Tiksu to UniTartu - Podcast for International Students

In Episode 34 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Kārlis, a student from Latvia who came to Tartu to study Science and Technology and stayed to continue his master’s in Biology and Bioengineering at the University of Tartu. Kārlis shares what it has been like to spend his entire adult life in Tartu, from following his longing for adventure to finding his place in an international study environm...

In Episode 33 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Logan, a researcher from Canada who first became interested in Estonia through cybersecurity and e-governance, and later came to Tartu to pursue her PhD at the University of Tartu. Logan shares what it has been like to study, research, and build a life in Estonia, from working on cybersecurity governance in a highly digitalised society to findin...

In Episode 32 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Ana, a student from Croatia who came to Tartu to study semiotics and has since built a life in Estonia.   Ana shares what it has been like to study at the University of Tartu, learn Estonian, and discover the country through its language, culture, and nature. Along the way, she reflects on becoming a teacher in Estonia, exploring small towns and...

In Episode 31 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent talks to Ben, an American student in the Erasmus Mundus Excellence in Analytical Chemistry programme, who moved from Michigan to Tartu for a unique international study experience. Ben shares what it has been like to study chemistry at the University of Tartu, adapt to life in Estonia, and explore a country he knew very little about before arriving. Along...

In Episode 30 of Tiksu to UniTartu, Vincent chats with Jumana, a second-year medical student from Egypt who has called Estonia home since moving here with her family as a teenager. From the fast-paced world of medical studies to discovering her favourite things about life in Tartu, Jumana shares what it's really like to study medicine at the University of Tartu. Along the way, she talks about...

In the first episode of Season 3, Vincent chats with Helena Valvur, a global Estonian who grew up in the United States but has always felt a strong connection to her Estonian roots. With both grandparents born in Estonia before emigrating to the US, Helena shares what it has been like to return to her ancestral homeland and study at the University of Tartu. From family traditions and learning Esto...

In the twenty-eighth and final episode of the season, Johanna from Estonia and Lachlan from Australia take us on a tour through Tartu – the city they’ve come to know and love. From first impressions to favourite spots and hidden gems, they share their top recommendations for newcomers, including must-visit places, local favourites, and the events you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re new to town...

In the twenty-seventh episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, Aikaterini from Greece and Mason from the USA share their first impressions of Estonia and what they wish they’d known before arriving. From transport tips and culture shocks to adapting to the seasons and communicating with locals, they offer useful advice for new international students. They also reflect on safety, customs, and the habits and m...

In the twenty-sixth episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, master’s students Zhenyu Wang (Estonian and Finno-Ugric Languages) and Ulvi Guliyev (Innovation and Technology Management) talk about their internship experiences in Estonia. They share why internships matter, how to find them, and what they learned from their own placements — from the best moments to the toughest challenges. Plus, they discuss whe...

In the twenty-fifth episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, we dive into Estonia’s seasonal traditions and celebrations with Katrin, an Estonian language teacher at the University of Tartu, and Laura, a student and active volunteer with Tartu Student Days. From centuries-old holidays to modern student festivals, they share what makes Estonian celebrations so special, how these events have evolved, and why i...

In the twenty-fourth episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, University of Tartu alumni Samiullah Javed from Pakistan and Patrick Manuel Weyer from Germany reflect on their study experience and life after university. They share why they chose UniTartu, the skills they still use today, and how their time in Estonia prepared them for the future. From lasting friendships to memorable moments, they offer tips f...

In the twenty-third episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, we head to the capital of Estonia and the most eastern corner with students Andrii Latsyba from the UniTartu Tallinn School of Law and Korinna Ader from UniTartu Narva College. They share what makes their study experiences unique — from academic life and student housing to local communities, events, and tips for making friends. Whether it’s the int...

In the twenty-second episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, students Mari Meentalo from Viljandi Culture Academy and Kristel Kruusmaa from UT Pärnu College share what it’s like to study outside of Tartu. They talk about their programmes, what makes their campuses special, and why their cities are worth considering — from cosy student life and housing to events, transport, and making friends. Curious about...

In the twenty-first episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, brothers Sten and Thomas Tolgu — a foreign Estonian alumnus and a current student at the University of Tartu — share their story of reconnecting with their roots through studying and living in Estonia. Raised in the United States with an Estonian mother and British father, they reflect on their family heritage, Estonian traditions, and what it’s li...

In the twentieth episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, Eneken Riin Salong, a student and representative from the UniTartu Student Union, shares what UTSU actually does for students and why she decided to get involved. From knowing your rights as a UT student to where to turn if you need help, Eneken explains how UTSU supports you during your studies and how you can get involved too, even as an internation...

In the nineteenth episode of Tiksu to UniTartu, Ellen from Finland and Laura, a foreign Estonian raised in the UK, share how they balance studies, work, and social life while at UT. From managing busy days and staying motivated to the small routines that help them stay organised, they offer tips and tricks you can use in your own student life. They also chat about the mistakes they've made alo...

In this episode, Juliet from Finland Amina from Azerbaijan open up about what it’s really like making friends in Estonia. They share their first impressions of Estonians, the little cultural quirks they've noticed, and how they’ve found their people while studying at UniTartu. From awkward first hellos to favourite hangout spots and dating life, it’s an honest, friendly chat full of tips - esp...

Welcome to episode seventeen of Tiksu to UniTartu! This time, we're joined by Eda-Riin Tuuling, an information specialist, for a deep dive into the University of Tartu Library. We chat about everything from how to sign up and who can use the library, to the many services, events, and resources it offers. You’ll also hear about student favourites, hidden gems, and some exciting things coming up...

In our sixteenth episode, we chat with Yumna, a Greek-Palestinian student, and Ibrahim from Azerbaijan about their journey to Estonia and life at the University of Tartu. They share what inspired them to move abroad, how their families felt about it, and what it was like settling into a new culture. From funny culture shocks to moments of homesickness, it’s a real and honest look at life as an int...

In the 15th episode, we dive into all things budgeting – how to make the most of a student budget while still eating well, enjoying student life, and exploring Estonia. We're joined by Hanna-Reet Ruul, a student at the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, who shares her tips and tricks for managing money as a student. Tune in for some practical budgeting wisdom! 📚 Useful resources: G...

"Tiksu to UniTartu" is back for another season! We're diving into more exciting topics and exploring the unique experiences and stories of our students. In this episode, you'll hear from – and see on video – two UniTartu students: Elsa from the USA and Natavan from Azerbaijan. They share their first impressions of Estonia, along with helpful tips and tricks for starting your stud...

In our final episode of season 1, we discuss the various student organisations at the University of Tartu that international students can join. Our guests are Marleen from the University of Tartu Student Union, Azhar, an International Student Ambassador, and Anton Prevost from the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Tartu. They share insights on what their organisations do, and how and when students can...

In our twelfth episode, we are joined by Kadri Jurs from the UT Counselling Centre to discuss working in Estonia. We cover balancing school and work-life balance, how to start applying for jobs, the job application process, and what to expect from the Estonian job market. Tune in for essential information and advice on navigating the employment landscape in Estonia! Useful resources: UT Counsellin...

In our eleventh episode, we explore the University of Tartu Academic Sports Club. Our guests are Kadri Kriisa, a staff member at the club, and Lea, a student from Germany who has taken classes there. They share what the sports club offers to international students and how students can join. From fitness classes to team sports, discover the various activities available. Tune in to learn about stayi...

In our tenth episode, we focus on student mental health and the support available at the UT Counselling Centre. Our guest, Siim Andres, a Mental Health Advancement Coordinator at the centre, discusses how students can take care of their mental health during their studies. Siim also provides insights into the various services and support the UT Counselling Centre offers to help students succeed aca...