Coping with change and settling in Estonia

Leaving home to study abroad is a major step that comes with both excitement and challenges. In the 16th episode of the second season of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast (check it out here), titled “Coping with change and settling in Estonia”, host Vincent Arata speaks with two international students - Yumna Abusalah, a first-year Medicine student from Greece and Palestine, and Ibrahim Mammadli, a second-year master’s student in International Relations and Regional Studies from Azerbaijan. Together, they discuss what it’s like to move far from family and friends, adapt to life in Estonia, and find comfort in new routines, communities, and cultural experiences in Tartu.

The two start off by sharing their stories of why they ended up choosing the University of Tartu. Ibrahim explained that his best friend was already studying there, which led him to explore the university himself. With a background in politics and an interest in post-Soviet relations, he saw Estonia as the perfect place to gain first-hand insight into the region and decided to apply.

Yumna recalled how her own path to Estonia was a spontaneous one. She discovered the UT thanks to her father, who mentioned the programme randomly one day. Intrigued, she looked it up and was immediately drawn to the country’s unique charm and the programme’s perfect fit with her goals. Unlike Ibrahim, who had long planned to study abroad, Yumna’s decision came more suddenly - but it seemed right for her. Having attended a British International School, she was already open to the idea of studying overseas and was prepared for a new cultural experience. Moving abroad, she said, was a way to challenge herself and follow in her sister’s footsteps.

When asked how their families reacted to the move, Yumna shared that her parents were mostly supportive. Many of her friends had also gone abroad, making reunions during the holidays a comforting tradition. Ibrahim’s experience, however, was more emotional. As the only son in his family, his mother struggled with accepting his decision to move, while his father was more encouraging.

Both recalled being immediately charmed by Estonia upon arrival. For Yumna, Tartu’s old buildings, clean streets, and a welcome change from the fast pace of her hometown green surroundings matched her expectations perfectly. Ibrahim, meanwhile, was struck by the abundance of nature and the relaxed rhythm of student life, which was quite a nice change from his hometown’s fast pace.

The topic of cultural differences came next, and Yumna, as a Mediterranean person, admitted that Estonians seemed distant at first, though she quickly learned that beneath the surface, they were warm, kind people. Ibrahim agreed, joking that a drink often helps break the ice.

When it came to homesickness, both instantly mentioned how much they missed specific comforting food. Ibrahim had packed half his luggage with food from home, while Yumna missed the Greek sun and olive oil, so she brought her own supply to Estonia.

Their families’ visits were rare but meaningful. Yumna’s parents helped her settle in, while Ibrahim hasn’t been able to host his family yet due to visa issues. Both students, however, stay in touch with their families quite often, but in different ways. Yumna prefers daily calls, which ground her and help her feel connected. Ibrahim prefers a more “classic” approach, with text or voice messages, and even handwritten letters.

Building their own communities and friendships in Tartu came naturally to both. Ibrahim connected with other students from the Caucasus and the Middle East, often through online groups, before even arriving in Estonia. Yumna, meanwhile, found herself drawn to international circles and new hobbies, such as kickboxing.

Adapting to Estonia’s winter was another learning curve. Both had to rethink their wardrobes and quickly discovered the importance of layers and vitamin D. Yumna relied on local friends for advice on how to dress, such as double layering socks with boots. Ibrahim had a much more adventurous adaptation to Estonian winter and even embraced the sauna-and-cold-plunge tradition with open arms.

Daily life brought smaller adjustments, too, like learning the recycling rules and mastering the city’s very user-friendly bike system. Looking back, Yumna would tell her past self to worry less and enjoy the ride, while Ibrahim would remind himself to socialise more, stress less about grades, get good winter gear early, and stay curious about local culture.

The students offered local recommendations and tips for the new students. Yumna suggested exploring thrift shops and trying “juusturull”, her favourite Estonian snack. Ibrahim went for Vana Tallinn, a local cream liqueur, more specifically, the ice-cream flavoured one mixed into coffee. Together with this decadent treat, he also encouraged everyone to visit Estonia’s lakes, whether for a summer swim or a bold winter dip.

Although everyone’s journey in Estonia is different, both students reflected on how much they had grown since moving here. With growth, curiosity, and proactivity, anyone’s academic life in Tartu is bound to become a cosy and rewarding experience, as shown by Yumna and Ibrahim.

Listen to the "Coping With Change and Settling in Estonia" episode of the Tiksu to UniTartu podcast: