I had just completed my first year of Commerce at Guelph University and was excited for the possibility to gain valuable work and life experiences on this trip, while also connecting with my Estonian heritage. I was very fortunate to secure an internship working at MOMU Motorsport Museum) in Turba, supported by ESTDEV, the Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
My days were spent working in the stunning old Ellamaa Power Station building, now freshly renovated to house over 200 cars, motorbikes, and boats. From the moment I arrived, I was astonished with the architectural beauty. The red brick, the grand windows, and the elegant arches really captured my attention. Out front, a lush purple and green garden bloomed, attracting the buzzing bees who lived in their hives just thirty feet further back. It felt like a hidden paradise grounded in the serenity of this undiscovered place called Turba.
I quickly built a warm connection with my boss and mentor Tiiu Niglas, as well as my amazing co-workers at MOMU. We collaborated on organizing local events: the annual café, a percussion concert, and guided walk-through tours for guests. My workplace consisted of predominantly Estonian-speaking natives which gave me the perfect chance to adopt new words and refine my language skills in a welcoming, immersive environment. MOMU is a must visit for any motorsport enthusiast but is also a great day trip to explore the gardens and history.
The people were kind, the roads were clean, the atmosphere was safe, and the food was unforgettable. I can still smell the warm, sugary scent of cinnamon and cardamom buns wafting from Pulla Bakery in the Old Town.
Linguistic trials weren't limited to the workplace, either. I practiced wherever I could: ordering coffee, buying train tickets, chatting with relatives and new friends. The language learning was effortless, more passive, like the flow of a stream.
Estonia is such an amazing place to explore, with its history, amazing architecture, and beautiful countryside. But for me the highlight was the people and community. I connected with individuals from all walks of life, each with their unique perspectives and stories. Defining an Estonian isn’t easy. Yes, the stereotype is true: we are reserved on the outside, and to a foreigner, it might even feel like we are somewhat cold. However, once you find a thread of commonality, we open like waterlilies after a cold night—full of creativity, depth, and warmth.
My boss once joked, “An Estonian man loved his wife so much… he almost told her.” That one stuck with me. But luckily, I found many opportunities to break the ice, often through a shared love of cars. The automotive scene in Estonia was lively and vibrant as I expected. It was booming with drift and rally lovers, providing a foundation for me to bond with people who spoke the same language of passion even if our mother tongues differed.
Living in Tallinn felt like coming home to a city I never knew I was missing. It was very comforting in design and spirit. The people were kind, the roads were clean, the atmosphere was safe, and the food was unforgettable. I can still smell the warm, sugary scent of cinnamon and cardamom buns wafting from Pulla Bakery in the Old Town.
A very memorable moment for me was attending Estonia’s renowned song and dance festival (Laulu- ja Tantsupidu). I made sure to sit high in the bleachers of the crowd at the dance performance, where I could see the dancers form enchanting patterns across the field. Over 11,000 dancers moved in waves, their traditional costumes swaying in a kaleidoscope of colours, motion, and sounds. The music felt like something out of a fairytale. Ancient, majestic, and alive. Their joy was contagious. I could feel their authentic happiness, smiles beaming as they ran up the stairs where the crowd sat to let the next group perform. The song festival was equally mesmerizing—a choir of thousands, voices harmonized together like a single entity. Purely magical.
During my last weekend in Estonia, I worked as a volunteer at the WRC (World Rally Championship) in Tartu. There, I got to experience the exhilarating racing vibe firsthand, while also networking and connecting with people in the automotive industry.
In addition to working at MOMU, I partook in job shadowing at Visit Estonia. There, I attended the annual presentation event day where they spoke with partnering countries about how to market Estonia as a desirable destination to visit. On another day, I contributed to a pilot survey for the Ministry of Finance within Visit Estonia, for the newly integrated AI system. During my last weekend in Estonia, I worked as a volunteer at the WRC (World Rally Championship) in Tartu. There, I got to experience the exhilarating racing vibe firsthand, while also networking and connecting with people in the automotive industry.
Every day in Estonia was different, exciting, and very fulfilling. To have been able to experience this incredible country as a resident, instead of a tourist, and work for an organization and people that are as passionate about cars as I am, was an opportunity of a lifetime. It’s an experience I am endlessly grateful for and will remember for the rest of my life. I learned so much throughout the whole of the adventure both personally and professionally and developed a deep connection to the people and the land of Estonia. I plan to return one day, soon, and of course will stay in touch with my amazing newfound friends and colleagues that I befriended.
