| Integratsiooni Sihtasutus

07.02.2023

From 7 February, Estonian language learners can join the Language Friends Program to practise their language skills with native Estonian-speaking mentors. You can register on the website of the Integration Foundation.

‘We welcome Estonian language learners who wish to practise communication in Estonian and thus use Estonian more and more in their everyday life. To practice, they have regular conversations with volunteer Estonian language mentors on a variety of real-life topics. The language learner and the mentor agree when and through which channel they will communicate,’ says Ave Landrat, head of the Language Friends Program at the Integration Foundation. ‘We are very pleased that over 400 mentors have already registered to help Estonian language learners. This means that the same number of language learners can start practising Estonian with the help of their language friend,’ added Ave Landrat.

The Language Friends Program is open to adult learners of Estonian who have at least an A2 level Estonian skill. Estonian language mentors are volunteers whose native language is Estonian or who speak Estonian at a native level.

The Integration Foundation will start bringing together Estonian language mentors and learners on Valentine’s Day, 14 February. All Estonian language learners who wish to join the program are welcome to register on the website of the Integration Foundation. The registration form is open until all places are taken.

In the three years of its existence, nearly 2,500 language friends have participated in the Language Friends Program.

Tastes on the Tongue A1+ (Paldiski)

In the Cooking Class of Paldiski catering counselling, we cook together, share different recipes, set the table, enjoy food, and practice Estonian.

During the meetings, there will be active communication in Estonian.

Language level required: A1+
Time: 23.02 from 15.00-17.00
Location: Paldiski Community House (Peetri 31, Paldiski)
No of participants: 10

Contact person: Tiina Mets

Registration: (09.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12665?lang=en

NB! You can register for the events through the Integration Foundation's self-service, which you can enter using an ID card, Mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Please see the user guide: https://integratsioon.ee/iseteenindus

Great Estonian things – Republic of Estonia 105 B1+ (Tallinn)

The event is intended for language learners interested in the Estonian culture who want to improve their Estonian language skills using active learning methods while learning about important events in the history of the Republic of Estonia in more detail.

The exhibition My Free Country takes visitors on a journey through 100 years, from the birth of the Republic of Estonia to the modern day. The most important events and the choices made are revealed through memory fragments, objects, film footage, as well as the prevailing moods in the exhibition spaces. The exhibition My free country was chosen as the best permanent exhibition in the 2018 Estonian Museum Annual Awards competition!

Language level required: B1+
Time: 22.02 from 16.00-17.30
Location: Maarjamäe Palace, History Museum (Pirita tee 56, Tallinn). Bus stop: Maarjamägi. Buses No. 1A, 5, 8, 34A, and 38.)
No of participants: 20

Contact person: Pille Veisserik

Registration: (08.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12671?lang=en

Celebrating the 105th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia B1+ (Tallinn)

In the year of mobility, let us celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia by dancing! The homeland-themed workshop will be accompanied by Estonian language and music. We will use dance, words, and moves to communicate with each other. Improvisation and laughter also play an important role.

We will celebrate the 105th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia in the big hall of Tallinn Central Library. The workshop will be conducted by Riina Ausma, who is a teacher and dance artist with many years of experience.

Language level: B1+
Time: 21.02 from 17.30-19.00
Location: Tallinn Central Library (Estonia pst 8, Tallinn)
No of participants: 25

Organiser: Mari Sieberk

Registration: (07.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12670?lang=en

Hike in Pääsküla bog A2+ (Tallinn)

In February (the month when Estonia celebrates its Independence Day), we will discover and admire the beauty of the winter bog landscape just a few steps away from the city noise. Most of the trail runs along a boardwalk, but when possible, we'll step a few steps off-trail.

22% of Estonia is covered with swamps and bogs. We will talk about the importance of swamps and bogs in the history of Estonia. With the help of an experienced guide, we will acquire new exciting knowledge about nature and history and learn new words. The guide is Ivika Türkson, an experienced hiker.

In this meeting that is dedicated to the year of mobility, participants will be able to practice the Estonian language, learn new words, admire the beautiful nature of the capital, and hear about opportunities for being active.

Language level required: A2+
Time: 18.02 from 12.00-14.00
Location: Kauge bus stop in front of Männiku Rimi (Männiku tee 100, Tallinn). You can take buses No. 5 and 33 to get there.
No of participants: 25

Contact person: Mari Sieberk

Registration: (07.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12669?lang=en

Great Estonian things – mosaic workshop A1+ (Tallinn)

Let us prepare for the Independence Day and make a mosaic vase decorated with blue, black, and white colours. The event is intended for language learners interested in crafts who want to improve their Estonian language skills using active learning methods.

Language level required: A1+
Time: 17.02 from 15.00-17.00
Location: Tallinn Estonian Language House (Rävala 5, Tallinn)
No of participants: 16

Contact person: Krista Tukk

Registration: (07.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12668?lang=en

Museum Friday – Adamson-Eric Museum B1+ (Tallinn)

Museum Friday is a series of activities supporting the learning of the Estonian language for adults whose mother tongue is not Estonian. As part of the series, we will visit various museums in Tallinn (e.g. the bastion passages and the Carved Stone Museum, the Adamson-Eric Museum, the Kalamaja Museum, and the Great Guild Hall of the Estonian History Museum), including a tour with a museum pedagogue in Estonian. After the tour, the participants can explore the museum on their own.

Museum Friday takes place once a month on Fridays: 27 January, 17 February, 24 March, and 21 April.

This time, we will visit the permanent exhibition of the Adamson-Eric Museum, which focuses on the complex and fascinating life and interesting work of the artist Adamson-Eric (1902–1968). Adamson-Eric is one of the brightest modernist artists in Estonia. He was a talented and exceptionally versatile artist who reached legend status while he was still alive. Adamson-Eric is one of those few artists who was equally strong in painting as well as in almost all areas of applied art and design.

Participants can practice listening (listening to the museum pedagogue), speaking (asking questions from the museum pedagogue), and reading (independently exploring the museum display), as well as increase their cultural and historical awareness in Estonian.

Language level required: B1+
Time: 17.02 from 14.00-15.30
Location: Adamson-Eric Museum (Lühike jalg 3, Tallinn)
No of participants: 25

Organiser: Inna Arno (inna.arno@integratsioon.ee)

Registration: (07.01 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12667?lang=en

Film Club A2+ (Tallinn)

The Estonian Language House Film Club is a monthly series of film nights which introduce exciting Estonian films to the audience. All films are screened in Estonian with Estonian subtitles.

Every evening, another example of a genre in the Estonian film scene is presented – we are going to watch comedies, action films, and dramas. In addition to watching the films, we are going to discuss film plots and share our thoughts.

Min. language level required: A2+
Time: 15.02 from 17.30-20.00
Place: Tallinn Estonian Language House (Rävala 5, Tallinn)
No of participants: 30

Teachers: Margit Raias and Kadri Raigo

Registration: (07.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12666?lang=en

Language Training through physical activities A1+ (Paldiski)

Practical language training through physical activity – we are going to be active, communicate, and learn!

Language training takes place twice a month starting from September. All activities are relaxed, fun, and interesting. We are going to get to know one another, make friends, and learn Estonian together. You will not even notice learning the language as we spend time together.

Yoga classes, dance lessons, hikes, parlour games – all activities are accompanied by learning Estonian through communication and expressing yourself. We are going to meet new friends and learn Estonian!

All who are interested are welcome to join the workouts of our team, regardless of age or physical form. If you are interested, then this is an easy way to polish your Estonian skills.

Language level: A1, A2
Time: 26.02 from 10.00-11.30
Location: Rae 38 (second floor), Paldiski
No of participants: 20

Organised by: Inna Baranova and Anu Grete Oder
Registration: (13.02 at 9.00) https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/service/view/12574?lang=en