Youth Exchanges in Estonia

Organized by: Seiklejate Vennaskond

Dates of activities: 1st exchange: 21.09–02.10.2020 2nd exchange: 23.11–04.12.2020

Description:

Each youth exchange brings together 30 young people aged 18–30 of Estonian origin; 20 living abroad and 10 from Estonia. The main aim of the youth exchange is to introduce the Estonian culture and language to participants.

The programme includes:

• introducing the Estonian history and cultural heritage to young Estonians living abroad;

• sharing Estonian success stories, good practices and planned future developments;

• teaching participants the Estonian language in the non-formal learning environment;

• providing information about work and study opportunities in Estonia;

• introducing the Estonian governance system;

• creating the network for young people of Estonian origin that might support repatriation.

The programme consists of various activities organized in different parts of Estonia. The programme starts in Tallinn. The participants will have a chance to visit cultural and historic places in Tallinn. The programme includes visits to successful Estonian companies to learn about their innovative practices. The participants will get information about work and study opportunities in Estonia and build a network for the future. There will be visits to Estonian parliament, government and presidential palace.

A field trip to the wetland will be organized. Participants will hike in the wetlands and try out Estonian sauna traditions. Participants will participate in two-day brainstorming with local participants to express themselves through, music, art, video and writing. In the second part of the programme, the participants travel to South of Estonia to experience authentic Estonian culture and heritage. They will learn Estonian national dances and discover nature while canoeing in Taevaskoja. After that the programme continues in the city of good thoughts – Tartu – to explore the Estonian National Museum and learn about study opportunities in the University of Tartu and experience the positive vibe of student life by taking a walk through the streets of the city. The programme ends in Tartu.

During the whole exchange programme the participants will have a chance to learn and practice Estonian in the non ­ formal learning environment.

The youth exchange programme is organized by youth organization Seiklejate Vennaskond, coordinated by Estonian Youth Work Centre and financed by the Compatriots Programme of the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research. Check out what happened in youth exchanges in 2016 in project blog (www.rahvuskaaslased.wordpress.com) and in 2017 (www.rahvuskaaslased. blogspot.com) and in 2018 and 2019 (www.facebook.com/rahvuskaaslased-521909148284646).

Profile of participants (coming from abroad):

• Age 18–30;

• Estonian roots, but living abroad for at least 10 years;

• Motivation to learn and practice Estonian;

• Willingness to participate in whole programme of youth exchange (participants need to choose to which exchange they apply for; they can participate only in one).

Costs related to participation:

If selected, all costs within Estonia are covered 100%, including accommodation, food, local transport, visits and excursions. Travel costs will be reimbursed after the exchange up to 300€ based on actual costs. There could be exceptions of increasing/decreasing the limit depending on the overall travel budget and the distance of individual journey. For instance, as travel costs from neighbouring countries are under the limit and from more distant countries over the limit, it will be balanced to be fair to everyone. Visa (if needed) is the responsibility of each participant, but organizers can provide assistance in getting the travel documents. Travel insurance is obligatory and will be obtained by the participant. This cost will not be reimbursed.

Additional information and questions:

rahvuskaaslased@gmail.com – all questions are welcome! Application form in English: (please fill the application form either in Estonian or English), Application deadline is 1st July 2020. Application form and additional information: http://www.seiklejad.org/rahvuskaaslased.html