Matheus Giusti (Brazil)

PROGRAMME: Master's in Philosophy in Practice
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Portuguese, English, French

Why did you choose to study this programme?

Being a professor at a university has been my dream since high school. I was lucky to find such great professors who helped me shape my character. More than teaching about the disciplines in the classroom, they inspired me. During my bachelor's degree, I found my place on earth, and it is in a classroom at a university (any university).

Philosophy has a specific way of making us think about our lives, society, relationships, etc. Philosophy has the power (or at least tries) to help us think and think critically about questions that we have never stopped to think about, or that we realise we care about and think about but don't ask the right questions. Our lives are filled with those dilemmas.

The Philosophy in Practice programme has a unique approach, connecting theory with practice. A good phrase that I heard during the programme presentation was: "Find the why, shape the how", and in some sense, we are guided towards this perspective.

Why Estonia?

The University of Tartu, specifically the master's programme Philosophy in Practice, had the best approach in terms of modules and semester breakdown. I made an Excel sheet to help me organise my application priorities based on some characteristics and topics. Then, I evaluated and gave each programme a grade. My A+, first option was this programme at the University of Tartu. (My wife helped me decide too, and she always supports me. We made the decision together.)

Concerning my arrival in Estonia, my first impression couldn't have been better. Fresh air, quiet, the feeling that "life is going on" without pressure. My Estonian friends are awesome. My experience with Estonian people so far has been amazing. They always try to help, they are polite, funny... Yes, they can be shy, but once you get to know them, they will get to know you too.

A Brazilian TV show came to Estonia last year (2025) and made a great season about how Estonia is one of the most developed countries in the world. It's called "Expresso Futuro", and it's free to watch on YouTube. This series was essential in showing me the history and practical life in Estonia. Moreover, I showed this season to my parents, and then they realised how great Estonia is (which was a relief).