“Ragna Engseth (22 years old) from Norway, student at University of Edinburgh (studied in Multilingua for 3 months in autumn 2023)

 

In 3 months I took 56 lessons of individual Russian courses.

Why Tallinn, Estonia?

My Russian language immersion in Estonia was an integral part of my Russian degree program at the University of Edinburgh. Having a close friend from Estonia since high school and a prior visit to the country heightened my eagerness to explore it further. This pre-existing interest in Estonia’s current political landscape and its global geopolitical significance made my decision to go to Estonia almost natural.

Moreover, the city itself offered a vibrant atmosphere with lots of activities and stunning scenery, adding to the experience.

Tallinn, as a city, played a role in enhancing my language learning process by providing everyday opportunities such as hearing native conversations, reading local texts on buildings, ordering food, and experiencing the language in settings like the Christmas market.

How did my Russian skills develop in Tallinn?

Throughout my education, I’ve had the opportunity to learn Russian from both native and non-native teachers. Yet, it’s at Multilingua where my speaking and listening abilities truly developed, thanks to the immersive approach taken by my teacher, Ksenia. Exclusively speaking Russian during our sessions was a game-changer—a practice I hadn’t encountered in prior educational settings.

Ksenia, my instructor, embodied both warmth and intelligence. Her teaching style provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the language, exploring interesting topics that kept the learning process engaging.

What made Ksenia exceptional was her ability to challenge me when necessary while also recognizing moments where a slower pace was essential for my progress. It was a great experience that allowed me to grow more confident in Russian.

Would I return to Estonia?

I’d consider returning to Estonia for another Russian language immersion experience in the future, as it was a valuable endeavor for my language skills.

My time in Estonia has been beneficial, not only for language learning but also for understanding the Estonian perspective on the Russian language. I’ve gained awareness of the sensitivity surrounding this issue. To show respect, I’ve learned to initiate conversations in Estonian or English first, shifting to Russian only if I find it appropriate or if the other party is comfortable with it.”

Ragna Engseth (22 years old) from Norway studied in Multilingua from September to December 2023.