Indian
University: Tallinn University Programme: junior research fellow in Linguistics
Avneet is a junior research fellow in Linguistics at Tallinn University. He graduated from the University of Tartu with a Master’s degree in Estonian and Finno-ugric languages and is thrilled about communication, cultures, and culinary traditions from around the world. Surprisingly, he didn’t know Estonia existed until 2016, but now he’s absolutely delighted!
In addition to his academic work, Avneet has gained industry experience working for an Estonian unicorn. He believes Estonia is an incredible place for students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. He is dedicated to sharing the amazing opportunities that await international students who want to study in Estonia. Avneet’s life changed after studying in Estonia, and now it’s your turn to experience the magic too!
Katherine
Nationality: American
University: TalTech Programme: Technology Governance and Sustainability (MSc)
After visiting Estonia on a writer's retreat while working on her first master's thesis, Katherine fell in love with the people and the culture. Katherine is from the United States and lived the last few years in Washington, D.C. However, she considers her heart home to be Ukraine, where she worked as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer for 4 years. From years of working in the international development and democratization sector, she recognized that an area of great need was technical and digital innovation. Katherine decided to pursue a second master's at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) in Technology Governance and Sustainability. During her first year, she performed stand-up, visited many saunas, survived winter swimming, and drank many cups of coffee. Being a student ambassador means that she gets to share her experience learning Estonian, trying various dishes, and how the academic experience is different from that in the United States.
Paul Pagay
Nationality: Filipino-American
University: Estonian Academy of Arts Programme: Urban Studies (MSc)
As an interdisciplinary music artist with a fondness for cities, technology and design, I’ve found moving abroad to Estonia such a wonderfully aligned opportunity for me. I’ve observed how Estonia beautifully bridges both the old and new, nature and urban, historical and digital, which has inspired me to immerse more into the country’s culture not just as a student but also with my career and personal growth.
It is safe to say that Estonia has brought me to a fresh start with limitless experiences to look more forward to. As a student ambassador, my goal is to support aspiring students in navigating their own path here in Estonia while also enjoying the process!
Christina Grozou
Nationality: Greek
University: University of Tartu Programme: Genomics (PhD)
As a curious traveller and researcher, I am always looking for new adventures and places to discover. The idea of moving to Estonia first started growing on me when I was introduced to the topic of my thesis. Later, I was invited here by what is now my research group, and that was when I began seriously thinking about what life in Estonia might be like. I immediately fell in love with the natural landscapes, the endless forests within and around the city, the peaceful environment, and the different approach people have to everyday life.
Huzaifa Ahmad
Nationality: Pakistani
University: Estonian Academy of Arts - EKA Programme: MA Interaction Design
EKA’s humanity-centred approach to design and Tallinn’s creative culture brought me to Estonia. Since moving here, I’ve experienced more in a month than I could have imagined experiencing in a year. I love that you can walk almost anywhere, with the sea always close by, and that there’s always something new to discover. And I must mention my love for Kohuke (sweet curd snack) and Pulla Bakery’s cinnamon buns, which I now make sure to have at least once a week. I love communities, stories and trying new things, and Estonia has given me so many opportunities to experience all three. As a Study in Estonia Student Ambassador, I hope to share my experience of studying and building a life here, while helping other students discover what makes Estonia feel like a place to belong.
Delbert Kipyegon
Nationality: Kenyan
University: Tallinn University Programme: MSc Human Computer Interaction
Tere! I am Delbert. I am a tech entrepreneur and product-minded software engineer. I like music, play a couple of instruments, a football enthusiast and I go to a lot of hackathons. I chose Estonia because it is a great environment to push my potential to its maximum limit and beyond. Estonia is a startup hub which aligns greatly with my life goals at the moment. Learning about Bolt, Wise, Pipedrive, Latitude59, and all the other big companies made me want to come and learn here, exposing myself to top tier tech entrepreneurship environments. Additionally, Estonia being the most digitilized country in Europe, this is a hot spot, the systems here work. Getting almost everything done from your phone is truly a wonderful experience. This is knowledge I would like to bring back home and help develop the next big thing in Africa and also the world. Meeldiv tutvuda!
Salma Badawy Elsayed
Nationality: Egyptian
University: Tallinn University Programme: BA in Humanities
I was drawn to Estonia by nature; both the country’s forests and seasons and my own love of autumn and winter. As a language enthusiast, I’m now majoring in Estonian Studies at TLU. Tallinn’s walkable streets, cozy cafés and creative culture fit me perfectly. Since moving here, I’ve experienced my first snow, had deep conversations with Estonians who are warm and fun contrary to popular belief. Somehow I’ve discovered a love for buckwheat, salted fish, and sour cream! And renewed my appreciation for a good load of leib (rye black bread) and breakfast porridge. They’re all right up my alley. I like to bake, walk and document my days, and Estonia has given me endless inspiration for all three. And I hope my documentation gives you an insider view on what living in Estonia as a student is like. And until we meet, may you have warm bowls and healed souls :)
Vira
Nationality: Ukrainian
University: TalTech Programme: Technology Governance and Sustainability (MSc)
My journey in Estonia began at TalTech, where I completed my Bachelor of Laws and decided to continue my studies with a Master’s degree in Technology Governance and Sustainability. What started as a place to study has gradually become my second home. Since moving here in 2023, I’ve met people from all over the world and created countless wonderful memories. Estonia has given me unforgettable experiences, meaningful friendships and, most importantly, a place I will always want to return to. I’ve also had the opportunity to volunteer and fundraise for Ukraine. The support and solidarity I’ve experienced from people in Estonia have made me feel especially welcome and reminded me that, even when you are far from home, you can still find a community that stands by you.
Navhya
Nationality: Indian
University: EBS Programme: MBA
I am a medical doctor and the Co Founder of Nonico. I am also a lifelong learner. I came to Estonia on a full scholarship to the University of Tartu to study wellness, and later joined Estonian Business School to develop my business and finance skills.
I believe the best longevity hack is to keep learning, reinventing ourselves and never let age define our curiosity or opportunities. I have travelled extensively, taken part in exchange programmes and internships in Greece, Spain, France and Poland.
I am a certified yoga instructor, trained classical dancer, avid reader and an author in the making. I love cooking and can cook cuisines from at least 15 countries. I am also part of AI Estonia, exploring AI and its impact on healthcare, and hackathons have become a new passion.
