“I have always wanted to travel and see the world. That is why I selected a degree in global studies at Appalachian State University. The opportunity to study abroad was a driving force behind my decision in program and university. As a transfer student, I knew I needed to get the most out of the short two years left in my bachelor’s. I chose Russian as my foreign language and began learning it from square one. Given the current political climate, finding a university offering Russian language classes was not an easy feat. That is when I found the University of Tartu in Estonia. I knew very little about Estonia but loved the pictures of the beautiful Old Town in Tallinn (the capital) and the amazing, snowy winters and enrolled for the academic year 2023-24.
My arrival to Tartu was exciting and full of adventure (including a bus breaking down from the airport and the unhappy realization that many places in Europe do not have air conditioning). From my first day in Tartu, I have had the amazing experience of meeting international students from all over the world. My first semester I lived with girls from China, France, the Czech Republic and Germany. The student atmosphere in Tartu is amazing with constant events and opportunities for making friends. I also had a great time exploring different parts of Estonia and the surrounding countries like Latvia, Lithuania and Finland. I have met many Estonians and have had the opportunity to personally see how wrong stereotypes can be. Estonians are often painted as introverted and cold people and, though this can be the initial experience on first meeting, I have personally found them to be incredibly fun, hospitable, and kind. I joined AEGEE-Tartu, which is a European student organization that connects students from all over the EU and allows for cross-cultural dialogue and exchange, and I have made many Estonian friends. I have also had many unforgettable experiences from the local culture, like saunas, student song festivals, and Estonian folk dancing.
Tartu University is beautiful and historic (est. 1632). I attend the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies and take Russian classes in the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures. I have found all of my classes to be informative and incredibly interesting. It has been eye-opening to be informed of the differing opinions of my fellow students and professors. I have participated in conflict simulations, seminar discussions on power and international politics, and visited the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with my classmates and professor, the Former Estonian Ambassador to Germany. I enjoyed my studies and opportunities here in Estonia so much that I have extended my studies another semester, the last in my bachelor’s studies. The experiences and education I have received on my study abroad have left impressions that will last well beyond my academic career. I highly recommend it to every student!”
—Rachel G. Royster, a senior majoring in global studies and minoring in Russian
Royster with a group of friends in Estonia. Photo submitted
Royster with a group of friends in Estonia. Photo submitted