Estonia : Work experience

Work placements and internships

It is not usual for foreign nationals to undertake work experience or internships with Estonian organisations. However, there are plenty of opportunities to gain work experience via exchange programmes and gap-year organisations.

Exchange programmes

• The AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) exchange programme offers traineeships in management, technical, development and education. These allow students and recent graduates to live and work in one of over 89 countries, including Estonia.
• IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) is an exchange programme that aims to provide practical training. It is particularly focused around technical and professional development.
• Estonia also takes part in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme.

Teaching schemes

Estonia participates in the Comenius programme, where future language teachers may apply for a grant to spend three to eight months as a language assistant in a host school.

Volunteering

Estonia is a member of The European Voluntary Service (EVS), which helps 18-25 year olds find voluntary work for 6-12 months in member countries. Opportunities cover different areas including youth work and the environment.

Casual work and short-term opportunities

It has not been usual for foreign nationals to undertake casual work. However, with a burgeoning tourism trade, this could be set to change, as demand for foreign-speaking workers increases.

Gap year opportunities

Concordia International Volunteers are partners with the Estonia Youth Exchange Service and offers the chance to work on youth camps in the country.

Estonia also has opportunities for ski instructors and TEFL teachers. See TEFL.com for more information.

For further ideas and advice see gap year.