FAQ
The Language Friends programme brings together people who are learning Estonian and volunteers who are willing to help them.
The programme helps people who are learning Estonian to practise the language in real-life, non-formal conversations. It gives learners confidence in speaking Estonian and the motivation to continue learning.
As part of the programme, you will need to communicate with a language learner on everyday topics at least once a week for three months (from 14 February to 14 May 2026). You can agree on the topics, time, and format of the conversations, as well as the means of communication (telephone, an app, etc.). Communication is important so that language learners can practise Estonian and overcome their fear of speaking the language. The mentor’s role is not to teach Estonian grammar or assess language skills, but they may, upon agreement with their Language Friend, point out any linguistic errors they notice during the conversation.
All Estonian adults who speak Estonian as their native language or at a very high level can apply to become mentors. So far, people from various walks of life have contributed – from top executives to pensioners. The youngest mentor was 18 and the oldest 87.
No problem. An open attitude and a willingness to communicate with people are what’s important. Mentoring does not require any prior teaching experience.
Yes. However, you do need to have a very good command of Estonian – for example, at C1 level.
Yes. Communication mainly takes place online, so distance is not an issue. However, participants need to have an Estonian personal identification code.
Of course. In previous years, there have been several mentors who have helped two or more people. However, we ask that you realistically assess your abilities and the time you are willing to contribute.
Language learners know Estonian at least at B1 level and wish to practise it. They are adults living in Estonia from various walks of life. During its six years of operation, people with 36 different native languages have participated in the programme.
The pairs are formed by the programme team. However, we will try to take into account the interests and preferences you have indicated in the questionnaire as much as possible.
So far, more women than men have participated in the Language Friends programme. We will take your preferences into account as much as possible when selecting your conversation partner.
Language Friends are matched based on the suitable meeting times and channels indicated in the questionnaire. Thereafter, they will agree among themselves on what time and which channel to use for communication – telephone, Zoom, MS Teams, etc. are all suitable. The main thing is that communication takes place at least once a week.
The aim of the programme is to encourage language learners to use Estonian, so it may even be beneficial if the conversation takes place only in Estonian. Language learners must speak Estonian at least at B1 level, which enables meaningful communication with the mentor.
That depends on your preferred times and communication channels. If there are more suitable candidates available at certain times (e.g. weekends), a Language Friend will be found more quickly. In other cases, we will do our best to find a suitable Language Friend as quickly as possible. It is best to indicate all suitable times on the questionnaire.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Language Friends programme team: keelesober@integratsioon.ee.
Participation in the programme is voluntary, but as your Language Friend is already counting on your participation, we ask that you only withdraw for a valid reason, such as a change in your living situation or if you are no longer able to participate at the agreed time. Therefore, before joining the programme, carefully consider whether you have the time and opportunity to communicate regularly with your Language Friend.
If, after joining the programme, you decide that you no longer wish to participate, we recommend that you contact the programme team first – we will try to find a suitable solution together.
Participation is voluntary for both language learners and mentors. Mentors are not remunerated and learners are not charged.
Throughout the programme period, mentors will receive support from the team of the Language Friends programme, both in the form of materials and joint online meetings. If you have a more specific concern, feel free to write to keelesober@integratsioon.ee. We will agree on a suitable time and try to find a solution together.
Some Language Friends become real friends and continue to communicate. You are more than welcome to join the programme again next year. We can see that the interest is not waning, the number of Estonian language learners remains high, and some of them need your help.
