Estonian Language Summer Courses

  Estonia

Tartu

Term: Summer 
Dates: July 21 - August 15

Description: Spend the summer in Tartu and study Estonian language!

The main objectives of the courses will be:
- giving/improving basic knowledge of the Estonian language
- improving oral and written language skills
- learning to understand what is heard or read
- getting familiar with the Estonian culture

There will be no single teaching method favoured in these courses. Instead, a variety of methods will be used to meet the needs of most students. The language of instruction is English.

All courses are awarded a certain number of credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which makes studies abroad easy to transfer to educational institutions worldwide. Students need to check with their University study abroad advisor prior to arrival how ECTS credits transfer into their national system of credit points.

The Estonian language summer courses will be divided into different modules according to the levels of language skills:

I. Estonian language for the students at elementary level (3 CP, July 21 - August 1)
Introduction to Estonian. Pronunciation, basic vocabulary and grammar

II. Estonian language for the students at pre-intermediate level (3CP, August 4 - August 15)
During this module conversational skills will be improved and attention will also be paid to writing and reading skills

III. Estonian language for the students at intermediate level (3CP, August 4 - August 15)
In this module conversational, writing and reading skills will be improved

IV. Estonian language for the students at upper-intermediate level (3CP, August 4 - August 15)
The aim of the course is to expand vocabulary and deepen grammatical skills

The final distribution between Modules II, III and IV will be made according to the test results and conversation with teachers taken on the first day of the courses.

The applicants (except for Module I) are required to write an essay.
Module II: Minu päev or Minu kodulinn, 100-120 words
Module III: Minu hobid ja vaba aeg, 200-250 words
Module IV: Essee vabal teemal, 300-350 words

Application deadline: June 1, 2008
It is possible to join the groups later as well if there are any vacancies.

Highlights:
Founded in 1632, the University of Tartu has almost 18 000 students and is famous for research-based education and lively student traditions. Estonia offers a unique perspective on the successful transition to democracy and recent accession to the EU. Tartu is Estonia's second largest city, with 100 000 people, and is located 2.5 hours from the airport and sea port of Tallinn, with connections to major cities in Europe and Russia. English is spoken widely here, and students making one fifth of the population it is a true University town.

Cost in US$: The fee for each module is 5500 EEK or appr. 460 USD

Accommodation:

- dormitory housing per night without breakfast costs 350-400 EEK in the double room or 450-500 EEK per person in single room.
- housing with families is provided at 360 EEK per night with breakfast included

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Estonia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves:

• Transcript
• Written Application

University of Tartu, International Student Office's Mission Statement: The University of Tartu is a national university uniting different branches of science. The mission of the University of Tartu is to act as the guardian and advocate of a highly educated Estonia through internationally acclaimed research and the provision of research based higher education.

Year Founded: 1632