My unforgettable experience at the UniTartu Summer School 2024

My name is Stephora Cesar Alberi, and I am a senior Computer Science major at Salisbury University, Maryland, United States. This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to join a summer school at the University of Tartu, Estonia. I participated in a Computer Vision in Space course drawn by Estonia’s reputation for being at the forefront of technology and digital advancements. It was my first time studying abroad and, more significantly, my first solo trip. Naturally, I was both excited and intimidated, unsure of how things would unfold, especially since I take a little time to make new friends.

Estonia, however, exceeded all my expectations and completely shifted my perspective. Despite the rainy weather on my first day, I met some of the kindest people. Navigating the transit system was challenging—most signs were in Estonian, and I got quite lost. But local residents were always willing to help, guiding me and making me feel safe right from the start.

When I arrived at the university, I quickly bonded with fellow students. I had three roommates: one studying in the Czech Republic, another from Taiwan, and the last from Rome. We clicked instantly and spent a lot of time together throughout the programme, sharing both academic and cultural experiences.

The programme leaders did an excellent job of helping us get acclimated to Tartu. With Tartu being the European Capital of Culture that year (in 2024), there were countless events to enjoy. I attended a concert in the city centre, explored the Estonian National Museum, visited the stunning ruins of the Tartu Cathedral, wandered through the Botanical Gardens, and even participated in a scenic boat ride along the Emajõgi River. The summer school also organised social activities like bowling nights and scavenger hunts, where I had the chance to interact with students from different courses.

We also took a memorable field trip to southern Estonia, where we explored Taevaskoja. There, we took a relaxing boat ride and enjoyed a peaceful hike. We climbed Suur Munamägi, the highest point in the Baltics, which offered breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. One of the most fascinating stops was at the Piusa Caves Visitor Centre. I explored the intricate sand caves, which resembled a labyrinth, and even learned about the bats that once lived there. I could not resist engraving my name in one of the caves—a small mark of my time there. To top off the experience, we went on a small but beautiful hike along the Valgesoo Bog trail, where we were surrounded by the quiet beauty of Estonian nature.

Cultural exchange was a constant part of the experience. I remember explaining the American political system to one of my roommates, who was taking a Politics of Popular Culture course. I became a “primary source” for her, which was amusing. Another time, I found myself explaining the difference between American football and European football (soccer). Additionally, I was introduced to the local sauna culture, something quite common in Eastern and Northern Europe. My class went to a sauna to celebrate the start of our hackathon. We alternated between the steamy sauna and a refreshing swim in a nearby lake, followed by a barbecue—an experience that was both unique and unforgettable.

On the academic front, the programme didn’t disappoint. I gained a wealth of knowledge that will support my current and future research. We had the privilege of interacting with KuupKulgur, the Luna Rover developed by the university’s space department with funding from the European Space Agency. Learning about its robotic operations was fascinating. Towards the end of the programme, we participated in a hackathon and visited the Tartu Observatory. There, we saw a variety of robots, including one called Rob, which was mowing the grass—a fun and quirky sight. We also explored space galleries full of intriguing artefacts and models and gazed through one of the largest telescopes in Estonia. I was awestruck by its size.

One of the major highlights of the trip was the lunar bunker at the observatory. This simulated moon environment allowed us to run rover simulations. During the hackathon, my group, along with another, created a 3D model of the lunar bunker. Other teams focused on object detection, enabling the rover to recognise obstacles like rocks and debris. The outcomes were truly impressive and gave me hands-on experience I will never forget.

My time in Estonia was life-changing. I made friends from all over the world, many of whom I still keep in touch with. I broadened my academic and cultural horizons, embracing a culture so different from my own. Tartu, with its charm and innovation, left an indelible mark on me, and I know this won’t be my last visit—whether for another study abroad or simply for a vacation. It’s a place that will always hold a special place in my heart.

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