7. Student organisations and networks 7.1 Students’ unions at universities
Most universities have students’ unions which represent students interests and protect their rights at the university.
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In Estonian higher education institutions, students’ rights are represented by student councils that represent the rights of their institution’s students; and participate in organising the lives of those in the higher education institution. In larger higher education institutions there are also smaller representative organisations in each faculty and/or institute. Representative organisations are members in all decision- making bodies of the higher education institution, and are active in the issues of social grants for students and also organise leisure events. The representations in various schools are different, but involving them in decision-making is mandatory. Each curriculum also has its own feedback system and it is also mandatory to involve students in changing the curriculum. In Estonia, councils are not party-political organisations, but members are not prohibited from belonging to parties as well. A foreign student can participate in student council elections and also run himself or herself. It is also possible to be a volunteer or a temporary assistant. So far, foreign students have mainly been passive in participating in the work of councils, but they are welcome and their contribution is necessary. Contact details of students’ unions at different universities:
• The University of Tartu, www.tyye.ee
• Tallinn University of Technology,
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• Tallinn University, www.esindus.ee
• Estonian University of Life Sciences, www.ye.emu.ee/eng
• Estonian Academy of Arts:
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• Estonian Academy of Music and
Theatre, www.facebook.com/EMTAesindus (in Estonian)
• Estonian Business School,
www.ebs.ee/et/bakalaureuseope/ yliopilasesindus (in Estonian)
• Euroacademy,
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The umbrella organisation of all Estonian councils is the Federation of Estonian Student Unions (EÜL). The EÜL represents students on a national level and is a member of several international student organisations, such as the European Students Union, the National Unions of Students of Nordic Countries (NOM), etc. The EÜL is Estonia’s official representative of the international ISIC card aimed at pupils, students, teachers and young people, www.eyl.ee. Information about discounts in other countries is available on the website: www.isic.org.
7.2 International student organisations’ local offices in estonia AIESEC – this international youth organisation offers students a variety of programs, including internships and
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volunteering opportunities. AIESEC’s offices are located in Tallinn, Tartu and Pärnu, www.aiesec.ee
