Hello Upan

I have always been fascinated by languages – each language has its own sound, its own story and its own world. So for me, it’s always exciting to start learning a new language – you step into a new world, which you gradually begin to hear, understand, express yourself in, and the world begins to speak to you.

In 1996, by a happy coincidence, I fell into learning Dutch, not knowing that this language and this linguistic space would become an important part of my life. After my studies in the Netherlands, and after a brief introduction to Flemish language and culture at the University of Ghent, I returned to Estonia to study English at the Estonian Institute of Humanities and to graduate from Tallinn University, where I also studied cultural theory. I have been teaching Dutch for over 20 years. I have also worked as a guide and occasionally as a translator. In recent years I have also taught Estonian to beginners. While teaching my mother tongue, I have increasingly realised how important it is to open up the etymological and cultural background of the language, in addition to the basic knowledge.

Direct and friendly contact helps to overcome the language barrier, encourages speaking a new language, and the greatest joy for me as a teacher is when a student starts to take an interest in the language, learn it and discover the language space on their own. I really hope that by teaching languages, I can also give my students a glimpse into a new world that has enriched my life and brought about many good turns on my path.