While browsing Facebook one day, I stumbled across an article about a youth exchange program in Estonia called “Rahvuskaaslased.” When I read the program's description, it instantly jumped out at me as an opportunity to visit Estonia and learn about its wonderful culture and language. The program brought together 30 young people aged 18-26 of Estonian origin with 20 living abroad and 10 from Estonia. I took this giant leap of faith and applied to the program, crossing my fingers they would select me as one of the participants. About a week later, I received some amazing news… I was accepted to the program! Fast forward to a month, and I was on a plane bound for Estonia, anticipating what adventures would lie ahead. Nothing could have prepared me for what was to come.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, into the country I had only heard about my family describe to me, I fell in love with Estonia. From the clean, brisk air to the wondrous sights in historical, medieval Old town Tallinn, everything in Estonia was incredible. The program, also known as “Back to Our Roots”, attracted participants from all over the world, including people from countries such as the United States, Australia, Italy, Egypt, Russia, Lithuania, and of course, Estonia. The one thing we all had in common is that our ancestors are from Estonia. We instantly made this amazing connection and spent the next two weeks travelling from the north side of Estonia in Käsmu to southern Estonia in Taevaskojas.
The program was exceptionally well run and provided opportunities to tour the Estonian Parliament, the Prime Minister's office and Estonian-based companies such as Skype, Transferwire and Play Tech. We also had Estonian language classes (which was my first encounter with the Estonian language and I'm proud to say I learned lots of words and phrases!), visited the Estonian National Museum and University of Tartu, and learned traditional Estonian folk dances, along with many other activities. I could not have asked for a better opportunity to experience Estonian culture, taste Estonian cuisine, learn about Estonia's history, and embrace my heritage.
I'm pleased to say that not only a month after returning from Estonia, I have already planned my next trip back. Estonia is truly an amazing country and I am so proud to have Estonian heritage. I would highly encourage anyone with an interest in reconnecting with their Estonian roots and/or visiting a wonderful country to book themselves a ticket and travel to Estonia.
